System State vs. Bare Metal Backups: Choosing the Right Approach

System State vs. Bare Metal

In the realm of data backup and recovery, two common terms frequently arise: system state and bare metal backups. Understanding the differences between these backup approaches is crucial for devising an optimal data protection strategy.

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the nuances of system state and bare metal backups, helping you make an informed decision about which approach suits your backup and recovery needs.

What is System State Backups

System state backup is about backing up operating system files. It allows for recovery when a machine boots but has lost system files or registry entries. Here's what it includes:

• Domain member: Boot files, COM+ class registration database, and the registry.
• Domain controller: Active Directory (NTDS), boot files, COM+ class registration database, registry, plus the system volume (sysvol folder).
• Machine with cluster services: Alongside the basic components, it also backs up cluster server metadata.
• Machine with certificate services: Besides the regular items, it backs up certificate data.

What is Bare Metal Backups

Bare metal backups, on the other hand, go beyond system state backups by capturing the entire system environment. This backup approach includes not only the critical system files and components but also the operating system, installed applications, user data, and system settings. Bare metal backups provide a complete image of the system, allowing for the restoration of an entire environment to its original state.

Differences between System State and Bare Metal Backups [Comparison]

When evaluating the differences between system state and bare metal backups, several key factors come into play:

1. Backup scope and granularity: System state backups focus on capturing critical system components, while bare metal backups encompass the entire system environment. The granularity of the backup determines the level of recovery options available.
2. Restoration process and requirements: System state backups are typically used to restore specific system elements, such as the registry or Active Directory data. In contrast, bare metal backups enable the restoration of the entire system, requiring more extensive recovery procedures.
3. Time and resource considerations: System state backups are generally quicker to create and restore due to their smaller size and focused scope. Bare metal backups, due to their comprehensive nature, require more time and resources for both backup creation and restoration.

How to backup system state and bare-metal on Windows

Azure Backup Server can be used to perform system state backups and bare-metal backups. Before performing system state backup and BMR backup, you should do the following preparation:

• Deploy Azure Backup Server and ensure its correct deployment.
• Set up storage such as disk, tape, or Azure cloud storage.
• Install the protection agent on the computer to be backed up.

Perform system state / bare metal backup

1. Open the Backup Server management console, select "Protection > Actions > Create Protection Group" to start the Create New Protection Group wizard.

2. On the "Select Protection Group Type" page, select "Servers" and then click "Next."

3. On the "Select Group Members" page, expand the computer and select the "system state" or "BMR" to back it up.

✍Note that the same computer cannot protect both BMR and system state in different protection groups simultaneously.

4. On the "Select Data Protection Method" page, determine the short-term and long-term backup methods (short-term usually involves backing up to disk first, and you can also choose to back up from disk to Azure; long-term can be backed up to tape devices or tape libraries).

5. On the "Select Short-Term Goals" page, set the data retention period on the disk and the frequency of incremental backups.

6. For long-term tape storage, set the tape data retention period and backup frequency on the "Specify Long-Term Goals" page.

7. On the "Select Tape and Library Details" page, select the tape and library, and determine whether to compress and encrypt the data.

8. On the "Review Disk Allocation" page, view the available storage pool disk space for the protection group and edit the backup volume selection.

9. On the "Choose Replica Creation Method" page, select the initial full data replication method (it is recommended to choose network replication during off-peak hours; consider offline replication for large data or poor network conditions).

10. On the "Choose Consistency Check Options" page, set the consistency check method (automatic or manual check as needed).

11. If you choose to back up to the cloud using Azure Backup, select the workloads to be backed up to Azure on the "Specify Online Protection Data" page;

12. On the "Specify Online Backup Schedule" page, set the frequency for incremental backups to Azure;

13. On the "Specify Online Retention Policy" page, set the retention policy for recovery points in Azure.

14. On the "Choose Online Replication" page, select the initial full data replication method.

15. On the "Summary" page, check the settings and click "Create Group." After completion, the data will begin initial copying. Once the copying is complete, the protection group status will change to "OK," and subsequent backups will proceed according to the settings.

Comprehensive Protection for Windows Server Data

Compared to the built-in backup tools of Windows Server, AOMEI Cyber Backup offers more flexible and detailed backup strategy settings. In addition, its user-friendly interface design makes the operation process more intuitive and straightforward. Whether you are a professional IT personnel or a novice administrator, you can easily get started and quickly complete complex backup and recovery tasks, always protecting your Windows Server data.

FAQ about Windows Server Backup bare metal and system state

Q: How to choose the right backup approach

To determine the most suitable backup approach for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Recovery goals: Weigh restoring specific system parts vs the whole, identify critical elements for quick recovery.
• Infrastructure complexity: Assess setup complexity and component interdependencies, plus backup impacts.
• Time & resources: Factor in backup and restore time and resources. System state backups are quicker and lighter; bare metal ones are more thorough but costlier.

Q: In case of a system failure, how do I use the bare metal backup or system state backup to recover my Windows Server?

For a bare metal recovery, you would typically boot the server using a Windows Recovery Environment (such as from a Windows installation media). Then, you would select the option to restore from a backup and navigate to the location where the bare metal backup is stored (e.g., an external drive).

Q: Are there any size limits or minimum requirements for performing bare-metal or system state backups in Windows Server?

For system state backups, the size requirements depend on the components being backed up. For example, the size of the registry may vary based on the server's configuration and the installed software. There is no strict minimum size, but you need enough space to store the backup. Bare metal backups will be larger because they include operating system files and other critical data. You need a storage device with sufficient capacity to accommodate the entire backup. There is no fixed size limit, as it depends on the available storage space you have and the size of the server's critical volumes. However, if you use certain backup destinations, such as tapes, you may be limited by the tape capacity.

Conclusion

System state and bare metal backups present distinct approaches to protect your data and ensure system recoverability. System state backups focus on critical system components, offering a more targeted recovery option, while bare metal backups capture the entire system environment, facilitating complete system restoration.

By considering factors such as recovery objectives, infrastructure complexity, and resource availability, you can make an informed decision on whether to utilize system state or bare metal backups—or a combination of both—to safeguard your data and ensure system recoverability.

Remember, the choice between system state and bare metal backups depends on the specific needs and requirements of your organization. By understanding the differences outlined in this guide, you can confidently select the appropriate backup approach that aligns with your recovery objectives and infrastructure complexity.