The Essential Guide to Backup DNS Windows Server 2012

What is Windows DNS?

DNS is short for Domain Name System, is a network service in Windows systems to resolve domain names into IP addresses, so users can access websites or network resources using human-readable addresses.

Importance of backup DNS Windows Server 2012

Backup Windows DNS is to create a copy of DNS information to another safe location and you can get it back whenever you need. Generally, there are 3 reasons why having a backup of your DNS server on Windows Server 2012:

• Data Loss Prevention: The DNS server on Windows Server 2012 stores critical information about your network's domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Data loss on this server can lead to service disruptions, making it crucial to have a backup in place. If this data is accidentally or maliciously deleted, a backup becomes the lifeline for restoring service without significant downtime.
• Disaster Recovery: In the face of hardware failures, software glitches, or even natural disasters, having a DNS backup ensures that your network can be quickly restored to its previous state. This is vital for minimizing the impact on your organization and maintaining business continuity.
• Security and Protection: DNS data can also be a target for cyberattacks. Backup DNS is a security measure, as it allows you to recover from DNS attacks or unauthorized changes by restoring a clean, unaltered version of your DNS settings.

How to backup DNS Windows Server 2012

Backing up your DNS server on Windows Server 2012 is crucial to ensure data integrity and to facilitate recovery in case of data loss or system failures. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take DNS backup in Windows 2012 Server:

Step 1. Open Windows Server Backup: Click on the Start button and open Server Manager. In the Server Manager window, click on Tools in the upper-right corner. Select Windows Server Backup from the list of tools.

Step 2. Select Backup Options: In the Windows Server Backup console, click on Local Backup in the left pane. In the right pane, click on Backup Schedule or Backup Once, depending on your preference.

Step 3. Configure Backup Settings: Follow the steps in the Windows Server Backup wizard to configure your backup settings. This includes specifying where to store the backup, the backup type (full server or custom), and the backup schedule (if you choose to schedule regular backups).

Step 4. Select Items to Backup: Expand the Applications node and check the DNS Server box to include it in the backup.

Step 5. Review your backup settings and make sure everything is configured as desired.

Step 6. Click Next and then Backup to initiate the backup process.

Secure Windows Server system and data comprehensively

Using AOMEI Cyber Backup is an alternative method for securing your data on Windows Server 2012. By using AOMEI Cyber Backup and considering these additional backup considerations, you can enhance the security and reliability of your DNS data on Windows Server 2012. This comprehensive approach will help safeguard your critical DNS configurations and ensure your network's uninterrupted operation.

While the previous steps covered using Windows Server Backup, AOMEI Cyber Backup offers additional features and considerations for ensuring the security of your DNS data:

Centralized Backup Functions: Besides physical machine backup, it also supports VM backup and SQL database backup. Automated Execution: You can schedule an automatic backup task to back up your Windows system for settled periods. Multiple Storage Destinations: Easily backup to local or network destinations according to your needs. Restore Entire System: Restore instant entire system from any selected restore points to an original or new location.

You can click the button below to try this reliable software:

* Both free and paid version of AOMEI Cyber Backup support Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/11,10,8,7.

Steps to use AOMEI Cyber Backup to secure your data

Step 1. Add Agent: Please ensure you have installed AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent to your computer for the backup.

Step 2. Bind Device: Navigate to Source Device >> Windows. Your device will automatically appear if it is compatible and online. Otherwise, you just need click +Add Windows Device to enter your Device Information and User Information.

Step 3. Create Backup Task: Click Backup Task >> + Create New Task, and choose backup type as System Backup. Then specify the Task Name, Device Name, Target, and Schedule according to your need.

• Task Name: Change the task name or use the default name with an ordinal.
• Device Name: If you are using the free version, you can choose to backup 1 Windows Server or 3 PC-based Windows systems.
• Target: Select to back up to a new local storage, or to a new network storage. Used paths will be saved in Favorite Storage for handy selection.
• Schedule: Choose to perform full, differential or incremental backup, and automate execution daily, weekly or monthly according to the frequency you specified.

Step 4. Start Backup: Once you set up your backup task, it will automatically do the Windows server backup. You can select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

Step 5. Start Restore: From the created backup tasks, locate the backup task you want to restore and click … >> Restore. Choose to Restore to original location to create the same data directly from the backup.

Conclusion

Backup DNS Windows Server 2012 is a straightforward process that can save you from potential disasters. By following the steps above in this post, you can backup DNS records on your Windows Server.

Additionally, for enterprise users, it is recommended to use AOMEI Cyber Backup to protect critical data. It provides a one-stop solution to protect VMs, physical machines, MSSQL databases, etc.