Backup server?

[Guest]

I would like to set up a server and a backup server such that when something happens to the server (such as a hard drive failure, system lockup, etc) the backup server will automatically continue to serve the network in place of the primary server, with no user intervention required. To do this, all configuration changes, files, Windows system patches, software installations, etc. which are done on the primary server would need to automatically be duplicated on the backup server. Also, when the primary server fails, the backup server must be able to assume the networkd ID previously occupied by the primary server, so that the workstations are still acceessing data via an unchanged UNC pathname

So, can this be done with Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2003 Server? If so, what are the limitations, and where can I find more information about this

- James.

 

[CJD]

"With no user intervention" I think you may be asking for
a bit much. You may want to try mirroring the drive that
holds the OS (if the main drive fails the other will take
over) and using a Raid 5 config on your Data drives. This
will limit you to one PC, but I think it is the only way
to keep the services available without any user
intervention.

-----Original Message-----
I would like to set up a server and a backup server such

that when something happens to the server (such as a hard
drive failure, system lockup, etc) the backup server will
automatically continue to serve the network in place of
the primary server, with no user intervention required.
To do this, all configuration changes, files, Windows
system patches, software installations, etc. which are
done on the primary server would need to automatically be
duplicated on the backup server. Also, when the primary
server fails, the backup server must be able to assume the
networkd ID previously occupied by the primary server, so
that the workstations are still acceessing data via an
unchanged UNC pathname.

So, can this be done with Windows 2000 Server or Windows

2003 Server? If so, what are the limitations, and where
can I find more information about this?

 

[James Laine]

The reason for this search is that I've experienced too many situations in
which a RAID array fails to provide appropriate recovery options. As a
prime example, today my raid controller failed, resulting in data corruption
accross the array. I spent most of the day re-installing and configuring
Windows 2000 server and my external backup. I've still got a lot of
software to re-install. I'd rather not go through this again if I can help
it.

- James.