Windows Home Server test restore?

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kiwipeter

142 posts

Master Geek
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Topic # 67026 27-Aug-2010 09:42

Hi all,

I am going to perform a test restore from WHS v1 (PP3) onto my recently backed up laptop. I have always believed that a backup is only of use if it can be restored, so I do like to test these things. (But, just to be sure I have made a Casper clone of my laptop drive onto an external USB drive in case it all goes to custard!)

Anyway, before I begin has anyone got any words of wisdom? I have already copied off the Windows Home Server Drivers for Restore folder from a scheduled backup on WHS and placed this onto my USB key - I hope of course that this folder does contain the drivers that will be required during the restore process... I also have the latest Restore CD downloaded and burned onto a boot CD.

I think I am all set.

Thanks,
Peter.

Nety

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Reply # 373489 27-Aug-2010 10:43

You should be fine. Only issue I have ever had with restore was when the drivers were nested too deep in the folder structure on the USB key.

Other then that is a piece of cake.

Media centre PC - Case Silverstone LC16M with 2 X 80mm AcoustiFan DustPROOF, MOBO Gigabyte MA785GT-UD3H, CPU AMD X2 240 under volted, RAM 4 Gig DDR3 1033, HDD 120Gig System/512Gig data, Tuners 2 X Hauppauge HVR-3000, 1 X HVR-2200, Video Palit GT 220, Sound Realtek 886A HD (onboard), Optical LiteOn DH-401S Blue-ray using TotalMedia Theatre Power Corsair VX Series, 450W ATX PSU OS Windows 7 x64

kiwipeter

142 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

Reply # 373737 27-Aug-2010 20:11

It's currently restoring now, but I had an hour or so of head scratching trying to get the restore boot CD to pick up my laptop's on board NIC. When I first attempted the restore, my NIC would not activate (due to the wrong drivers on the USB key) and therefore could not locate my WHS. It turns out that the network drivers that my laptop required were not included in those that MS say should be copied to the USB key from the WHS. So I had to manually locate some x86 drivers from the Acer website and extract those to my USB key. After another reboot, the restore CD procedure picked them up and I was able to proceed.

Glad I attempted this now, and not when stressed following a real HDD failure.

Maybe you guys should do the same...

Cheers