Performing a Manual Backup

Applies To: Windows Server 2008 R2

You can create a backup by using the Backup Once Wizard, which is available in the Windows Server Backup snap-in—or by using the Wbadmin start backup command. The ability to perform one-time backups is intended for you to use to create backups that supplement regularly scheduled backups. We recommend that you do not use one-time backups as the only means of creating backups (see Configuring Automatic Backups).

You can also use the Windows PowerShell cmdlets for Windows Server Backup to run one-time backups. For more information, see Using Windows Server Backup Cmdlets.

To supplement your regular backups, you can use the Backup Once Wizard or Wbadmin start backup to:

  • Back up volumes that are not included in regular backups.

  • Back up volumes that contain important items before making changes such as installing updates or new features.

  • Create a backup of regularly scheduled items in a different location than where scheduled backups are stored.

Important

We recommend that, if possible, you store one-time backups and scheduled backups on different locations. If you save one-time backups and scheduled backups to the same location, backup operations may fail due to conflicts or lack of space, and stored backup versions will be lost. If you must use the same storage location, make sure that there is enough space to save the backup before you run the operation. In addition, if you use the Backup Once Wizard, you will be prevented from saving backups to the same location if you choose to use custom settings. And, if you use Wbadmin start backup to save one-time backups to the same location as scheduled backups, you will receive a warning that the scheduled backup will be overwritten and backup versions will be lost.

Use the following procedures to create a manual backup using this wizard.

Additional considerations

  • To use Windows Server Backup, you must be a member of the Backup Operators or Administrators group, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

Additional references