Can server and client backups be stored on the same internal drive in Windows Server 2016 Essentials?

Question

Hi all,

I'm trying to create a local backup scheme for our studio through the WS2016E Dashboard and am running into a problem: Is it possible to store both the client computer/file history backups and the server backup on the same dedicated internal HDD (6 TB). The drive that stores the other ServerFolders -- Company, Users, Folder Redirection (which we don't use) -- is a 512 GB SSD, too small to hold daily saves of 3 workstations and the server.

Here's what I've tried/figured out so far...

• As part of the ServerFolders the Client Computer and File History Backups can only seem to be moved to a drive with an existing drive letter (ex. Z:).
• When I attempt to set up the Server Backup through the Dashboard, it wipes all partitions and formats the drive, erasing the letter.
• If I set up the Server Backup first, then map the drive to a letter, then move the Client Computer Backups, it prompts me to double-check the Server Backup settings which removes the drive letter on completion.
• If I move the File History Backups to the same drive as the Server Backups, it returns the error "Cannot enable shadow copy on the hard drive"

After fighting with this for hours I've ordered a 2nd backup-focused hard drive, but is there something I'm missing or an easier way to do this?

Thanks,

C.J.
Polyhedron Productions

Answer 1

Hi,

It best to separate the server backup and client backup into two hard drives.

Once you set up the Server Backup, the drive will be hidden. So, if you set up the client backup in the same drive, you will not be able to read the client backup.

Also, 6 TB is usually not enough to cover both server backup and client backup.

So, in order to reset up the backup in the future, you'e better to setup the server and client backup separately into two hard drive.

Thanks,
Eleven