Windows Active directory DATABASE backup and restore - Objects - Users, OU's, Computers
Backing up and restoring Active Directory (AD) is a critical task to ensure the availability and integrity of your directory service. Below are the general steps for backing up and restoring AD objects, including Users, Organizational Units (OUs), Computers, and their descriptions.
Backup Active Directory:
1. *Open Windows Server Backup:*
On a Windows Server, open the "Server Manager" dashboard.
Navigate to "Tools" and select "Windows Server Backup."
2. *Select Backup Schedule:*
In the Windows Server Backup console, select "Local Backup."
Choose the option to "Backup Schedule" to set up a regular backup.
3. *Choose Backup Configuration:*
Select "Custom" to choose specific items to back up.
Navigate to "Add Items" and select "Active Directory" under "System State."
4. *Configure Backup Destination:*
Choose where to store the backup, either a dedicated drive or a network location.
5. *Start Backup:*
Confirm your selections and start the backup process.
Non-Authoritative Restore:
1. *Boot into Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM):*
Restart the server and press F8 during the boot process.
Choose "Directory Services Restore Mode."
2. *Open Active Directory Restore Mode:*
Log in as an administrator and open "Active Directory Restore Mode" from the "Start" menu.
3. *Perform Non-Authoritative Restore:*
Use Windows Server Backup or other backup tools to restore the system state or AD data.
4. *Restart the Server:*
Restart the server normally.