backing up the backup server

[applefields]

Hi

I have taken over a network where the previous manager died in post. I have managed to get into everything now after some struggle and I am looking at our disaster recovery plan. 

We use backup exec 2012 version 14 running on server 2008r2

I know our file backup works okay and barring a few minor issues everything is backing up and producing a SDR file for each server. These havnt been tested which I always find worring but I have nothing to test them on (were a small very undefunded school.)

My main issue is we have 3 servers and my primary domain controller is also the backup server. It backs up to disk on a NAS drive located in a different building so is safe from fire but the issue I have is if the backup exec server dies then how do I recover it?

Is it simply a case of building a new server and pointing it at the NAS drive and pressing go? I read somewhere that backup exec does database maintenance at 0400 every day and this is its own backup, problem is it saves it on the server itself?

So long and short knowing the above how do I backup the backup server?

[RahulG]

Well its recommened that you install BAckup exec on seperate server.The Backup exec maintainance which happends daily creates a backup of the database which stores the configuration. The backup of data and the catalog folder are the importance one which you need to backup. Backing up data folder will save all the configuration of Backup exec i.e Backup jobs, media sets,policies etc and backup catlog folder would safe your time so you dont have to run catalog job which takes some time.

[applefields]

Installing on a separate server is not an option I am afraid due to funding. Simply put we will never have a dedicated backup exec server.

So the information I can see in our NAS drive where I store server backups is;-

- a number of folders named IMG001019 etc.
- 3 files called servername.DR
- 1 .lck file
- about 100 .bkf files
- Changer.cfg
- Folder.cfg

is the information here enough to recover a backup exec instance (on for example a new server) and then from there recover the windows server 2008R2 server itself in its previous config from the SDR file?

If not what do I need to change? and is there a guide I can print off to make sure this is possible. I would like to be able to produce an idiots guide that means if the worst were to happen and  everyone is flapping its possible just to follow the instructions.

[RahulG]

Well those the common files tyes which you would find on the Backup to disk folder.

If the selection of the backup data is made properly those should have all the files you needed.

Consider the senario where is you have to perform a restore using the files you have , you may have to do the following 

1. Install backup exec 

2. Created a backup to disk folder mapping to the NAS drive.

3. Run a Catalog job, This populates the restore selections 

4.Restore the data you want to

Note : The steps about is not the for DR of Backup exec server. 

Refer to the below blog on protecting Backup Exec server itself

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/blogs/how-...

[pkh]

The best way to recover the media server is to use SDR which automates the recovery process. You should familiarize yourself with SDR by reading the SDR chapter in the Admin Guide. A manual recovery can be done but there are more things to do

[applefields]

Cheers for that so this is where I am now.

So this is what I understand so far. I have all the files I need to recover evrything. That means if the building burns down I simply get some new servers install server 2008r2 install backup exec then create a SDR CD or do I need to create an SDR CD from the server before it dies? I ask because if this is the case that means I need to keep updating the physical CD frequently?

Ive read this guide so I am kind of happy with recovery.

https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH180099.html

[applefields]

Annoyingly I spent ages writing a reply but upon clicking save its gone!!!

Basically I now know that I have all the right files and that they are in a safe location.

I read this guide https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH180099.html 

This tells me if I get a new server I boot from the SDR disk and follow the instructions pointing it to the right location (our NAS drive) it will then recover the server. I assume this will recover my primary domain controller which also hold my copy of backup exec.

My only other question is does this mean I must burn a new SDR disk every few weeks or will the first disk have enough information to do this? 

[Colin_Weaver]

You don't need to burn a new SDR disk, but should take copies of the latest .DR files (which is why we have a mechanism to specify a secondary path for .DR files.)

Also unless there are major hardware differences that need special drivers, one SDR disk may work for multiple servers (as long as you have all the .DR files or the media server still exists.)

[applefields]

Cheers colin I think I am happy now so I can write the disaster recovery plan with some authority.

So I have all my files backed up in a safe location.

I have the SDR disks for each server also in a safe location. 

Disaster hits I boot up the server or new server hardware with the SDR disk and point it to the secondary location (our NAS drive) and hey presto its will rebuild the machine exactly as it was with no issues.

[applefields]

Only one last hurdle to overome I cant create an SDR disk! it is asking for an ISO it says in this guide;-

https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH180099.html

that you need an ISO and to download it from a specified location but you need a serial number. I have no origional disks. I have found the original install disk but no SDR disks.

[applefields]

I'm REALLY starting to get wound up with this forum twice I have completed the comment section and twice it has been DISAPPEARED!! 

So here goes again! For the final time (becuase if it happens again I sware to the almighty I will uninstall every symantec product in existance for the rest of my life!!!)

I have followed the instructions here;-

https://support.symantec.com/en_US/article.TECH180099.html

and it says I require an existing SDR disk or the origional 2 disks (32 and 64 bit) I dont have these I am afraid. It says you can download them from 2 sources but it says I require a serial number but no clue is given as to where I might find said number. Can anyone advise?

[VJware]

Easiest way to obtain the serial number would be by contacting the licensing team at https://support.symantec.com/en_US/contact-us.html