Restore Windows Server with Veritas Backup Exec

How to Restore Windows Server With Veritas Backup Exec After Windows Corruption

This guide will help you restore a Windows Server from backup using Veritas Backup Exec, particularly in cases where the system is corrupted. Follow each step carefully, especially if the server is hosting SQL Server. This guide includes steps to merge registry changes during the restoration process.

Note: This process should only be performed by a qualified IT Systems Administrator with experience in server restoration and backup management. Incorrect handling of these steps could result in data loss or further system corruption.

Step 1: Install Fresh Windows and Backup Exec Agent

  1. Install Fresh Windows:
    • Start by installing a fresh copy of Windows on the server.
    • Make sure the Windows version matches the version used in the original setup.
  2. Install the Backup Exec Agent:
    • Install the Backup Exec Agent on the fresh Windows installation to prepare for the restoration.

Step 2: Restore System State Without the Registry

  1. Restore System State:
    • In Backup Exec, restore the System State, but exclude the Registry from the restore process. This will bring back critical system components without causing registry conflicts.
  2. Reboot the Server:
    • After restoring the system state (excluding the registry), reboot the server.

Step 3: Restore the EFI Partition

  1. Restore the EFI Partition:
    • Restore the EFI partition if your system uses UEFI. The EFI partition is necessary for booting UEFI-based systems.
  2. Reboot:
    • After restoring the EFI partition, reboot the server to ensure that the system can boot properly.

Step 4: Restore the Full C: Drive

  1. Restore the C: Drive:
    • Restore the entire C: drive from your backup to bring back system files, programs, and configurations.
  2. Reboot:
    • After restoring the C: drive, reboot the server.

Step 5: Restore the Registry (With Merging Changes)

  1. Restore the Registry:
    • Restore the Registry using Backup Exec. During this step:
      • Select the option to “Merge Changes” in the Veritas Backup Exec software. This ensures the restored registry data is combined with the existing system.
    • You might see the following error: 0xe000030e - Unable to swap out active registry hive with new data. This error is expected but does not prevent the registry from being applied upon reboot.
  2. Reboot the Server:
    • After restoring the registry (despite the error), reboot the server to allow the changes to take effect.

Step 6: Fix SQL Server (If Installed)

  1. Uninstall SQL Server:
    • If the server had SQL Server installed, it may be corrupted after the restoration. To fix this:
      • Uninstall SQL Server from Programs and Features.
  2. Reboot the Server:
    • After uninstalling SQL Server, reboot the server.
  3. Reinstall SQL Server:
    • Reinstall the version of SQL Server that was running on the server before the issue occurred.
  4. Restore SQL Databases:
    • Restore the SQL Server databases from your backup to bring them back to their original state.

Conclusion

This guide should help you successfully restore your server from backup using Veritas Backup Exec, even when facing system corruption or registry issues. Key steps include properly restoring the system state, handling registry restoration errors by selecting the option to merge changes, and reinstalling SQL Server if necessary.

Feel free to adjust any steps based on your server environment or specific configuration. Contact IT Troubleshooter for any backups related issues.