VM Domaine Controler : backup and restore, is it sufficient to save only the vhd?

Question

Hello,

• We have 2 DC's windows server 2008R2 in our domaine, both are vm in different hosts.
• Bakup procedure: For backup we save daily the vhd for each machine
• Restore procedure: for restore (for exemple if we lost the host) we will juste create a new vm with the same configuration and attach the vhd.

• But a friend told me that this solution is not possible for DC machine, we can use it for another server (printer, antivirus, dhcp....) but not for DC, is it true?
• Must i use windows server backup to save the ADDS and DNS ?
• Is there a open third party solution ?

Many thank's

Thread source link: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/449f1359-d163-4382-9c93-055d3d853ab1/vm-domaine-controler-backup-and-restore-is-it-sufficient-to-save-only-the-vhd?forum=windowsbackup

Answer 1

Hi,
The supported method of restoring a domain controller to a healthy state is to use an Active Directory–compatible backup application, such as Windows Server Backup, to restore a system state backup that originated from the current installation of the domain controller. I suggest you check the guide below to backup and restore a VM DC.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/dd363553%28v%3dws.10%29#backup-and-restore-considerations-for-virtualized-domain-controllers

In addition, here is the similar thread discussed before.

Best way to backup virtual domain controller

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windowsserver/en-US/d4b06691-3765-4288-afd5-8a2ed76a49a9/best-way-to-backup-virtual-domain-controller

And since this is windows server backup forum, we mainly focus on the problem about build-in feature windows server backup (WSB). For the 3rd party backup software, I couldn't find the recommendation from Microsoft. I'm afraid you may need to find that and contact the related vendors.

Best Regards,