Backing Up System State Data
System State data includes the following:
Boot files, including the system files, and all files protected by Windows File Protection (WFP).The registry.Performance counter configuration information.Component Services Class registration database.
Restoration of the System State replaces boot files first and commits the system hive of the registry as a final step in the process.System State backup and restore operations include all System State data. You cannot choose to backup or restore individual components because of dependencies among the System State components. However, you can restore System State data to an alternate location in which only the registry files and system boot files are restored. The Component Services Class Registration database is not restored to the alternate location.Although you cannot change which components of the System State are backed up, you can back up all protected system files with the System State data by setting advanced backup options.To back up system state data
Click Start, Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, and then click Backup. Click the Backup tab, and then select the System State check box.This backs up the system state data along with any other data that you have selected for the current backup operation.
Keep the following in mind when you are backing up System State data:
You must be an administrator or a backup operator to back up files and folders.You can back up the system state data only on a local computer.You can use the backup wizard to back up system state data.
Boot and System Files
Backup considers the functionality of WFP when backing up and restoring boot and system files. System files are backed up and restored as a single entity. The WFP service catalog file, which is located in the folder %SystemRoot%System32catroot{F750E6C3-38EE-11D1-85E5-00C04FC295EE}, is backed up with the system files.In Windows NT 4.0 and earlier, backup programs could selectively backup and restore operating system files as they would data files, allowing for incremental backup and restore operations of most operating system files. Windows 2000, however, does not allow incremental restoration of operating system files.The Advanced Backup option Automatically back up system protected files with the System State backs up all system files that are in your %SystemRoot% folder in addition to the startup files that are included with the System State data.To set advanced backup options
In the Backup dialog box, click the Backup tab, and then select the files and folders that you want to back up. Click Start Backup. In the Backup Job Information dialog box, click Advanced. Set the advanced backup options that you want, and then click OK.
The advanced backup options are described in Table 18.8.Table 18.8 Advanced Backup Options
Option | Description |
---|---|
Back up data that is in Remote Storage. | Backs up data that has been designated for Remote Storage. You can restore Remote Storage data only to an NTFS volume that is used with Windows 2000. Note that Remote Storage is available only on Windows 2000 Server–based networks. |
Verifies data after backup. | Verifies that the backed up data is exactly the same as the original data. This can substantially increase the time it takes to perform a backup. |
If possible, compresses the backup data to save space. | Compresses the data that you are backing up so you can save more data on a tape. If this option is disabled, you do not have a tape drive on your computer or your tape drive cannot compress data. |
Automatically backs up system protected files with the system state. | Backs up all of the system files that are in your %SystemRoot% folder in addition to the boot files that are included with the System State data. This can substantially increase the size of your backup job. |
Registry
The contents of the registry are backed up and restored when you back up and restore System State data. When you back up the System State data, a copy of your registry files is also saved in the folder %SystemRoot%RepairRegback. If your registry files become corrupted or are accidentally erased, you can use these files to repair the registry without performing a full restore of the System State data. This method of repairing the registry is recommended only for advanced users. For more information about restoring the registry from the backup stored in the Regback folder, see "Troubleshooting Tools and Strategies" in this book.
IMPORTANT
It is important that you have current, reliable backup copies of the registry. Back up the registry before you edit the registry and as part of your regular backup routine. If you select the System State check box on the Backup tab in Backup, the registry is backed up automatically.
Performance Counter Configuration
The performance counter configuration files are also backed up and restored as part of the System State data.
Component Services Class Registration Database
Component Object Model (COM) is a binary standard for writing component software in a distributed systems environment. The Component Services Class Registration Database is backed up and restored with the System State data.Component Services have special backup and restore considerations. There are two Component Services elements on each system: the component binaries, including DLLs and executable files (EXEs), and the Component Services database. The components are backed up as a part of normal file enumeration. The Component Services database, however, is backed up and restored as a part of the System State data.