Backing Up DFS


Currently, there is no separate backup tool or strategy for backing up in DFS. The following elements should be backed up:

  • Target data This is the actual data that is being accessed by end users. With a true multi-master replication topology, only one target needs to be backed up.

  • DFS hierarchy For standalone DFS, the system state of the root server and system state of all servers containing DFS targets should be backed up. For domain-based DFS, the system states of domain controllers and all other servers containing DFS targets should be backed up. Active Directory stores all the DFS hierarchy and FRS replication connection information. Active Directory is backed up with the domain controller system state.

Using the DFScmd.exe Utility

DFScmd.exe is a command-line administrative utility for DFS. Using this tool, administrators can create roots and links and define replication between targets. This tool can be used to perform a quick backup of the DFS hierarchy of any particular DFS roots.

To perform a backup of a current domain root named Apps, for example, you can run this command and then press Enter:

DFScmd.exe /View \\domain\Apps /Batch /Batchrestore > DFSrestore.bat


This file can be run to re-create a lost or deleted link and targets. This tool cannot recreate the DFS root or replication, but after the root has been manually re-created, the rest of the DFS tree hierarchy can be restored by running the batch file created using DFScmd.exe and a console redirection to a batch file. Replication needs to be configured using the DFS console.

For more detailed information on the uses of DFScmd.exe, you can access the built-in help commands at the command prompt by typing DFScmd.exe /? and pressing Enter.




Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Unleashed(c) R2 Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Unleashed (R2 Edition)
ISBN: 0672328984
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 499

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net