How to Backup and Restore DNS Windows Server 2016

What is DNS

DNS, the acronym for Domain Name System, is a hierarchical and distributed naming system that acts as a phonebook for the internet. It translates human-readable domain names, like www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses, such as 192.168.1.1. This translation process allows you to access websites, send emails, and perform various network activities without having to remember complex numerical IP addresses.

The key role and significance of DNS on Windows Server 2016

DNS plays a key role in the functioning of a Windows Server 2016 environment, and its significance lies in its ability to provide seamless and efficient network communication. The primary roles and significance of DNS on Windows Server 2016 are as follows:

• Domain Name Resolution: DNS acts as a reliable phonebook for the internet, translating human-readable domain names, like www.example.com, into machine-readable IP addresses, such as 192.168.1.1.
• Load Balancing: In scenarios where multiple servers host the same service, DNS can be used for load balancing. By distributing requests across multiple servers with the same hostname, DNS helps optimize resource utilization and improve overall system performance.
• Fault Tolerance: DNS can be configured with redundancy to provide fault tolerance. By setting up multiple DNS servers or changing DNS servers, if one server fails, the other servers can continue to handle DNS queries, ensuring continuous domain name resolution.
• Active Directory Integration: In a Windows Server environment, DNS and Active Directory are closely integrated. DNS is crucial for locating and authenticating Active Directory domain controllers, allowing efficient user authentication and management within the domain.
• Zone Management: Windows Server 2016 DNS supports the creation of DNS zones, which are authoritative domains for which the DNS server is responsible. You can manage and configure these zones to control name resolution and resource mapping within their domain.

How to backup and restore DNS Windows Server 2016

Regularly backup DNS zone is critical to safeguarding against potential data loss or system failures. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take DNS backup in windows 2016 server and restore DNS from backup:

Backup DNS Windows Server 2016

For this kind of DNS operations, Microsoft created the DNSServer and DNSClient PowerShell modules, notably the Export-DnsServerZone cmdlet. The following example demonstrates the simple syntax for backup DNS PowerShell:

Export-DNSServerZone "zone name" "zone file name"

dnscmd /zoneexport "your zone name" "zone file name"

dnscmd /zoneadd "yourzone.com" /primary /file yourzone.com.dns /load

Restore DNS Windows Server 2016

1. Instead of pasting the zone file into the backup folder, place it in the root of the c:\\windows\\system32\\dns folder.

2. Click Next in the DNS dialogue box to create a new zone from the DNS management console.

3. To save a restored zone in AD during the creation process, you can select or uncheck the store in Active Directory checkbox.

4. Name the DNS zone file exactly as the DNS zone you have backed up.

Note: Pay attention to the warning that the file must be copied to the folder %systemroot\\system32\\dns.

5. The Dynamic Update option will be set to Do not allow dynamic updates by default when importing. This implies that your clients won't be able to automatically update DNS. It is possible to configure it to accept both secure and insecure dynamic updates, but doing so poses a security risk.

Note: The allow only secure dynamic updates has been disabled. Active Directory only makes this option available for integrated zones.

6. Finish the New Zone Wizard. As you can see, the new zone is created and mounted in the DNS server.

Reliable data protection for DNS Windows server

While Windows Server Backup is a viable option, it may lack some advanced features required for comprehensive data protection and recovery. This is where AOMEI Cyber Backup comes into play as a powerful alternative.

AOMEI Cyber Backup allows you to create regular system backups of your Windows Server 2016, including system backup, disk backup, and partition backup, while providing the following benefits:

❈ Centralized Management: In simple interface, you can manage backups of your virtual machines, databases and physical machines with only one software.
❈ Flexible Scheduling: Schedule backups to occur at convenient times when server activity is low, minimizing disruptions to your network services.
❈ Instant Recovery: In event of a catastrophic failure, this software enables instant recovery to protect against data loss.
❈ Multiple Storage Destinations: Backup to local drive, or network destinations like Windows share or NAS.

Please click the following button to try AOMEI Cyber Backup and download the freeware:

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

Steps to perform Windows server 2016 system backup

1. Initially, the installation of the AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent on your target device is required prior to initiating the creation of a Windows server backup.

2. Navigate to Source Device >> Windows, it will automatically appear if the device is compatible and online. If not, you will have to manually include the Windows device. To do this, click on + Add Windows Device option, where you will be prompted to provide both Device Information and User Information.

3. Access to Backup Task >> + Create New Task, and select System Backup as your backup type.

4. Specify your backup settings - Task Name, Device Name, Target, and Schedule as you need.

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

6. Restore from backup: You can easily restore the Windows system to the original PC, saving the trouble of re-configuration and reinstallation.

One more method to protect your Windows server

Here's another effective backup strategy you can consider: utilize a dependable and professional backup and recovery program called AOMEI Backupper Server. After creating a backup task using this software, you'll have the capability to effortlessly recover your data in case of unfortunate events.

Don’t hesitate to download AOMEI Backupper to enjoy this software:

Step 1. Launch this software. In the dark blue interface, click Backup in the left panel and then select System Backup Windows Server backup.

Step 2. The program will automatically select the system partitions by default. Click the box below the arrow to select the destination to save the Windows Server image backup.

Step 3. Click Start backup to back up Windows Server.

Conclusion

DNS is a fundamental component of network infrastructure, and its stability is critical for uninterrupted internet connectivity. Windows Server 2016, with its built-in DNS service, efficiently manages domain name resolution for enhanced network performance. To ensure the security and availability of DNS records, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach towards regular backups.

By following the step-by-step guide to backup DNS Windows Server 2016, you can mitigate the risks of data loss and system failures, empowering your system to efficient network operations. Please emphasize the significance of DNS backups, which will undoubtedly fortify the overall reliability and resilience of Windows Server 2016 environments.