Hyper-V Domain Controller Boot Issues. How to Backup prior to running chkdsk

Question

Good Morning, I have a 2012R2 host running a 2012r2 DC.  I am using Arcserve SPX for backups.  My backups won’t boot.  Arcserve support has discovered errors: Arcserve has asked me to run chkdsk /f /r.  This is my PDC and file server. I want to create a functional backup prior to the repair (Stuff happens).  What is the best way to achieve this please.  Export, Replicate or other 3^rd party backup solution.  I am worried this thing might never boot again and I must be prepared. TIA Chris Arcserve Case Notes follow:
[Findings]

• Disk\volume corruption found from the Windows system and application logs. A few entries are shown below. Source disk\volume corruption could cause the boot failure from the backup data as well.
• The \Device\Harddisk0\DR0 disk is the C: volume disk.

 
Log Name:      System
Source:        disk
Date:          12/24/2023 8:01:25 PM
Event ID:      32
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      DC-1.mydomain.com
Description:
The driver detected that the device \Device\Harddisk0\DR0 has its write cache enabled. Data corruption may occur.

Log Name:      System
Source:        volsnap
Date:          10/10/2023 7:06:19 PM
Event ID:      8
Task Category: None
Level:         Error
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      DC-01.mydomain.com Description:
The flush and hold writes operation on volume C: timed out while waiting for a release writes command. Arcserve has asked me to run chkdsk /f /r.  This is my PDC on and file server.  I want to create a functional backup prior to the repair (Stuff happens).  What is the best way to achieve this please.  Export, Replicate or other 3^rd party backup solution.  I am worried this thing might never boot again and I must be prepared. TIA Chris

Answer 1

Hi Chris,

Hope you're doing well.

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that your backups won't boot due to disk/volume corruption. Arcserve support has recommended running "chkdsk /f /r" to repair the logical file system errors and scan for bad sectors. Before running "chkdsk", it's advisable to create a full backup of your data to ensure that you have a functional backup in case something goes wrong.

At the same time, you can try to use Windows Server Backup to do the full backup.

It's important to note that creating a backup is not a substitute for repairing the disk/volume corruption. You should still run "chkdsk /f /r" to repair the errors and scan for bad sectors. chkdsk | Microsoft Learn

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Ian Xue

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