Restore Active Directory from backup

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

To restore the server, use a good backup containing the system state or the system state and system disk.

Administrative credentials

To perform this procedure, you must provide the Administrator password for Directory Services Restore Mode.

To restore Active Directory from backup

1. Start the computer in Directory Services Restore Mode.

2. To start the Windows Server 2003 backup utility, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup.

   This procedure provides steps for restoring from backup in Wizard Mode. By default, the Always Start in Wizard Mode check box is selected in the Backup or Restore Wizard. If the Welcome to the Backup Utility Advanced Mode page appears, click Wizard Mode to open the Backup or Restore Wizard.

3. On the Welcome to the Backup or Restore Wizard page, click Next.

4. Click Restore files and settings, and then click Next.

5. Select System State, and then click Next.

6. On the Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard page, click Advanced.

7. In Restore files to, click Original Location, and then click Next.

8. Click Leave existing files (Recommended), and then click Next.

9. In Advanced Restore Options, select the following check boxes, and then click Next:

   • Restore security settings

   • Restore junction points, but not the folders and file data they reference

   • Preserve existing volume mount points

10. For a primary restore of SYSVOL, also select the following check box: When restoring replicated data sets, mark the restored data as the primary data for all replicas.

    A primary restore is required only if the domain controller that you are restoring is the only domain controller in the domain. A primary restore is required on the first domain controller that is being restored in a domain if you are restoring the entire domain or forest.

11. Click Finish.

12. When the restore process is complete, click Close, and then do one of the following:

    • If you do not want to authoritatively restore any objects, click Yes to restart the computer. The system will restart and replicate any new information that is received since the last backup with its replication partners.

    • If you want to authoritatively restore any objects or if you want to create an LDAP Data Interchange Format (LDIF) file to restore back-links on this domain controller, click No to remain in Directory Services Restore Mode. For information about how to proceed with authoritative restore, see Performing an Authoritative Restore of Active Directory Objects.

See Also

Concepts

Restart the domain controller in Directory Services Restore Mode locally
Enable Remote Desktop
Create a Remote Desktop Connection
Restart the domain controller in Directory Services Restore Mode Remotely
Restore system state to an alternate location
Performing an Authoritative Restore of Active Directory Objects