Checklist: Backing up data

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Checklist: Backing up data

Step Reference

Review key concepts and prepare to back up data.

Backup Concepts

Verify that you are logged on as a member of the Backup Operators group or Administrators group.

Identify members of a local group

Verify that you can connect to all shared folders on other computers that need to be backed up. Note: you cannot back up another computer's System State or another domain controller.

 

If you are using an external storage device, verify that it is compatible with products in the Windows Server 2003 family. Confirm that it is connected directly to the computer that is performing the backup and that the computer is turned on.

Check the hardware compatibility information in Support resources.

If you are backing up to a tape, insert the required tape into the tape drive. If you are backing up to a disk drive, verify that there is enough available space.

 

If you are backing up an Encrypted File System (EFS), first back up the designated recovery agent's EFS private key (the PKCS #12 file) to ensure the successful recovery of encrypted data in case of a disaster such as a system failure.

Export a certificate with the private key

To back up files manually, use the Backup or Restore Wizard or click the Backup tab in the Backup UI to select files to backup.

Back up files to a file or a tape

To back up files automatically, use the schedule feature in backup.

Schedule a backup