[Full Guide] How to Backup Active Directory

What is active directory

Active directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft, primarily used in Windows-based networks to centralize and manage various network resources, including user accounts, computers, printers, and other network-related objects. It serves as a central repository of information, providing a hierarchical and organized structure that simplifies the administration and security management of a network.

In essence, active directory functions as a database that stores and organizes data about the network's users, groups, devices, and other resources. This information is vital for active directory authentication, authorization, and access control throughout the network. AD also facilitates the implementation of group policies, allowing you to enforce security settings, application configurations, and other policies across multiple network devices and users.

Do you need to backup active directory

It is absolutely essential to back up active directory (AD) in any organization that relies on it for user management, security, and network operations. Active directory contains critical data, including user accounts, group policies, security settings, and other network-related information. A failure or corruption of this data can lead to significant disruptions and potential data loss. And here are some key reasons why you need to backup active directory:

• Data Recovery: In the event of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyberattacks, a backup ensures that you can recover your AD data swiftly and efficiently.
• Business Continuity: By having a reliable backup, organizations can minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted network services, avoiding potential revenue loss and damage to their reputation.
• Compliance and Regulations: Many industries have specific data retention and backup requirements. A robust backup strategy helps organizations meet these regulatory obligations.

Therefore, backing up active directory is critical for data resilience, disaster recovery, and maintaining the continuity of network services. Organizations should establish a robust backup strategy, including regular backups, off-site storage, and periodic testing to ensure the reliability and availability of their AD data.

How to backup active directory with Windows Server Backup

Backup active directory is crucial for data resilience and disaster recovery. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing these tasks:

Install Windows Server backup

1. Click the Windows button and access to Server Manager.

2. Navigate to Local Server >> Manage tab, then proceed to click Add Roles and Features option, opening the Add Roles and Features Wizard.

3. In the Select installation type screen, select the Role-based or feature-based installation option and click Next.

4. On the subsequent Select destination server screen, choose the desired server for the installation of roles and features. Windows will automatically display the server pool.

5. In the Select server roles screen, since you are installing a feature, you can skip this section and proceed to the next step. Click Next to continue.

6. In the Select features screen below, locate the Windows Server Backup feature from the list and select it accordingly. Click Next to proceed.

7. In the Confirm installation selections screen, ensure that the Windows Server Backup feature is visible and click the Install button to initiate the installation process.

8. The Windows Server Backup feature will be installed on your local server. Once the installation is completed, click the Close to exit the console.

Backup the active directory database

1. Open the Windows Server Backup console by navigating to Server Manager and clicking on Tools >> Windows Server Backup. Alternatively, you can use the wbadmin.msc active directory command in the Windows Run dialog (Ctrl+R).

2. Once the server backup console appears, initiate a manual AD database backup by clicking on Backup Once.

3. Choose Different options under Backup Options if there is no scheduled backup.

4. Since you just need to back up the active directory, you can select Custom and click Next.

5. In the Select Items for Backup screen, specify the items to include in the backup, such as active directory system state backup. Click on Add items >> System State, and click OK to finalize the process.

6. To enable VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service), navigate to Advanced Settings >> VSS Settings >> VSS Full Backup, and click OK.

7. Specify the backup destination type: Choose Local drives and click Next.

8. In the Select Backup Destination screen, choose the partition where you want to store the backup. Click Next to proceed.

9. Confirm that all backup parameters are correctly configured. Once verified, click Backup to start the backup process. The duration of the backup will vary based on the size of the domain controller server. After successful completion, close the Backup Wizard.

Professional backup solution for AD data protection

Having delved into the crucial process of backing up your Active Directory, which is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of your Windows server environment, now it’s time to broaden your perspective to the broader concept of Windows System Backup. While safeguarding the Active Directory is a significant part of server management, Windows System Backup encompasses the entire server.

Professional backup solutions like AOMEI Cyber Backup offer advanced features and flexibility for comprehensive data protection. It allows you to create routine system backups of your Windows Server, encompassing not just the disk but also the entire system, ensuring quick recovery in case of system failures.

✧Easy-to-use: With the intuitive interface, it's easy to configure System backups with a few clicks.
✧Automated Execution: Create backup schedules to automate backups, reducing the need for manual intervention and potential human errors.
✧Granular Recovery: Allow you to restore individual objects by restoring individual partitions without the need to restore the entire database.
✧Flexible Storage: Backup to local drive, or network destinations like Windows share or NAS.

Next, I will show you how to perform Windows system backup and restore via AOMEI Cyber Backup. Please click the following button to download the freeware version.

* Both free and paid version of AOMEI Cyber Backup support Windows Server 2016/2019/2022/11,10,8,7.

Steps to protect AD data by performing Windows system backup and restore

1. At first, please Download Agent or Update Agent on your target device. When AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent is compatible, it is simple to bind device.

2. Navigate to Source Device >> Windows. It will automatically appear if the device is compatible and online. Otherwise, you need add Windows device by clicking + Add Windows Device to enter your Device Information and User Information.

3. Navigate to Backup Task >> + Create New Task >> System Backup, then set it up according to your needs.

• Backup Target: Choose to backup to a local path or a network path.

• Schedule Backup: Choose to perform full, differential or incremental backup, and automate execution daily, weekly or monthly according to the frequency you specified.

4. Start Backup: You can select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

5. Start Restore: From the created backup tasks, locate the backup task you want to restore and click … >> Restore. Choose to Restore to original location to create the same data directly from the backup.

Conclusion

Backup active directory is not an option; it is a necessity for every organization relying on Windows-based networks. By implementing a comprehensive backup strategy, businesses can protect their critical AD data from potential disasters and data loss scenarios.

In parallel, implementing robust data security measures becomes imperative to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and potential breaches. Windows server backup strengthen the defense against evolving cyber threats, fostering a culture of data protection and regulatory compliance.