X-Vms-From: PSI%SIFVX7::SIFVX1::DINGWALL
X-Vms-To: NOVELL
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.novell
Date:         Tue, 8 Sep 1992 07:23:50 GMT
Reply-To:     Novell LAN Interest Group <NOVELL@SUVM.BITNET>
From:         dingwall@SIFVX1.SINET.SLB.COM
Subject:      Full Server Restore Process/Method

I am interested in what sequence everyone uses for a FULL netware V3.11
restore, say for instance you had a large machine crash/hardware fault.

I currently use arcserve V4.0 and maybe I am missing some documentation but
nowhere in the doc's do I find a complete explanation of the process.

Possibly it is worth while discussing a general restore process method/sequence
that can be abbreviated and placed in the FAQ list.

This is what I think should happen. Any comments would be appreciated. I would
like to know what sequence other people use for restoring backup software and
the steps used for restoring volumes, including any server reboots and at what
stage.


	o	Install any new hardware replacements.

		Useful things to have handy at this time:

			o A backup of any ESIA configuration disks

			o A PC configuration file containing a complete
			  breakdown of what hardware is in the PC along
			  with any notes made at the time of original
			  card/server installation.

	o	Low-Level Format all hard disks using the tools supplied by
		the hard disk controller manufacturer.

		Some controllers have a problem using hard disks preformatted
		by another controller. The time to perform this stage can be
		very lengthy. (** I am very interested in comments about this
		process, especially for SCSI drives. Is it ALWAYS required. **)

	o	Create a DOS partition to hold SERVER.EXE.

		Useful things to have handy at this time:

			o A copy of your server CONFIG.SYS & AUTOEXEC.BAT

			o Backup of DOS partition.

	o	Perform the Netware V3.11 installation using a backup of the
		original installation disks to such a stage that your backup
		software will function.

		Useful things to have handy at this time:

			o A copy of your server STARTUP.NCF & AUTOEXEC.NCF
			  so you can see which commands to type manually
			  during initial server start-up and it can also act
			  as a check list on software to verify for a successful
			  restore. Do you remember what slot your hard disk
			  controller sits.

			o Original Netware disk controller drivers.

	o	Down the server and bring it up again.

	o	Perform the installation process for your backup software if
		it exists on the server.

	o	You now have a default backup system. As several backup systems
		keep a quick restore databases which log the contents of files
		on tape you now need to selectively restore this from your last
		image backup.

	o	Restore the last image of the SYS volume and then reboot the
		server.

	o	Restore all other volume images and reboot the server.

	o	Apply any incremental backups and reboot the server.

	o	Perform any application restore process.

	o	Write down in a server log file why the server failed and
		what you did to recover.



Ian.

---
Ian Dingwall                       SINet  : M_SIF::DINGWALL
Schlumberger Technologies,         DOMAIN : dingwall@sif.sinet.slb.com
Instruments Division,              Phone  : (44) (0) 252 376666 Ex 4479
124 Victoria Road, Farnborough,    Fax    : (44) (0) 252 543854
Hants, Great Britain.              Telex  : USA 1565230002
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU