I'm wondering if it's feasible to use an export of a Domain Controller (DC) from Hyper-V to restore my domain in the event of a total disaster—like if my building burned down, and I had to get a new server. If I periodically export the DC for a very small domain that doesn't change much within the tombstone limit, could users still log in after setting it up on a new host? I know I'd also need to set up DHCP and make another server a second DC. We have a hybrid structure, but AD is our authority. After restoration, I'd need to set up an AD Connect server for synchronization, which could pose issues if a user was created in Azure AD but not on the DC. However, we've managed to manually sync accounts in the past, so I hope we could do that again if necessary. The restore guide seems more geared towards larger environments that may withstand disasters. While I know Veeam is an option for backup and restore, I'm curious if I can skip that step and still have a solid recovery plan.
4 Answers
You've got a lot to consider! If you're unsure whether you're exporting a VM copy or doing a system state backup, it's better to go for the latter. Think about the tombstone lifetime—the wrong settings can put you in a tight spot. How many password resets do you want to deal with after a disaster? Also, remember the potential chaos with service accounts and DNS changes. Plus, since you’ve got a hybrid setup, consider how users sync between AD and Azure. It’s crucial to test your recovery process regularly to avoid chaos when you actually need it. Don’t forget to prepare your recovery server in advance! Having a robust backup plan is key to maintaining business continuity.
Absolutely, you can use a DC copy! Just remember to adjust the tombstone settings and DFSR stale time, which defaults to 60 days. Keeping multiple VM copies can simplify recovery. However, the best practice is to utilize Windows Server Backup for a full system backup before restoring. This resets the counters effectively for DCs. Test the recovery process frequently to avoid hiccups in urgent situations.
Yes, you can set up a new DC using the Hyper-V export. However, keep in mind your clients might lose domain trust initially, which is easy to fix. Still, it's best to have a proper backup solution in place, just in case there's data that needs safeguarding.
When a disaster strikes, you don’t want to scramble for backups. A solid backup system enables easy restoration. It's vital to test your backups regularly and have a documented recovery process. Avoid cutting corners on backups—investing now will save you from chaos later on. Consider getting Veeam for reliable nightly backups, replicating them offsite, and testing the restore process every few months to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Great points! Also, ensure you're clear on how Entra and Azure fit into your recovery strategy. You’re responsible for your data there, especially for identity services.