Backup solutions for Windows Server 2008 R2

Felix

Felix

Felix

Soldato
Joined
25 Jan 2003
Posts
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Please could I have recommendation for backup solutions for Windows 2008 R2. Used to use ntbackup with 2003 but it has been replaced by server backup in 2008. I was hoping R2 would mean an improvement to server backup but it still isn't as flexible as would hoped.

The solution needs to be reliable and relatively inexpensive.

Thanks
 
Reading through other threads I see a lot are using Backup Exec. If I am using this for a domain controller, what software would I require? I see there are a lot of different versions and agents.
 
Just the standard version will do you fine unless you are loading it up with other services such as SQL or Exchange.
In which case its just a matter of purchasing the additional licences for the agents.
 
Backup Exec can be a pig to set up sometimes but once you have beaten it with a big stick it really is very good.
 
Just having a look now, so what I need is Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 Server Edition?

I don't think there is any need for the Active Directory agent as 2008 R2 has a recycle bin.

Is that all I need to backup and restore a server if it fails? Does backupexec email the results of a backup job or do you need more software?

Thanks for your help.
 
Venares said:
The product you want is Symantec Backup Exec 12.5.
Click to expand...

We use this at one of our clients who run SBS2008. Works beautifully [after some blunt force trauma with the previously mentioned big stick! :p] and have already performed a few recoveries - not system wide [thankfully] but some important Sage data! Takes mere minutes.

Now if only the client would put the tapes in for the right day! :)
 
Go for BE. It's not hard to set up, it just works. The only downside to it is, the error messages on fail backups are sometimes vague and have multiple errors listed under the same code... I use it on 100+ servers without too much of an issue.
 
mmkay, I'm guessing that if I were to use DPM (sorry for jacking your thread btw Felix :p) I'd need 1:1 storage on the host + backup server ? Just I've got a rather large file server at the moment and trying to wrack my head about trying to get a good method of backing it up.
 
Its not an SBS server is it? I had a MASSIVE headache trying to get 12.5 to backup exchange on a 2008 SBS.

But generally speaking Backup Exec is the way to go.
 
No its just a few domain controllers. Using symantec configure wizard on their website they recommend:

Symantec Backup Exec 12.5 for Windows Servers License + Essential 12 Months Support
Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery 8.5 Server Edition License + Essential 12 Months Support
Symantec Backup Exec 12.5 Agent for Active Directory License + Essential 12 Months Support
 
Ahh a proper setup, you should be fine then
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You'll just need "Symantec Backup Exec 12.5 for Windows Servers" unless you plan on restoring individual AD objects.
I assume this is in the even that it all goes pear shaped so to speak :D
 
This is for if the server dies/place burns down/someone nicks it. Restoring AD objects isn't an issue as apparently 2008 R2 has a recycle bin for AD.
 
MasterPlan1 said:
mmkay, I'm guessing that if I were to use DPM (sorry for jacking your thread btw Felix :p) I'd need 1:1 storage on the host + backup server ? Just I've got a rather large file server at the moment and trying to wrack my head about trying to get a good method of backing it up.
Click to expand...

Yes the backup to disk would need 1:1 for the replica and then extra for the shadow copies (size depends on how much data chances and how long you want to be able to go back).

You can just backup straight to tape, but you lose the obvious benefits, and are left with the (rather primative) tape backup features of DPM
 
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