Maintaining Configuration and System Information

Hardware failures, power failures, and human errors can prevent Windows 2000 from starting successfully. Recovery is easier if you know the configuration of each computer and its history and if you back up critical system files when making changes to your Windows 2000 configuration.

Important

If you have a clustered system and a disaster occurs, you need to recreate your disk structures and signatures. Write down this information and store it safely. If this information is not recorded, it cannot be recovered.

You can also use the DumpConfig command-line utility (Dumpconfig.exe) to output a computer's disk and volume configuration information to the command-line window or to a text file. In the event of disk failure, you can use this information to restore disk, partition, and volume configurations. When the Disk Management snap-in is displayed, you can record your disk configuration by printing the display or saving it to a file.

It is strongly recommended that you create a technical reference library for all hardware and software documentation. This library can also include other documentation related to your computers that you want to have in a central location. Useful materials to include in this library include:

• Vendor documentation, including manuals, receipts, warranties, proofs of purchase, and so on.
• Insurance policy and any claims.
• Information about any kits, tools, and add-ons that you have installed.
• All internal documentation that you have generated, including policies, procedures, and training guides.
• Hardware configuration information for each computer, including:
  • Location, cabling, intermediary devices, and external connections.
  • Computer type, and the models and serial numbers of system components.
  • Computer BIOS manufacturer, revision level, and BIOS modifications.
  • CMOS information.
  • For each component, information such as IRQ, direct memory access (DMA) addresses, and the input/output (I/O) port.
  • Amount of parity or nonparity random access memory (RAM).
  • Information about the video display and the video card.
  • Complete configuration of the disk subsystem, including the make, model, and serial number of each disk and controller, and their type, such as Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) or Enhanced Integrated Device Electronics (EIDE).
  • Configuration information for other storage media, such as tape, optical disk, or removable disk.
  • Types and configuration of network adapters.
  • Configuration information about any other adapters, such as multiple port adapters.
• Software configuration information and backups for each computer, including:
  • Disk map, noting location, type, and size of each partition, logical drive, and dynamic volume.
  • System state data backups.
  • The Windows 2000 Setup floppy disks created from the Windows 2000 Setup CD which can be used to start a disabled system.
  • Windows 2000 versions installed and the partitions on which they are installed.
  • User information, including which users are allocated disk space and what utilities and application programs they are using.
  • Applications and the volumes on which they are installed.
  • Licensing information.
  • Any service packs installed.
  • All hotfixes installed.
  • All Software Support Disks installed, when applicable.
• Updated contact information, including:
  • Appropriate personnel to respond to problems or emergencies.
  • Administrators.
  • Vendors and consultants.
  • Managers.
  • Critical users.

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