Using redirected restore for Active Directory, Active Directory Application Mode for Windows Server 2003/2008

When you want to install a new Windows Server Domain Controller into an existing domain, the Active Directory and SYSVOL data are replicated from the existing Domain Controller that is in the domain to the new Domain Controller. If there is a large amount of data to be replicated or if the connection between the Domain Controllers is slow or intermittent, the replication time can be lengthy. The Active Directory Application Mode replication time is also affected by the amount of data to be replicated and the connection speed. To decrease the replication time for Active Directory and Active Directory Application Mode, you can use the Install from Media feature.

For Active Directory, you can use the Install from Media feature to perform a System State backup of an existing Domain Controller in the domain in which you want to add a new Domain Controller. Then, you can perform a redirected restore of the data from the System State backup to the target Domain Controller.

For Active Directory Application Mode, you can back up data using the ADAM Writer. Then, you can perform a redirected restore of the data from the ADAM backup to the target system.

To install Active Directory using the Install from Media feature

  1. Perform a standard System State backup of an active Windows Server Domain Controller that is in the target domain.

  2. Transport the tape to the location of the system that will be installed into the target Domain.

    The tape is not encrypted or protected. Symantec recommends that you encrypt the tape. Use caution when transporting it to the location of the target domain.

  3. Inventory the drive where the tape is loaded.

  4. Catalog the tape.

  5. Perform a redirected restore of the System State backup to a temporary location on a volume or directory on the target system. On the Properties pane, under Destination, click File Redirection. And then select redirection options.

    When you redirect restored data, Backup Exec creates a sub-directory for each type of System State data being restored. Backup Exec creates the following sub-directories: Active Directory, SYSVOL, Registry, Boot Files, COM+ Class Registration Database, Certificate Server (if installed), and Cluster Quorum (if installed). Backup Exec also creates Automated System Recovery for Windows Server 2008.

  6. To begin the Domain Controller installation, click Start on the target system, and then click Run.

  7. Type dcpromo /adv

  8. Click OK.

  9. Click Next when the Active Directory Installation Wizard appears.

  10. Select Additional domain controller for an existing domain.

  11. Click Next.

  12. Select From these restored backup files, and then enter the temporary location to which you redirected the System State data in step 5.

  13. Click Next.

  14. Complete the Active Directory Installation Wizard by following the prompts on the screen.

  15. Complete the Domain Controller installation.

  16. Reboot the system that has the new Domain Controller.

  17. Delete any remaining temporary redirected System State files.

    For more information, refer to your Microsoft documentation.

More Information

Creating a backup job by setting job properties

Inventorying media

Cataloging media while reviewing devices or media

Redirecting a restore job