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  1. Introduction
  2. Capabilities
  3. Structure
  4. The Registry
  5. System and Configuration Files
  6. Security
  7. Application Support
  8. Requirements
  9. Installation
  10. Unattended Installation
  11. Booting
  12. Filesystems
  13. Programs
  14. Control Panel
  15. Tool
  16. Commands
  17. Customization
  18. Environment Variables
  19. Printing
  20. Performance
  21. System Services
  22. Permissions
  23. Groups
  24. User Rights and Auditing
  25. User Profiles
  26. Policies
  27. Network Model
  28. Resource Access
  29. Network Browsing
  30. Protocol Support
  31. RAS
  32. Networking
  33. Backups
  34. Events
  35. Error Handling
  36. Diagnostic Tools
  37. Items to Memorize
  38. Terms
  39. Credits

Windows NT File Backup

Backup Permissions

Users with read or backup permission can backup specific files. On NT server, users who are members of the Server Operators group can back up files. On NT workstation, other users who can backup any files include:

  • Administrators.
  • Users who are in the local Backup Operators group.

Microsoft Backup strategy

When choosing backup strategy consider what data requires backup, whether it is stored in a central location or if it resides on several computers, and how often the data should be backed up. The registry and the SAM on the domain controller should be backed up daily.

Types of Backups

  • Normal - Saves files and folders and shows they were backed up by setting the archive bit.
  • Copy - Saves files and folders without setting the archive bit.
  • Incremental - Saves files and folders that have been modified since the last backup. The archive bit is set.
  • Differential - Saves files and folders that have been modified since the last backup. The archive bit is not set..
  • Daily - Saves files and folders that have been changed that day. The archive bit is not set.

Microsoft Backup Terms

  • Backup Set - The group of files and directories that are stored on a tape during one backup session. Multiple backup sets may be stored on a tape.
  • Family Set - Tapes that the backup set is stored on.
  • Catalog - The list of directories and files stored on the backup set. It is stored on the last tape in the set.
  • Backup Log - The log file for the backup which records the backup details including the date and files backed up.

Tape Options

  • Append - Puts the new backup set after the previous set on the tape.
  • Replace - Old backup sets are overwritten by the new backup.
  • Verify after backup - Verifies whether the files were accurately saved on the tape.
  • Backup Registry - Allows the system registry to be backed up.
  • Restrict Access - Only allows administrators, backup operators, or the tape owner to use the tape for file recovery.
  • Hardware Compression - Allows the backed up data to be compressed on the tape.

The registry cannot be restored remotely on a computer, but files may.

Restore Options

  • Restore Registry - The system registry is restored from the tape to the local computer.
  • Restore Permissions - The file and file permissions (Access control list entries) are restored to their state when the file was backed up. The file will have the default permissions of the directory it is restored to unless this option is chosen.
  • Verify After Restore - It is confirmed that the files were correctly restored.

The registry cannot be restored remotely on a computer, but files may.

Log file Options

  • Summary Only
  • Copy full detail - Logs the names of files and directories backed up.
  • Don't log

A backup may be begun using the NTBACKUP command line tool or by selecting "Backup" in the "Administrative Tools" section of the start menu. The AT command may be used to schedule backups from the command line interface.