In the previous installment of this tip, I outlined how to create an ASR backup set that can be used to recover from server failure. However, you also need to know what to do with the backup set in the event of server failure. By following the steps below you can use the ASR backup and floppy disk to restore your server to the state it was when these backup set was created.

1. Insert the Windows Server 2003 installation CD-ROM. If prompted, press any key to boot from the CD-ROM.
2. When prompted, press F2 to run Automated System Recovery (ASR).
3. Insert the ASR floppy disk.
4. Once the computer reboots, the Automated System Recovery wizard will start.
5. Confirm the location of the disk backup-file.
6. Once the process is complete, verify that all data and settings have been restored.

In order to completely understand how the process works, I would highly recommend practicing both processes - creating the ASR backup set and using it to restore a system. Also remember that each time you make major changes to a server’s configuration, you should create a new ASR backup set.

[tags]server 2003, windows, automated system recovery, asr, floppy, diana huggins[/tags]