Back up system state and the system disk

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Use this procedure to back up both the system state and the system disk.

Note

To back up system state and the system disk, you must log on locally to the domain controller or Remote Desktop must be enabled on the remote domain controller so that you can connect remotely.

Administrative credentials

To perform this procedure, you must be a member of the Domain Admins group or a member of the Backup Operators group.

To back up system state and the system disk

  1. To start the Windows Server 2003 backup utility, click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Backup.

    This procedure requires Backup Utility Advanced Mode. If the Welcome to the Backup or Restore Wizard appears when you click Backup in step 1, clear Always start in wizard mode, close the wizard, and then repeat step 1.

  2. On the Welcome to the Backup Utility Advanced Mode page, click the Backup Wizard (Advanced) button.

  3. On the Welcome to the Backup Wizard page, click Next.

  4. On the What to Back Up page, click Back up selected files, drives, or network data, and then click Next.

  5. In Items to Back Up, select the System State check box. Then, locate the drive letter containing the system files, click the check box for it, and then click Next.

  6. In Backup Type, Destination, and Name, select the backup media type by choosing one of the following options:

    • In the Select the backup type box, click File if you want to back up to a file. If you do not have a tape backup unit installed, File is selected automatically.

      Or

    • Select a tape device if you want to back up to tape.

  7. In the Choose a place to save your backup box, select one of the following options, and then click Next:

    • If you are backing up to a file, if you want to change the current backup file location, click Browse to find a folder or file. If the destination folder or file does not exist, the system creates it.

      Or

    • If you are backing up to a tape unit, select the tape that you want to use.

  8. On the Completing the Backup Wizard page, click Advanced. Do not change the default options for Type of Backup. Normal should be selected, and the check box should remain cleared for Backup migrated remote storage data. Click Next.

  9. Click Verify data after backup, and then click Next.

  10. In the Backup Options dialog box, select a backup option, and then click Next.

  11. If you are replacing the existing backups, select the option to allow only the owner and administrator access to the backup data and to any backups that are appended to this medium, and then click Next.

  12. In the When to back up box, select the appropriate option for your needs, and then click Next.

  13. If you are satisfied with all of the options that are selected, click Finish to perform the backup operation according to your selected schedule.

See Also

Concepts

Enable Remote Desktop
Create a Remote Desktop Connection