Regular backups of local hard disks prevents data loss from disk drive failures, disk controller errors, power outages, virus infection, and other possible problems. Backup operations that are based on careful planning and reliable equipment make file recovery easier and less time consuming.
Windows 2000 Professional provides a tool called "Backup" for use with your computer. It can back up data to tape or to a compressed file. You can even store your backup file on a network share.
Backup can perform several types of backups:
Normal A normal backup copies all selected files and marks each as having been backed up. Normal backups are the easiest to use for restoring files because you need only the most recent backup file or tape to restore all of the backed up files. Normal backups take the most time because every file that is selected is backed up, regardless of whether it has changed since the last backup.
Incremental An incremental backup backs up only those files that have been created or changed since the last normal or incremental backup, which can reduce the amount of time that is required to complete the backup process. It marks files as having been backed up. You should create a complete normal backup of your system before you run incremental backups. If you use a combination of normal and incremental backups, you must have the last normal backup set as well as every incremental backup set that has been made since the last normal backup—in chronological order—to restore your data.
Differential A differential backup copies files that have been created or changed since the last normal or incremental backup, which can reduce the amount of time that is required to complete the backup process. It does not mark files as having been backed up. You should create a complete normal backup of your system before you run differential backups. If you are doing normal and differential backups, you must have the last normal backup set and the last differential backup sets to restore your data.
Copy A copy backup copies all selected files, but it does not mark each file as having been backed up. Copying is useful to back up files between normal and incremental backups because it does not affect other backup operations.
Daily A daily backup copies all selected files that have been modified on the day that the daily backup is performed. The backed up files are not marked as having been backed up.
Some backup types use a backup marker, also known as an "archive attribute," to track when a file has been backed up. When the file changes, Windows 2000 marks the file to be backed up again. Files or directories that have been moved to new locations are not marked for backup. Backup allows you to back up only files with this marker set and to choose whether or not to mark files when they are backed up.
Make sure that all applications are closed and that no one is using network shares on your computer when you perform backups. Any files that are open or in use when the backup process is run probably are not going to be backed up, which negates the value of the backup.
CAUTIONBackups protect against data loss that is caused by a virus. Because some viruses take weeks to appear, keep normal backup tapes for at least a month to make sure that you can restore a system to its uninfected status.
Windows 2000 can back up files to a variety of storage devices, including tape drives. Data can be backed up to disk volumes, removable disks, or network shares, or to a library of disks or tapes that are organized into a media pool and controlled by a robotic changer. If you do not have a separate storage device, you can back up to another local hard disk or to floppy disks.
Storage technology changes rapidly, so it is important to research the merits of various media before you make a purchase. Take into account drive and media costs, as well as reliability and capacity, when you select a storage device. Ideally, a storage device should have more than enough capacity to back up all of the combined space of all local hard drives and be able to detect and correct errors during backup-and-restore operations. For information about supported storage devices, see the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) link on the Web Resources page at http://windows.microsoft.com/windows2000/reskit/webresources.
TIPTo make sure that your storage devices and cartridges are working correctly, verify your backups by performing test restores.
The most common type of medium is magnetic tape. The tape drives that are commonly used for backup include a quarter-inch cartridge (QIC), digital audio tape (DAT), 8mm cassette, and digital linear tape (DLT). High-capacity, high-performance tape drives usually use SCSI controllers. Other types of media include magnetic disks, optical disks, and CD-ROMs (CD-R and CD-RW).
There are several steps that you can take to enhance the security and operation of your backup-and-restore operations. You should also take steps to secure your backup cartridges.
When you develop a backup plan, consider the following methods:
Secure both the storage device and the backup cartridges. data can be retrieved from stolen cartridges and restored to another computer.
Back up an entire volume by using the normal backup procedure. in case of a disk failure, it is more efficient to restore the entire volume in one operation.
Always back up the system state data to prevent the loss of local user accounts and security information.
Keep at least three current copies of backup cartridges. store one copy at an off-site location in a properly controlled, secure environment.
In many cases, the local administrator performs backup and restore operations on Windows 2000 Professional systems. However, when Windows 2000 Professional is used as a file server in a peer-to-peer, local area network (LAN), backup and restore rights can be given to a user without granting full administrative privileges.
IMPORTANTYou must be a member of the Administrators group to restore the System State, but members of the Backup Operators group can restore files.
If you are the system administrator of a networked computer with shared volumes or of a publicly-used computer, you should extend backup and restore rights only to those users who are responsible for backing up the computer. This is done by adding the user to the Backup Operators local group. In a high-security environment, only you should restore files, although it is a good idea to train personnel to perform all restore tasks in the even that you are unavailable.
CAUTIONA person who does not have permission to write to a file might have permission to restore the file. During restoration, such permission conflicts are ignored and the existing file can be overwritten.
In Windows 2000, access to NTFS files is limited by NTFS file and folder permissions, share permissions, and file attributes. You cannot back up or restore NTFS files to which you do not have access rights unless you are a member of either the Administrators or Backup Operators local group.
NOTENeither of the file allocation table (FAT) file systems (FAT16 and FAT32) provides file permissions.
You should store some data off-site for long-term storage or to have available in the event of a disaster; however, other data needs to be readily available.
CAUTIONBackup cartridges lasts longer in cool, humidity-controlled locations. Your storage area should also be free of magnetic fields, such as those near the backs of computer terminals and telephone equipment.
Daily backups, whether full or incremental Store cartridges in a fireproof safe or cabinet to protect against natural disaster, theft, and sabotage.
Copies of cartridges If more than one copy of a software program is purchased, store one off-site if this is possible. If you have only one copy, back it up to a cartridge, label it as a backup, and store the original off-site. If you have to reinstall software, you can restore it from the backup to a computer that is running Windows 2000.
For highly confidential data that must be stored off-site, consider assistance from a company that specializes in secure data storage. If the cost or logistics of such protection is too great, use an alternative solution, such as a safe-deposit box or an off-site fireproof safe that is designed to protect magnetic media (assuming your backups are not stored on writable CD-R disks).
For maximum security, store the following items off-site:
A full, normal backup of the entire system, performed weekly.
Original software that is installed on computers. (keep only copies on-site.)
Documents that are required for processing an insurance claim, such as purchase orders or receipts.
Information that is required to get network hardware reinstalled or reconfigured.
Information that is required to reconfigure your storage subsystem.
TIPMake sure that your off-site storage location is bonded.