Topic: Disaster Recovery using DAR2 on a new server

[bradleyj00]

I'd like use my DAR2 backup files to create a new server. Hoping someone can offer a little direction on how I might reference the old backup on the new server. Being a brand new installation, the DAR2 doesn't have the corresponding script available, and I have no idea how to access it.

I can see the backup files on the network share, but have no idea as to how I create, or reference the old script that exists only on the old server.

I have been using SME for some years now, and have been very impressed with it. When it comes to backups however, I am always left less than comfortable. Are there any other backup solutions that you would suggest?

Thanks,
Jim

[tropicalview]

Hi Jim,

In the past i transferred from the production server to a temporary server for maintenance and back without any problems using DAR2!

I installed just the OS, did not recover from backup as is a option during installation, and entered whatever information just to access the network.
then i installed all the programs that where installed on the production machine (DAR2, SME7ADMIN, VMWARE ,etc)
when this all was installed, i created a backup rule exactly as on the production server (same IP, Username, etc) and i applied a total recovery.

when the server was restarted it was an identical copy of the production machine, and was ready to use in production immediately.

In my opinion don't search for an other transfer / backup solution as you use already the best for this server (my opinion!)

IF you have questions please ask me..

[janet]

bradleyj00

As advised, one way is to manually recreate the identical backup jobs in the new install of the DAR2 contrib, then do your restore(s).

In the particular case of the Disaster Recovery job, you would firstly install DAR2 contrib, then you would enable the Disaser Recovery job on the new server and then do a full system restore (recovery) from your previously created Disaster Recovery backup job backup file.
When you finish the restore, the DAR2 database and jobs (if there were any others) will be recreated also.

Your problem is not the backup software, but your lack of understanding re how to use it and/or about what is available now.
The sme server has improved backup functionality since the time when the DAR2 contrib was a better choice for many people, due to various technical limitations/issues with the default backup to desktop.

You should take a look at the current default backup routines in sme server, which now include the use of dar to do a backup to workstation or USB, and allow a full weekly backup plus daily incrementals. This effectively supercedes DAR2 for full system backups, although DAR2 is still useful for "specific data only" type backups.

There is also the very good Affa contrib for unattended offsite backups via Internet to a dedicated server, which can also backup to USB etc.

Please see the manual
http://wiki.contribs.org/SME_Server:Documentation:Administration_Manual:Chapter10

More useful info re backups here
http://wiki.contribs.org/Backup_server_config
and here
http://wiki.contribs.org/Category:Backup

[dmay]

bradleyj00

As advised, one way is to manually recreate the identical backup jobs in the new install of the DAR2 contrib, then do your restore(s).limitations/issues with the default backup to desktop.

Your backup target location includes a file called db.zip. Find the dar2 file inside and simply copy to /home/e-smith/db to return your previous configuration.

Darrell

[mercyh]

Darrell,

that is a nice tip. Is there a place in the wiki where we could put this?