Getting started with IDR

The IDR Configuration Wizard appears on the Backup Exec Getting Started page. This wizard prompts you to set an alternate data path for the computer-specific disaster recovery file, called a *.dr file.

The asterisk (*) represents the name of the computer for which the file was created. A *.dr file contains specific information for the computer being protected, including the following:

Hardware-specific information for each computer, such as hard disk partition information, mass storage controller information, and Network Interface Card information.
A list of catalog entries that identify the backup media used to recover the computer.
For Microsoft Vista/Windows Server 2008, Windows Automated System Recovery (ASR) configuration information file (asr.xml). The ASR file is necessary to recreate partitions on Vista and Windows Server 2008 computers during the recovery process
For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 computers, Windows Automated System Recovery (ASR) configuration information files (asr.sif and asrpnp.sif). The ASR files are necessary to recreate partitions on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 computers during the recovery process.

To run the IDR Configuration Wizard

On the Welcome screen, click Next.

Backup Exec automatically creates a *.dr file for the IDR-protected computer when it is backed up and stores it in the default location on the media server's hard drive, which is:
```
C:\Program Files\Symantec\Backup Exec\idr\Data\<computer name>.dr.
```
The Enter An Alternate Data Path screen enables you to specify an alternate location where a copy of the *.dr file can be stored so that the *.dr file is available even if the media server has been damaged.

Symantec recommends that the alternate location be on another computer or on a different physical drive than the default location.

When using Backup Exec's Remote Administrator, do not specify a floppy drive (A:, B:) as the alternative data path.
Enter the alternate location where a copy of the *.dr file will be stored, and then click Next. Symantec recommends that you enter a mapped network location.

If you are using IDR to protect a media server in a cluster, or any remote media server, set the alternate data path to a shared drive or to a drive outside the cluster.
The IDR configuration is complete. You are ready to run backups and create bootable media.
Click Finish.
Continue disaster recovery preparation.