The last week we setup an internal site for the needs of the company. Although I prefer Linux, the server was running Windows 2003 so we had to go with this. When we finished the setup and the configuration the last thing we had to do was to find a way to backup our data.
About System Image
- Step C: Schedule a job by using Windows Task Scheduler to execute the batch file that you created in step B. To do this, follow these steps: On the computer that is running SQL Server Express, click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Scheduled Tasks. Double-click Add Scheduled Task.
- I have a batch file in Windows 7 Professional that runs RASDIAL and creates a VPN to Windows Server 2003. The batch file then maps a drive and then I do a backup routine. This batch file runs flawlessly by double clicking it. Using Task Scheduler, the batch file executes properly except for.
Generally speaking, system image is an exact copy of drives required for Windows to run,containing operating system, hardware drivers, applications you have installed, settings,preferences, etc. typically the C drive (System), EFI System Partition, or RecoveryPartition, etc. Sometimes it also include additional drives. You could restore your computer with the system image without reinstallingeverything if the hard drive or computer stop working. However, you could not restore theindividual items from the system image.
Create System Image with Backup Utility
To create a system image in Windows Server 2003, you could try Backup Utility built-in Windows Server 2003, this backup softwarewill help you to backup all the data on this computer and create a system recovery disk torestore Windows in case of system failure.
1. Please go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories-> System Tools -> Backup to open Backup Utility(Backup or Restore Wizard).
2. Tap Next in next window.
3. Choose Back up files and settings option, press Next.
4. Select All information on this computer to backup, and then clickNext.
5. Find a destination path to save the system image by clicking Broswe, andrename the backup, then choose Next.
6. Overview the detailed information of the backup, select Finish to startcreate system image for Windows Server 2003. And you will get the backup file (.bkf)
Besides, you could go to Advanced Options -> choose Automated System Recovery Wizard inWelcome tab to create a system image for Windows Server 2003.
Schedule Batch File Windows 10
Create a system image with NTBackup
NTBackup allows you to create a system state backup, here is the command:
ntbackup backup systemstate /j 'My Backup Job 3' /F 'C:backup.bkf'
However, the system state backup could not restore your system files and Windows, if you wantto create a system image to restore your Windows Server 2003, assume only C drive, noRecovery partition or others system partition, input the command:
ntbackup backup C: /j 'My Backup Job' /F 'C:backup.bkf'
If you create system image to USB flash drive in Windows 7/8/10, you may encounter the error,this drive is not a valid backuplocation.
NTBackup has many parameters you have to specify for backups and it’s not easy tooperate.
Besides, you could create a shadow copy for your system partition: right click the C drive inWindows file explorer and choose Properties, click Shadow Copies tab, then Enable the shadowcopy for C drive.
However, you could not restore system files because the volume that contains the operatingsystem files cannot be reverted. Therefore, it’s recommended to backup your data drive withshadow copy.
Best Windows Server 2003 Backup Software
How to create Server 2003 image backup in an easier way? the best Windows server backupsoftware – AOMEI Backupper Server willhelp you. It’s available for Windows Server 2003 (R2) 2008, 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, andWindows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10. Now, download AOMEI Backupper Server first, and thenfollow the steps to create a system image in Windows Server 2003:
Download Free Trial
Windows PCs & Servers
Secure Download
Step 1: Launch AOMEI Backupper server. Select Backup -> SystemBackup on the main window.
Step 2: Rename the Task Name if required. Choose a destination location tosave the Windows Server 2003 system image backup.
Tips:
It’s highly recommend to save the Windows Server image backup to external hard drive,like USB flash drive, SSD, NAS, network share, etc.
The system partition associated with system files, boot files, will be selectedautomatically.
Step 3: Click Start Backup button to create a system image backup forWindows Server 2003.
Besides, there are multiple optional settings for you to configure if youwant:
1. Options: you could compress, split, comment, encrypt the backup image, enableemail notifications, etc.
2. Schedule: six options provided: daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers,USB plug-in, Real time sync. Set it up to automatically backup Windows Server 2003 (R2),here is the details:
Schedule Batch File
Daily/Weekly/Monthly: Backup your data based on daily, weekly,monthly to automatically perform to save your time.
Event Triggers: Trigger the backup task to according to thefollowing events: User logon, User logoff, System startup, System shutdown.
USBplug in: Once detecting the USB device of the task is plugged in, It willautomatically back up the data on the USB or backup local data to USB device.
Real-time Sync: Sync files immediately once they changed, please tryreal time filesync feature update your files to the latest.
3. Besides, set up Scheme to delete oldbackups to manage your hard drive space. 5 schemes provided: Full Backup Scheme,Incremental Backup Scheme, Differential Backup Scheme, Space Management Scheme, Other BackupScheme. Know more details about retention policy, please refer to backup scheme.
Wait for a few minutes, the cost time depends on the data size on the system partition. ClickFinish after the system image backup finished. Now, you could create a bootable media. Thenrestore the Windows Server 2003 system with the system image and the bootable media in theevent of system failure.
Besides, AOMEI Backupper Server has the professional features, clone Windowsoperating system to SSD for upgrading, restore system image to original computer ordissimilar hardware computer, backup your personal files with file backup, partitionbackup, even backup the Windows Server 2003 entire hard drive, etc.
Summing Up
Compared with Backup Utility and NTBackup, AOMEI Backupper is easier to operate to create asystem image backup in Windows Server 2003 (R2), 2008, 2012 (R2), 2016, 2019, and WindowsXP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10. And AOMEI Backupper provides you flexible ways to backup data. ForIT technicians, try AOMEI BackupperTechnician.