Performing Backups

Plan a backup strategy before performing the task of data backup. The backup strategy involves, planning the type of backup and frequency of the backup. To create an efficient backup strategy, you must consider the timeand size of the backup job. You also need to consider the time required to restore a system in the event of failure.
The backup strategies are as follows:

> Normal and Differential backups - Requires more time to backup but takes less time to restore the data because the backup is stored on the smaller amount of disks or taps.

> Normal and Incremental backups - Requires less time to backup but more time to restore because you need to restore all the subsequent incremental backups.

You can choose any of the strategy as per your requirement for the backup process. To perform the backup process on the local computer, you must be an administrator or the backup operator in a local group on that computer.Backup operator refers to a type of local or global group who are assigned required user rights to perform backup and restore process. You can always perform backup of files and folders of which you are the owner.

To perform backup:

1. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backups. The Welcome to the Backup or Restore Wizard screen appears.
The Welcome to the Backup or Restore Wizard screen enables to create a backup. You can create basic backup by clicking Next. You can also create advance backup by clicking Advanced Mode link. Advanced backup enables to select various backup setting options.

2. Click the Advanced Mode link. The Backup Utility window appears.
The Backup Utility window enables to create a backup using wizard mode or can create the backup manually by clicking Backup tab.

3. Click the Backup tab. The Backup tab appears.
The Backup tab enables to select the drive, file or folder to create backup. It enables to select the path of the backup file in the Backup media or file name text box.

4. Select the drive, files or folders that you want to backup under Click to select the check box for any drive, folder or file that you want to back up. The selected folder for backup appears.
The selected folder has a blue check mark, which indicates that the entire folder is selected for backup. The C drive has dimmed mark, which indicates a partial backup. Any file or folder added in the selected folder will be backed up. However, any file or folder added to the C drive or any other folder will not be backed up. The different options available in this tab are:

> Backup destination - Enables to specify the destination where you want to save the backup data. You can select a file or tape device if it is installed on your machine. > Backup media or file name - Enables to specify the name of the media or a file where you want to store backup.

> Start Backup - Displays the Backup Job Information dialog box. This dialog box enables you to select the advanced option for the backup.

5. Enter name of the backup media or file where you want to store backup in Backup media or file name text box.

6. Select Tools > Options. The Backup Type tab appears.
The Backup Type tab enables to select the required type of backup.

7. Select the required backup type from Default Backup Type drop-down list box.

8. Click the Backup Log tab. The Backup Log tab appears.
The Backup Logs tab enables to select the level of details you want to use when backup logs are created for backups. This is an important troubleshooting tool if the backup completes with some errors.

The different options available on the backup Log tab are:

> Detailed - Enables to log all the information about the backup. It records the name of all files and folders included in backups.

> Summary - Enables to log only important information. It records details of only key operation, such as, starting backup or errors in opening a file.

> None - Does not record any information.

9. Select the appropriate option.

10. Click the Exclude Files tab. The Exclude Files tab appears,
The Exclude Files tab enables to select the files that you want to remove from the backup process. You can exclude certain files from the backup if the administrator performs the backup process and exclude certain files if other user performs the backup process.

The different options available in the Exclude Files tab are:

> Add new - Enables to add files to exclude from the backup process

> Edit - Enables to edit the files that are excluded from the backup process. It enables to change the properties and path of the file. You can also specify whether to exclude the selected file from all the subfolder in that path.

> Remove - Enables to remove the files that are included in the exclude the file from backup process list. The file that you remove will be backed up in the current backup process.

11. Select the required files.

12. Click the General tab. The General tab appears.

The different options available in the General tab are:

> Compute selection information before backup and restore operations - Displays the number of files and bytes that will be backed up or restored during backup or restore operation. This information is displayed before the backup or restore process starts.

> Use the catalogs on the media to speed up building restore catalogs on disk - Enables to specify that you want to use on-media catalog .Catalog contains files and folders that are included in the backup. This option enables to build an on-disk catalog very fast.

> Verify data after the backup completes - Enables to verify the backed up data with the original data on the hard disk to ensure that the data are same. Backed up data files can be compared with the original files but system backups are difficult to verify as the system files changes more frequently.

> Back up the contents of mounted drives - Enables to backup the data of the mounted drive. If this option is not selected and you backup the mounted drive then only the path information of the mounted drive will be backed up.

> Show alert message when I start the Backup Utility and Removable Storage is not running - Displays the alert message box when backup process starts and removable storage is not running. After displaying the alert message, the backup process will start the removable storage automatically.Select this option only if you backup data to a tape or other media that is managed by the removable storage.

> Show alert message when I start the Backup Utility and there is recognizable media available - Displays the alert message box when backup process starts and a new media is available. Select this option only if you backup data to a tape or other media that is managed by the removable storage.

> Show alert message when new media is inserted - Displays the alert message box when new media is identified by the removable storage. Select this option only if you backup data to a tape or other media that is managed by the removable storage.

> Always allow use of recognizable media without prompting - Enables to move the new media that is identified by the removable storage to the backup media pool automatically. Select this option only if you want all new media to be available to the backup programs only.
13. Select the required option.

14. Click OK to return to Backup Utility window.

15. Click Start Backup. The Backup Job Information dialog box appears,

The different options available in the Backup Job Information dialog box are:

> Backup description - Displays the description of the backup. You can enter unique name for the backup.

> Append this backup to the media - Enables to add the backup to the existing backup file or media. This option will not affect any previous backup data stored in the existing backup file or media.

> Replace the data on the media with this backup - Enables to replace the existing backups with the new backup job. This option will erase all the previous backup data.

> If the media is overwritten, use this label to identify the media - Enables to specify the name of the file or media that you are using to save the backup data.

> Allow only the owner and the Administrator access to the backup data - Enables to specify that only the members of the administrator group can access the current backup data. You can select this option only when you select Replace the data on the media with this backup option.

> Start Backup - Enables to start the backup processSchedule - Enables to select the schedule for the backups.

> Advanced - Enables to select the advanced options before starting with the backup process

16. Click Start Backup. The Backup Progress dialog box appears.
The Backup Progress dialog box displays the status of backup process. When the process is running, the Status text box displays the message Preparing to backup shadow copy.

After the backup process is completed, Backup Completion dialog box appears.
Backup Completion dialog box displays the status of backup process as completed. It displays complete information about the backup. The different information displayed in this dialog box are:
> Report - Displays the backup log that contains complete information about the backup process. It also contains information about errors if any occurred during the backup process.

> Drive - Displays the name of the drive where backup file is stored.

> Label - Displays the name of the backup file. The backup file is saved with the extension .bkf. It also displays the date and time when backup file is created.

> Status - Displays the status of the backup process.

> Time - Displays the elapsed and remaining time for the backup process.

> Files - Displays information about the processed and remaining files for backup.

> Bytes - Displays information about the processed and remaining bytes for backup.

Types of Backups

Backup creates a duplicate copy of the content on a hard disk and then records the data on the different storage device. Backup is very useful utility in case the original data on the hard drive is overwritten, deleted or is not available due to hard disk failure. In such cases, the data can be easily restored from the archived copy. Backup utility enables to backup data from the files or folders stored on the local volume or on the network.
The backup utjlity supports five types of backup on your system, they are:

> Normal Backups - Enables to backup all the selected files and folders and marks each file as backed up. Archive attribute is not used in the normal backup, in order to determine which files or folders to back up because it transfers all, the files and folders to the destination media. An archive attribute is a flag that is set on file in case a file is modified. The archive attribute is available in the file properties. The archive attribute is set to clear in this type of backup. Normal backups are time consuming and it requires more storage capacity as compared to other types of backups. However, this type of backups is most efficient to restore the data because it creates a complete backup. Normal backup is usually created the first time when backup set is created. Backup set refers to the collection of files or folders that is backed up and stored in a file or on some other storage device, such as, tape drive.

> Incremental Backups - Enables to create backups of only those files that are created or modified since the last normal or incremental backups and marks the file as backed up. The archive attribute is set to clear. When you perform an incremental backups one day after normal backup is performed, then the incremental backup will contain only those files that are created or modified on that day. Incremental backups are fastest type of backup. This type of backups is less efficient because to restore the backup you first need to restore normal backup and then restore each subsequent incremental backup in order of their creation.

> Differential Backups - Enables to create backups of only those files that are created or modified since the last normal or incremental backups. However, it does not mark the file as backed up. The archive attribute is not cleared. When you perform differential backups for two days, then the differential backup of the second day will contain all the files that are included in the first backup as well as contain the files that are created or modified on the second day. The differential backups are more efficient than the incremental backups because to restore the backup you first need to restore normal backup and then restore the recent differential backup.

> Copy Backups - Enables to create backups of all the files that you have selected. However, it does not mark the file as backed up. The archive attribute is not cleared. Copy backup is useful when you want backup of files between normal and incremental backup, as it does not affect these backup process.

> Daily Backups - Enables to create backups of all the files that you have selected and are modified on the day when daily backup is taken. However, it does not mark the file as backed up. This type of backup is useful when you want backup of the files that are modified on that day without affecting the backup schedule. The archive attribute is not cleared.

Understanding the need of Backups

In every organization, data is stored on storage media, such as, hard disk. Everyday data is generated and used by the employees. The storage media are open to various attacks, such as, virus. In some cases, the system stops functioning, resulting in the loss of data. Hence, there is a need to store this data in alternate storage media. This process of storing data in alternate locations or storage media is referred to as Data Backup. Backup utility enables to protect data from accidental loss.
For instance, as a system administrator you backup important data files of the sales department to an external storage media, such as a tape drive. In the event of system failure, virus attacks or malicious users deleting the files, you can restore the data files from the external storage media and prevent loss of data.

DESASTER RECOVERY

Windows Server 2003 provides a utility named Backup that enables the administrator to perform administrative tasks, such as backing up files and folders, making a schedule for backing up files and folders, and restoring data on the computers running Windows Server 2003. There are different types of backups, which an administrator can perform depending on the requirement of your organization. Before performing the backup, you need to plan the type of backup you want to perform.

Using Remote Assistance

Remote Assistance enables to acquire assistance from the remote user who is an expert or someone who can solve your query. For example, while performing certain task you are not able to continue because of some problem. in such case, you need someone for solving the problem. You can use remote assistance to obtain help.

To make a request using remote assistance:

1. Select Start > Help and Support. The Help and Support Center window appears.

2. Click Remote Assistance under Support. The Remote Assistance window appears,

3. Click Invite someone to help you option. The Use Windows Messenger window appears,

4. Click Sign in. The signing in message appears.

5. Right-click the name of the user from whom you want help. A shortcut menu appears.

6. Select Ask for Remote Assistance. The selected user receives the invitation as an instant message.
7. Click Yes to confirm the session.

The remote assistance session is established. You can now ask the helper to solve the problem. In addition, the remote user can use the window messenger to chat with you, view your screen, and work on your computer with your permission.

Accessing Remote Desktop

After configuring the server to enable remote desktop for administration, you can now access the desktop of the remote computer to perform the required task on the remote machine. Accessing the remote desktop enables troubleshooting, managing, and monitoring the remote computers.
To access the remote desktop:

1. Select Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection. The Remote Desktop Connection window appears.

2. Click Options. The General tab appears.

The General tab enables to connect to the desktop of the remote computer by entering appropriate computer name. The window also enables to modify the size of the remote desktop, select the local resources that you want to access when you connect to the remote desktop. It also allows you to select the program that you want to start on connecting the remote desktop. You can also select the option to reconnect in case of disconnection. The different options available in the General tab are:
> Save As - Enables to save the current settings to access the remote desktop.

> Open - Enables to open the saved settings in order to access the remote desktop

3. Select the computer name from the Computer drop-down list box.

4. Enter the appropriate information.

5. Click Connect. The desktop of the remote computer appears.

configuring server to enable Remote Desktop for administration

In large networks where servers are remotely located, it is a difficult task for the administrator to manage the remote servers by physically being present at the remote locations. Windows Server 2003 provides the Remote Desktop for Administration service for remote server management. The service uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to provide access to the server’s desktop from a remote computer. The services, such as file sharing and management of users and groups also use RDP.
Using Remote Desktop, you can perform most of the administrative tasks on the remote computer, such as, configuring the settings of computer. Additionally, you can troubleshoot any problems occurring at the remote computer. To perform the administrative task on the remote computer you need to configure the server to enable the remote desktop for administration.

Remote Desktop provides the following tools for administration:

> Remote Desktop Connection - Enables you to establish connection to a single remote server for performing administrative tasks on the server. Each new connection opens in a window. Executing multiple copies of this tool can connect multiple servers. A navigable tree helps you to switch betweenthe connections.

> Remote Desktops snap-in - Enables you to establish connections to multiple remote servers simultaneously. Each new connection is displayed in the MMC console. On connecting to a server, the tool opens a default console session to the computer specified in the connection.

To configure server to enable remote desktop for administration:

1. Right-click My Computer. A shortcut menu appears.

2. Select Properties. The System Properties dialog box appears.

3. Click Remote tab. The Remote tab appears,

4. Select Allow users to connect remotely to your computer. The Remote Sessions message box appears,

5. Click OK to return to Remote tab.

6. Click Apply.

7. Click OK.

Working with computer management console

Windows Server 2003 provides the Computer Management console, which contains the set of administrative tools to manage local and remote computers. The Computer Management console combines the administrativetools in a single console, which provides an easy access to these administrative tools.’ It provides various system tools, such as Event Viewer, Device Manager, and Pertormance Log and Alerts. In addition, you can manage the shared folders in the network using the Shared Folders utility of Computer Management Console.
Computer Management Console provides various tools to manage the data storage of the computers, such as Disk Defragmenter to defragment the disks and Disk Management to manage the disks in the network. Only members of the Administrators group have an access to all of the services provided by the Computer Management console.

To access the remote computer, using the Computer Management console:

1. Select Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Computer Management. The Computer Management window appears.

2. Right-click Computer Management (Local). A shortcut menu appears.

3. Select Connect to another computer. The Select Computer dialog box appears,

4. Click Another computer option.

5. Enter the computer name in the Another computer text box.

6. Click OK. The left pane of the Computer Management window displays the administrative tools of the selected computer.
The Computer Management window enables to access remote computer. After accessing the remote computer, you can perform the required task.

Microsoft Management Console

Windows Server 2003 provides the Microsoft Management console that enables you to access the administrative tools. These tools help you to manage computers, networks, services, and other system components. In addition, MMC enables you to create and save customized consoles that can include frequently used tools. MMC contains all snap-ins, which are the tools that can be added into the MMC.
For example, as a system administrator, you need to manage the remote computer, using the Computer Management console. For this, you need to create a console containing the Computer Management snap-in and save it as a console to your computer. You must use the MMC to create this console.

To create a console for a remote computer using MMC:

1. Select Start > Run. The Run dialog box appears.

2. Enter mmc.

3. Click OK. The Consolel window appears.

4. Select File > Add/Remove Snap-in. The Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box appears.

The options available in the Add/Remove Snap-in dialog box are:

> Snap-ins added to- Displays the location where the snap-in is added

> Description - Displays the information about the item that you have added to the console >

> Add - Enables to add an item in the console, which you have selected in the Snap-ins added to option

> Remove - Enables to remove an item that is present in the console

> About - Displays additional information about the item that you have added to the console

5. Click Add. The Add Standalone Snap-in dialog box appears.
The Add Standalone Snap-in dialog box enables you to add the required snap-in to the console. You can view the information about the item that you select from the Snap-in list.

6. Select Computer Management from the snap-in list.

7. Click Add. The Computer Management dialog box appears.

8. Click Another computer option.

9. Enter the computer name in the Another computer text box.

10. Click Finish. The computer name is added to the console list.

11. Click Close.

12. Click OK.

13. Save the Consolel window as Console.msc file.

Run as acommand

Remote desktop in Windows Server 2003 enables to remotely login to a particular machine and work on that machine. This feature enables the administrator to access and monitor the tasks of the remote user. For example, if the administrator wants to shut down a remote computer running Windows Server 2003, which is located on the 40th floor of the organization and the administrator is seating on the ground floor. This task can be easily performed by using remote desktop utility. Windows Server 2003 provides multiple commands and tools to administer a remote server, they are:

> Run As command

> Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

> Computer Management Console

Identifying the tools to administrator a remote server

Remote desktop in Windows Server 2003 enables to remotely login to a particular machine and work on that machine. This feature enables the administrator to access and monitor the tasks of the remote user. For example, if the administrator wants to shut down a remote computer running Windows Server 2003, which is located on the 40th floor of the organization and the administrator is seating on the ground floor. This task can be easily performed by using remote desktop utility. Windows Server 2003 provides multiple commands and tools to administer a remote server, they are:

> Run As command

> Microsoft Management Console (MMC)

> Computer Management Console

REMOTE DESKTOP

The administrator needs to manage and monitor the remote computers, in order to know the performance of the computers. Windows Server 2003 enables an administrator to administer the remote computers using different tools, such as, Run As, Microsoft Management Console (MMC), and Computer Management Console.
Administrator can access the desktop of the remote machine. You need to configure the remote server to enable remote desktop for administration. Windows Server 2003 also provides remote assistance. Remote assistance enables you to get help from an expert remotely.