Active Directory from scratch

[Dan Pinkham]

Hi all,

I have had my only domain controller fail, but have a backup of the system
state. When I replace the failed drive in this machine, what is the
procedure for getting the domain back?

I will install w2k03 again - then what? Do I recreate a domain with the same
name, and then restore the system state, or do I just install system state
on a non-domain controller please?

 

[Jorge de Almeida Pinto]

Well, if you have a backup of the DC you could follow the following
procedure...

* Install W2K3 with exactly the drive letters. The size of the partitions
does not need to be the same, as long as the amount of data fits.

If the backup contains a FULL BACKUP of the DC then:
* at least restore the system disk (partition with the Windows directory)
AND the system state. Make sure when restoring the system state, the SYSVOL
(replica set) is marked as primary!!! (advanced option) after selecting
start backup. Also make sure to overwrite existing files during restore

 

[Dan Pinkham]

Thanks Jorge, the backup is only the system state data i think, not the
system partition. Also, in what condition would i use your example i.e. as a
dc in a new domain of the same name, or restore to a standalone server?

Thank you
"Jorge de Almeida Pinto"

 

[Jorge de Almeida Pinto]

For AD the system state is enough.

In that case install a W2K3 server with the same partitioning, and install
all services and application that were previously also installed (e.g. DNS,
WINS, DHCP, etc.) After that:
* at least restore the system disk (partition with the Windows directory)
AND the system state. Make sure when restoring the system state, the SYSVOL
(replica set) is marked as primary!!! (advanced option) after selecting
start backup. Also make sure to overwrite existing files during restore.

remember: EACH DOMAIN SUCH AT LEAST HAVE 2 DCs!

You are very lucky your backup works!

Although a system state backup is enough to recover AD, IMHO opinion you are
better off if you backup at least the system disk and the system state.

 

[Jorge de Almeida Pinto]

use the following links for additional info:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/pr...ons/f66ee9e4-96d7-4f74-a2fe-d669194bf5a2.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...server/reskit/en-us/distrib/dsbj_brr_zldg.asp