AOMEI Cyber Backup
Comprehensive Guide for Instant Active Directory Backup Recovery
In the complex and interconnected world of modern enterprise networks, Active Directory plays an indispensable role. However, like any critical system, it is also susceptible to various threats and failures.
By Crystal / Updated on December 25, 2024
Our company is a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise that recently experienced a ransomware attack, resulting in the encryption of the Active Directory database. Thanks to the immediate execution of the Active Directory backup recovery plan, we were able to restore the database from the latest backup stored in a remote cloud location. The recovery process only took a few hours, minimizing the impact on its production and administrative operations.
The Importance of Active Directory Backup
Microsoft Active Directory enables administrators to control user access, enforce security policies, and manage network objects such as computers, printers, and user accounts. It simplifies network management by centralizing authentication and authorization processes.
- Active Directory backups can ensure protection against losses caused by failures or attacks.
- Operations can proceed smoothly during system failures or disasters.
How to Perform Instant Active Directory Backup and Recovery
Microsoft provides built-in tools like Windows Server Backup for Active Directory backup.
Using Windows Server Backup for AD Backup
1. Open the Windows Server Backup utility, select the Backup Once option, select Different options, and then select Next.
2. On the Select Backup Configuration page, click Full Server (Recommended), and then click Next.
3. Choose Custom backup and select the System State to include Active Directory in the backup.
4. On the Specify Destination Type page, click Local Drives or Remote Shared Folder, and then click Next.
5. Choose the destination drive where you want to store the backup files and click Next.
6. Verify all options and start the process.
✍ To automate the backup process, you can also create scheduled tasks using PowerShell or Task Scheduler to instant back up AD data regularly without manual intervention.
wbadmin start systemstatebackup -backuptarget
Restoring Microsoft Active Directory Step-by-Step
1. Reboot the server and start pressing F8 to access the Advanced Boot Options. Select Directory Services Repair Mode and press Enter.
2. Open Windows Server Backup and select the Recover option.
3. Select This Server for where the backup is stored and choose the backup you want to restore.
4. Check System State to restore it, and click Next.
5. Select Original location and check Perform an authoritative restore of Active Directory files.
6. On the confirmation page, click the Recover button to start the restore process.
When it comes to ensuring the safety and integrity of your Active Directory (AD) data, having a reliable backup and recovery solution is crucial. While native tools like Windows Server Backup are useful, they may not offer the speed, flexibility, or advanced features that modern businesses need.
Alternative: Restore Active Directory Using AOMEI Cyber Backup
AOMEI Cyber Backup, as an excellent alternative for instant AD backup and recovery, provides a crucial and effective data solution not just for physical servers, but also for virtual machines.
It also allows administrators to manage backups across multiple domain controllers and systems from a centralized console. This makes it easier to oversee the health and status of all backups, perform scheduled backups, and monitor recovery tasks, all from one interface
How to Backup and Restore All Computers on Network
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Download and install AOMEI Cyber Backup on a computer as the central console, and install the Agent package on all the client computers.
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Choose the device containing the system you wish to back up. If the desired device is not listed, simply add your Windows device by selecting + Add Windows Device and provide the necessary Device Information and User Information.
Steps to create centralized system backup task for multiple computers:
Step 1. Navigate to Backup Tasks >> + Create New Task >> System Backup. It will back up the system partitions completely, including applications, drivers, configuration settings, system files and boot files.
Step 2. Select Device: If you are using the free version, you can choose to backup 1 Windows Server or 3 PC-based Windows systems.
Step 3. Select the areas you want to back up according to your needs, you can select more than one area at the same time.
Step 4. Enable Archiving to specify an added Amazon S3 bucket.
Step 5. Set up a schedule to auto execute the task Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. You can even specify different schedules for different clients, and full/incremental/differential backup are all supported.
Step 6. 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 7. Start Recovery: 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
Instant Active Directory backup and recovery is a fundamental aspect of network management and business continuity. It protects the core of the organization's network identity and access infrastructure. By following the correct backup and recovery procedures, IT professionals can ensure the reliability and security of their Active Directory.
