we r using Windows server 2003 , how can i take a backup only active directory, Boot and others

[tfl - 26 04 09] You should post questions like this to the Technet Forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet or the MS Newsgroups at 

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I am also wondering how to backup only active directory. I have a system state backup which I know includes Active Directory but a server I am working on had a critical failure and we want to restore AD to a new server. I was told that you can't do this with a System State backup.

David

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David,

If it was your only domain controller and all you ever had was a system state data backup, then you can install a new server and restore the old system state data and it "might" work. I write that because I have done that before successfully. However, if you have multiple domain controllers (and you really should), then your best option is to build a replica domain controller to replace the failed server. You can also use the Install From Media option, which entails doing a backup. See http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc785013.aspx for more information on installing a Second Domain Controller. - KHudson