I read in an older post that KDB was not designed to back up servers. I am looking specifically to see if that is still accurate as I am looking at using KDB to back up SBS 2011 Essentials servers. I am finding that there are no variables for the System State. Does anyone have any information regarding this topic?
This is not accurate and never has been. KDB is a file, folder backup. It can be used on servers, workstations, & Macs. If your requirement is to back up files or folders and not full images then KDB is a valid solution.
- Max
That statement is partially correct. It will not backup or restore a server or workstation entirely for disaster recovery, but it will save your files.
It is only file based and not image based. There are no system state functions, no boot sector or MBR. You would not be able to do a bare metal backup to a clean machine such as you would with the Acronis based BUDR.
On the other hand, I am planning to implement it along side BUDR for imcremental backups for file deletions. BUDR will restore the server to the instant of the last backup, but KDB can still restore a file from last Friday.
You could use the Windows Server Backup, store the backup on, 1-a local volume dedicated for backup, 2-an external drive or, 3-a network share. This will get you your system state backup. Then you use KDB to backup the backup.
I recommend you stay away from the SBS backup wizard. Go to Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Windows Server Backup or run %windir%\system32\wbadmin.msc from a command prompt.
You may find that you can sell a 1-2TB external, dedicated drive for the windows server backup; a small price to pay.
There are a lot of other things to consider...
What version of USB does the server have?
Will USB 2.0 be fast enough?
Can you use eSATA? - it's extremely fast.
That's just a few things.
Don't forget to plan the recovery process... it's THE most important part of your plan.
If you use the external drive for the windows server backup, you can boot to a recovery console and restore from the external drive.
If that's the case, what the purpose of the offsite backup? (answer: because hard drives go bad.)
Sorry... I got to rambling... I hope this helps.
To quote an old acquaintance, Roger Peck: "Blessed is the pessimist; for he makes backups!"