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Windows Server Backup remains a powerful and reliable tool for IT professionals, especially for small physical servers, internal labs, or urgent recovery scenarios. While modern solutions like Veeam and Acronis offer advanced features, Windows Server Backup provides essential functionality for critical system recovery.
What Windows Server Backup Can Do:
✔ Full System Backup – Includes EFI System Partition, Drive C:\, System State, and Bare Metal Recovery.
✔ Quick Restore – Recover Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and Group Policy Objects (GPO).
✔ Bare Metal Recovery – Restore an entire server to new hardware if needed.
You Should Know: Essential Commands & Steps for Windows Server Backup
1. Installing Windows Server Backup Feature
If not already installed, enable it via PowerShell:
Install-WindowsFeature Windows-Server-Backup -IncludeManagementTools
- Creating a Full Backup via Command Line
Use `wbadmin` for automated backups:
wbadmin start backup -backupTarget:E: -include:C:,D: -allCritical -quiet
– -backupTarget: Destination drive
– -include: Volumes to back up
– -allCritical: Ensures system-critical components are included
3. Scheduling Backups with Task Scheduler
Automate backups using a PowerShell script:
$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "wbadmin.exe" -Argument "start backup -backupTarget:E: -include:C: -allCritical -quiet" $trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At 2am Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "NightlyBackup" -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -User "SYSTEM"
- Restoring System State (AD, DNS, DHCP, etc.)
Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and run:
wbadmin start sysrecovery -version:MM/DD/YYYY-HH:MM -backupTarget:E:
5. Bare Metal Recovery to New Hardware
1. Boot from Windows installation media.
- Select Repair Your Computer > Troubleshoot > System Image Recovery.
3. Follow prompts to restore from backup.
6. Checking Backup Status & History
wbadmin get versions wbadmin get items -version:MM/DD/YYYY-HH:MM
What Undercode Say
Windows Server Backup may lack modern malware scanning, but its simplicity makes it invaluable for quick disaster recovery. For enhanced security:
– Use Windows Defender Offline Scan (MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 3) before restoring.
– Combine with robocopy for file-level redundancy:
robocopy C:\Data E:\BackupData /MIR /Z /R:1 /W:1 /LOG:E:\BackupLog.txt
For Linux admins, similar principles apply with dd for disk cloning:
dd if=/dev/sda of=/dev/sdb bs=64K conv=noerror,sync
Or rsync for incremental backups:
rsync -avz --delete /source/ user@remote:/backup/
Expected Output:
A functional, automated backup system ensuring quick recovery of critical Windows services and full system restores when needed.
Relevant URLs:
References:
Reported By: Phuong Nguyen – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
