Win2k3 - Backing up DNS Entries

toosepin · 21 Jun 2008 at 17:33

Is this possible? Would hate to loose 15 domains worth of DNS configuration!

Thanks

Deathwish · 21 Jun 2008 at 19:45

If your DNS is AD Integrated then a System State backup would contain it

EDIT: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/winntas/tips/winntmag/dnsdis.mspx?mfr=true

wasc · 21 Jun 2008 at 20:13

toosepin said:
Is this possible? Would hate to loose 15 domains worth of DNS configuration!

Thanks

I believe these files are inside c:\windows\system32\dns

Otherwise just do a search inside your windows directory for a folder called "dns" - the zones are inside there as text files.

Uncle Gord · 28 Jun 2008 at 13:35

wasc said:
I believe these files are inside c:\windows\system32\dns

Otherwise just do a search inside your windows directory for a folder called "dns" - the zones are inside there as text files.

These .dns files won't exist if the zones are AD integrated, only if they are secondary or stub zones, as they're stored in the DC's registry and an AD partition (I think). As Deathwish mentioned system state backups will contain them if they're Integrated.

Assuming they are Integrated you could always install DNS on a member server, create secondary/stub zones and then forward on the zones from your main DNS servers. That way you can get the *.dns files that wasc is referring to which, in my opinion, are much more usefull and can save you having to perform a DC or domain restore.

Be aware that these files retain everything about the zones including the SOA servers and serial number (which will increment when the files are used).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/282826