Recover SBS 2003 via WinXP Pro and SBS Backup file...

I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
good, etc...
So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
How can I get it back?
I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
- it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
fine.
So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
services,etc... Scary...
Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Andrew

That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things, including
bad drivers.

Can you boot the machine in safe mode?

-Cliff


"Andrew Meador" <andrew@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
> failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
> is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
> Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
> have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
> hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
> Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
> worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
> good, etc...
> So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
> file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
> software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
> assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
> How can I get it back?
> I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
> cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
> controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
> use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
> - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
> SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
> XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
> controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
> fine.
> So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
> REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
> server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
> Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
> this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
> servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
> receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
> have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
> don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
> to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
> to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
> services,etc... Scary...
> Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
> Thanks!
>
> Andrew

On Aug 29, 1:15 am, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
> That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things, including
> bad drivers.
>
> Can you boot the machine in safe mode?
>
> -Cliff
>
> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>
> news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>
> > I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
> > failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
> > is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
> > Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
> > have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
> > hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
> > Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
> > worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
> > good, etc...
> > So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
> > file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
> > software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
> > assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
> > How can I get it back?
> > I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
> > cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
> > controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
> > use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
> > - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
> > SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
> > XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
> > controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
> > fine.
> > So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
> > REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
> > server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
> > Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
> > this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
> > servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
> > receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
> > have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
> > don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
> > to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
> > to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
> > services,etc... Scary...
> > Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
> > Thanks!
>
> > Andrew

Nope. As soon as the BIOSs load (MBD BIOS,SCSI Controller BIOS, then
RAID BIOS) it pops up the message. You don't get far enough to even
try safe mode.

SInce I am able to boot from this other drive on the server, and it
can access the RAID, can I just have the Win XP Backup restore to the
RAID and just be back to normal? The typical method is to restore in
place on a re-install of the OS brought to same SP level. I wonder if
that is what causes all the re-configuring that has to be done as in
that scenario some files probably are in use and cannot be restored
(like registry hives?) - thus reconfiguration is needed. Since I am
not running off the RAID - wouldn't it just put the RAID file
structure back in place as it was as of the point the backup was done
and then just work? Maybe erase the contents of the RAID first to make
sure there are no newer shadow copy files, etc... than what are on the
backup? Or leave it in place? I just don't know.

Andrew

Hi Andrew,

That is most probably in the system state backup part. What kind of hardware
do you have and which Raid controller? You should be able to get the Raid
drivers and feed them with a floppy disk during F6. You also might try a
repair install, but that will need to have the W2k3 servicepack and hotfixes
applied after it is up and running again. If that won't work, do a fresh
install of the OS, bring it up to the same level for the W2k3 and restore
from the backup.

--
Regards,

Marina Roos
Microsoft SBS-MVP
One of the Magical M&M's
www.smallbizserver.net
Take part in SBS forum: http://www.smallbizserver.net/Default.aspx?tabid=53
"Andrew Meador" <andrew@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
> failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
> is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
> Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
> have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
> hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
> Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
> worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
> good, etc...
> So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
> file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
> software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
> assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
> How can I get it back?
> I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
> cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
> controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
> use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
> - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
> SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
> XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
> controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
> fine.
> So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
> REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
> server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
> Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
> this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
> servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
> receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
> have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
> don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
> to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
> to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
> services,etc... Scary...
> Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
> Thanks!
>
> Andrew

No...what you need is a 'system state' restore, which cannot be done from
another OS. A system-state restore uses specific API calls within the OS,
which assumes it is the target OS, to restore certain sections of the AD
database and registry to ensure consistency.

I think your current situation will require the rebuild/restore method.

-Cliff


"Andrew Meador" <andrew@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
news:d0be7e1c-60f2-41fe-a4cb-a6e62ded1198@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
> On Aug 29, 1:15 am, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things, including
>> bad drivers.
>>
>> Can you boot the machine in safe mode?
>>
>> -Cliff
>>
>> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
>> > failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
>> > is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
>> > Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
>> > have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
>> > hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
>> > Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
>> > worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
>> > good, etc...
>> > So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
>> > file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
>> > software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
>> > assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
>> > How can I get it back?
>> > I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
>> > cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
>> > controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
>> > use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
>> > - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
>> > SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
>> > XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
>> > controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
>> > fine.
>> > So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
>> > REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
>> > server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
>> > Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
>> > this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
>> > servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
>> > receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
>> > have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
>> > don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
>> > to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
>> > to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
>> > services,etc... Scary...
>> > Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
>> > Thanks!
>>
>> > Andrew
>
> Nope. As soon as the BIOSs load (MBD BIOS,SCSI Controller BIOS, then
> RAID BIOS) it pops up the message. You don't get far enough to even
> try safe mode.
>
> SInce I am able to boot from this other drive on the server, and it
> can access the RAID, can I just have the Win XP Backup restore to the
> RAID and just be back to normal? The typical method is to restore in
> place on a re-install of the OS brought to same SP level. I wonder if
> that is what causes all the re-configuring that has to be done as in
> that scenario some files probably are in use and cannot be restored
> (like registry hives?) - thus reconfiguration is needed. Since I am
> not running off the RAID - wouldn't it just put the RAID file
> structure back in place as it was as of the point the backup was done
> and then just work? Maybe erase the contents of the RAID first to make
> sure there are no newer shadow copy files, etc... than what are on the
> backup? Or leave it in place? I just don't know.
>
> Andrew

On Aug 29, 8:56 pm, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
> No...what you need is a 'system state' restore, which cannot be done from
> another OS. A system-state restore uses specific API calls within the OS,
> which assumes it is the target OS, to restore certain sections of the AD
> database and registry to ensure consistency.
>
> I think your current situation will require the rebuild/restore method.
>
> -Cliff
>
> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>
> news:d0be7e1c-60f2-41fe-a4cb-a6e62ded1198@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>
> > On Aug 29, 1:15 am, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things, including
> >> bad drivers.
>
> >> Can you boot the machine in safe mode?
>
> >> -Cliff
>
> >> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>
> >>news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>
> >> > I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a power
> >> > failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following file
> >> > is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the SBS
> >> > Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
> >> > have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
> >> > hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
> >> > Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This has
> >> > worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
> >> > good, etc...
> >> > So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
> >> > file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP Backup
> >> > software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
> >> > assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really missing/corrupted?
> >> > How can I get it back?
> >> > I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
> >> > cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
> >> > controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
> >> > use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use them
> >> > - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an internal
> >> > SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
> >> > XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
> >> > controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
> >> > fine.
> >> > So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
> >> > REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
> >> > server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
> >> > Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to get
> >> > this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and Web
> >> > servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
> >> > receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
> >> > have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services.... REALLY
> >> > don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on how
> >> > to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the Connect
> >> > to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
> >> > services,etc... Scary...
> >> > Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
> >> > Thanks!
>
> >> > Andrew
>
> > Nope. As soon as the BIOSs load (MBD BIOS,SCSI Controller BIOS, then
> > RAID BIOS) it pops up the message. You don't get far enough to even
> > try safe mode.
>
> > SInce I am able to boot from this other drive on the server, and it
> > can access the RAID, can I just have the Win XP Backup restore to the
> > RAID and just be back to normal? The typical method is to restore in
> > place on a re-install of the OS brought to same SP level. I wonder if
> > that is what causes all the re-configuring that has to be done as in
> > that scenario some files probably are in use and cannot be restored
> > (like registry hives?) - thus reconfiguration is needed. Since I am
> > not running off the RAID - wouldn't it just put the RAID file
> > structure back in place as it was as of the point the backup was done
> > and then just work? Maybe erase the contents of the RAID first to make
> > sure there are no newer shadow copy files, etc... than what are on the
> > backup? Or leave it in place? I just don't know.
>
> > Andrew

Ahhh - you did give an answer - but I would still have preferred it
without the slap on the rist. I just saw that you posted here after
reading your last post in my re-post of this issue. If you still want
to answer me - I'd appreciate it - as I always do to those who
actually try to help.
The backup and restore instructions from MS still have you go
through re-configuration - so what are they loosing in their method?
Is there a combination - can I install SBS over the current install -
bring it up to same level SP and such, do a restore from within SBS
and then restore any specific files from the backup that may put all
the configs back as they were without having to go through those again
manually?
This all just seems so cumbersome - trying to get the SBS back to
the exact same SP and hotfix level as the original, re-configuring
stuff, etc... SBS backup actually backs of a copy of a shadow copy -
when it does a backup - so why wouldn't all the data from files on the
system be intact for a true FULL restore. I would think this would get
everything - similar to running a ghost image of the drive. Maybe not.
But your opinion at this point is that there is no other way to get
this back to snuff without following the MS restore directions? If so
- that's is sooo annoying to have to do all of that.

P.S. If you don't want to respond considering my post to your hand
slapping on the re-post thread - I'll understand. I don't apologize
for what I said as I meant what I said, but I will accept your help if
you want to give it. If there is anything I can ever assist your with
- I will do it - if I have time & see your post - even if it is a re-
post ;) But, I bet you've NEVER done that though - right? ;)

Andrew

Inline:

-Cliff


"Andrew Meador" <andrew@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
news:cad3c900-3345-48e6-8555-8b60f4979473@2g2000hsn.googlegroups.com...
> On Aug 29, 8:56 pm, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> No...what you need is a 'system state' restore, which cannot be done from
>> another OS. A system-state restore uses specific API calls within the
>> OS,
>> which assumes it is the target OS, to restore certain sections of the AD
>> database and registry to ensure consistency.
>>
>> I think your current situation will require the rebuild/restore method.
>>
>> -Cliff
>>
>> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:d0be7e1c-60f2-41fe-a4cb-a6e62ded1198@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > On Aug 29, 1:15 am, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >> That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things,
>> >> including
>> >> bad drivers.
>>
>> >> Can you boot the machine in safe mode?
>>
>> >> -Cliff
>>
>> >> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>>
>> >>news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> >> > I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a
>> >> > power
>> >> > failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following
>> >> > file
>> >> > is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the
>> >> > SBS
>> >> > Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
>> >> > have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
>> >> > hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
>> >> > Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This
>> >> > has
>> >> > worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
>> >> > good, etc...
>> >> > So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
>> >> > file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP
>> >> > Backup
>> >> > software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
>> >> > assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really
>> >> > missing/corrupted?
>> >> > How can I get it back?
>> >> > I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
>> >> > cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
>> >> > controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
>> >> > use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use
>> >> > them
>> >> > - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an
>> >> > internal
>> >> > SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
>> >> > XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
>> >> > controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
>> >> > fine.
>> >> > So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
>> >> > REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
>> >> > server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
>> >> > Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to
>> >> > get
>> >> > this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and
>> >> > Web
>> >> > servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
>> >> > receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
>> >> > have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services....
>> >> > REALLY
>> >> > don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on
>> >> > how
>> >> > to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the
>> >> > Connect
>> >> > to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
>> >> > services,etc... Scary...
>> >> > Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
>> >> > Thanks!
>>
>> >> > Andrew
>>
>> > Nope. As soon as the BIOSs load (MBD BIOS,SCSI Controller BIOS, then
>> > RAID BIOS) it pops up the message. You don't get far enough to even
>> > try safe mode.
>>
>> > SInce I am able to boot from this other drive on the server, and it
>> > can access the RAID, can I just have the Win XP Backup restore to the
>> > RAID and just be back to normal? The typical method is to restore in
>> > place on a re-install of the OS brought to same SP level. I wonder if
>> > that is what causes all the re-configuring that has to be done as in
>> > that scenario some files probably are in use and cannot be restored
>> > (like registry hives?) - thus reconfiguration is needed. Since I am
>> > not running off the RAID - wouldn't it just put the RAID file
>> > structure back in place as it was as of the point the backup was done
>> > and then just work? Maybe erase the contents of the RAID first to make
>> > sure there are no newer shadow copy files, etc... than what are on the
>> > backup? Or leave it in place? I just don't know.
>>
>> > Andrew
>
> Ahhh - you did give an answer - but I would still have preferred it
> without the slap on the rist. I just saw that you posted here after
> reading your last post in my re-post of this issue. If you still want
> to answer me - I'd appreciate it - as I always do to those who
> actually try to help.
We'd all prefer to go through life without a slap on the wrist. I take very
little personally, but I accept criticism when it is due. You seem..less
open to that aspect of "help." Hopefully that will change.

> The backup and restore instructions from MS still have you go
> through re-configuration - so what are they loosing in their method?
> Is there a combination - can I install SBS over the current install -
> bring it up to same level SP and such, do a restore from within SBS
> and then restore any specific files from the backup that may put all
> the configs back as they were without having to go through those again
> manually?
Since the system is so severely damaged that its core files are no longer
working (no safe mode,) then no, I do not recommend any hybrid/shortcut
method. The registry, for example, links dlls to class ID's and vice versa.
So a restore could leave a corrupt/bad class ID in place...and although it
would *also* link the DLL to a good class ID, the bad ID would still throw
off programs referencing it. Bad mojo. Clean install is the only safe way
to go here.

> This all just seems so cumbersome - trying to get the SBS back to
> the exact same SP and hotfix level as the original, re-configuring
> stuff, etc...
Indeed, it is. But this level of restore is usually only necessary after a
significant hardware failure. If your RAID card fails, the drives are
usually still good, so you just replace the RAID. No restore necessary.
Mobo, same thing. This level of restore is reserved for significant data
failure/corruptioin, which due to the nature of the UPS being dead and
apparently no RAID or a raid card without its own battery for the cache,
you've got *BIG* problems. And with big problems comes the difficult
processes to resolve them.

> SBS backup actually backs of a copy of a shadow copy -
> when it does a backup - so why wouldn't all the data from files on the
> system be intact for a true FULL restore. I would think this would get
> everything - similar to running a ghost image of the drive. Maybe not.
Files? Yes. But there are things that happen at the database level for AD
and in the registry that simply can't be captured in a file-state backup.
It is the same reason why Exchange (even using shadow copies) needs its own
VSS writer or third-party exchange agent. SQL server, same thing. And the
system state is *closely* linked to service pack/hotfix. I've done restores
on machines that weren't patched first. The machine either fails to boot or
goes in a reboot cycle reminiscent of a mismatched HAL from the old NT4
days. It isn't worth the extra time it takes to discover the problem.

> But your opinion at this point is that there is no other way to get
> this back to snuff without following the MS restore directions? If so
> - that's is sooo annoying to have to do all of that.
There is on alternative I have used (sparingly) when the admin called me in
(I'm a consultant) and they had failed to document their server. No
'experimenting' could get the server up to the right combination of SP and
hotfix. Every restore broke the server beyond usable.

That method, highly discouraged, but *does* usually work, is to restore the
system state to a clean virtual machine running win2k3 R2. *NOT* SBS.
Win2k3 R2 has more updated drivers than the SBS install disks, and is more
lenient to bad system-state mismatches. The restore gets the AD structure
in place, and then from there you can replicate the AD back to a new clean
install of SBS. Forklift in Exchange and re-install other progams (AV, etc)
as a new install and you are back in business. Sometimes a new install is
'slightly' less cumbersome than trying to get a backup restored on SBS.
Your call on which will be easier for you.


> P.S. If you don't want to respond considering my post to your hand
> slapping on the re-post thread - I'll understand. I don't apologize
> for what I said as I meant what I said, but I will accept your help if
> you want to give it.
You are entitled to your opinion but this quote "It has never bothered me
when I see someone else re-post. If that bothers your newsgroup etiquette
then I think some of you guys need to grow a thinker skin" is disrespectful,
in that you have essentially said that you want help, but our "etiquette" is
wrong and WE have to change. That is not appropriate in any newsgroup.
Ever. And I stand by my previous assessment. If help is *urgently* neeed,
a newsgroup is not the place to get it. That isn't an etiquette issue, that
is a business decision. Plenty of volunteers here pay the bills by
providing just such support, so there is a fine line between *hoping* for
free support and *expecting* it. And you crossed that line. Yes, that is
me slapping your wrist again. And, as you can see, it doesn't stop me from
helping you (yet) but it is important you understand what to expect when
ASKING for help, and that certain social niceties SHOULD be followed when
doing so. Whether you choose to listen or not....

> If there is anything I can ever assist your with
> - I will do it - if I have time & see your post - even if it is a re-
> post ;) But, I bet you've NEVER done that though - right? ;)
This is an NNTP newsgroup, not a web based forum. So reposting isn't
necessary (good news readers mark unread posts) and bumping is certainly
unnecessary as well.

And no, I've never reposted the same problem within 24 hours in the same
newsgroup. Not even in the early '90s when netiquette was still being
formed over 14.4k modems. ;)

>
> Andrew

Cliff has gone above and beyond in providing suggestions, options,
recommendations. Everyone on this newsgroup with the exception of those
people who post with a Microsoft indicator is a volunteer of their time.
And they typically only respond to those who have Technet subscriptions, so
the support they are providing is not "free".

If you don't like the information provided, or want to criticize the way in
which its provided, you have the option to pick up the phone and call MS
support and pay for that.

Re-posting causes an unecessary waste of time for those of us who spend
hours in here...why should we spend time reading a post only to find out its
the same thing...which has already been responded to.



--
Cris Hanna [SBS - MVP]
Co-Author, Windows Small Business Server 2008 Unleashed
http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Small-...7269967&sr=8-1

------------------------------------
MVPs do not work for Microsoft
Please do not submit questions directly to me.

"Andrew Meador" <andrew@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
news:cad3c900-3345-48e6-8555-8b60f4979473@2g2000hsn.googlegroups.com...
> On Aug 29, 8:56 pm, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> No...what you need is a 'system state' restore, which cannot be done from
>> another OS. A system-state restore uses specific API calls within the
>> OS,
>> which assumes it is the target OS, to restore certain sections of the AD
>> database and registry to ensure consistency.
>>
>> I think your current situation will require the rebuild/restore method.
>>
>> -Cliff
>>
>> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>>
>> news:d0be7e1c-60f2-41fe-a4cb-a6e62ded1198@8g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > On Aug 29, 1:15 am, "Cliff Galiher" <cgali...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >> That error is very generic and is thrown by a number of things,
>> >> including
>> >> bad drivers.
>>
>> >> Can you boot the machine in safe mode?
>>
>> >> -Cliff
>>
>> >> "Andrew Meador" <and...@meadorcrafts.com> wrote in message
>>
>> >>news:8a17ac01-ebed-4e9b-9441-1a2e0aea4eb5@k13g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> >> > I have a SBS2003 Premium install that stopped booting after a
>> >> > power
>> >> > failure (and dead UPS). I am getting a message says the following
>> >> > file
>> >> > is missing or corrupt: \Windows\System32\Config\System. I have the
>> >> > SBS
>> >> > Backup application doing backups to an external 300GB USB drive. I
>> >> > have needed access to some data files since the system broke, so I
>> >> > hooked up to USB backup drive to an XP Pro computer, used the XP
>> >> > Backup program to catalog and restore files I needed to use. This
>> >> > has
>> >> > worked fine. XP Pro Backup sees the backup files, the catalog looks
>> >> > good, etc...
>> >> > So, I want to get this server up and running. I checked the backup
>> >> > file for the \Windows\System32\Config\System folder with the XP
>> >> > Backup
>> >> > software, but it doesn't appear to be in the backups either. So, I
>> >> > assume this is an inaccurate error? What is really
>> >> > missing/corrupted?
>> >> > How can I get it back?
>> >> > I have a RAID 5 running on the server and for the life of me I
>> >> > cannot find the drivers to get a CD boot to recognize the RAID
>> >> > controller. I have a set of drivers - but when I do F6 to have Setup
>> >> > use them for trying to get to Recovery console, it just won't use
>> >> > them
>> >> > - it says there are no drivers found. The server also has an
>> >> > internal
>> >> > SCSI drive, so I disabled the RAID controller in BIOS and installed
>> >> > XP Pro to the SCSI drive. I then used the drivers for the RAID
>> >> > controller in XP Pro and they work fine and I can see the RAID drive
>> >> > fine.
>> >> > So, the question at this point is what do I do to fix this? I
>> >> > REALLY don't want to have to have to reconfigure settings on this
>> >> > server. I had to do all kinds of tweaks with Connect to the Internet
>> >> > Wizard, ISA 2004 firewall rules, Exchange modifications, etc...to
>> >> > get
>> >> > this working. My ISP blocks ports to stop use of Mail Servers and
>> >> > Web
>> >> > servers, so I had to reconfigure everything to use other sending/
>> >> > receiving ports for mail and external web (for RWW, etc...). Plus I
>> >> > have accounts with DynDNS for mail backup and DNS services....
>> >> > REALLY
>> >> > don't want to reconfig all this stuff!. I saw in a description on
>> >> > how
>> >> > to restore SBS2003 from backup that MS wants you to re-run the
>> >> > Connect
>> >> > to the Internet Wizard, re-do Shadow Copy stuff, reconfigure
>> >> > services,etc... Scary...
>> >> > Anyway, explanations, suggestions, etc... would be appreciated.
>> >> > Thanks!
>>
>> >> > Andrew
>>
>> > Nope. As soon as the BIOSs load (MBD BIOS,SCSI Controller BIOS, then
>> > RAID BIOS) it pops up the message. You don't get far enough to even
>> > try safe mode.
>>
>> > SInce I am able to boot from this other drive on the server, and it
>> > can access the RAID, can I just have the Win XP Backup restore to the
>> > RAID and just be back to normal? The typical method is to restore in
>> > place on a re-install of the OS brought to same SP level. I wonder if
>> > that is what causes all the re-configuring that has to be done as in
>> > that scenario some files probably are in use and cannot be restored
>> > (like registry hives?) - thus reconfiguration is needed. Since I am
>> > not running off the RAID - wouldn't it just put the RAID file
>> > structure back in place as it was as of the point the backup was done
>> > and then just work? Maybe erase the contents of the RAID first to make
>> > sure there are no newer shadow copy files, etc... than what are on the
>> > backup? Or leave it in place? I just don't know.
>>
>> > Andrew
>
> Ahhh - you did give an answer - but I would still have preferred it
> without the slap on the rist. I just saw that you posted here after
> reading your last post in my re-post of this issue. If you still want
> to answer me - I'd appreciate it - as I always do to those who
> actually try to help.
> The backup and restore instructions from MS still have you go
> through re-configuration - so what are they loosing in their method?
> Is there a combination - can I install SBS over the current install -
> bring it up to same level SP and such, do a restore from within SBS
> and then restore any specific files from the backup that may put all
> the configs back as they were without having to go through those again
> manually?
> This all just seems so cumbersome - trying to get the SBS back to
> the exact same SP and hotfix level as the original, re-configuring
> stuff, etc... SBS backup actually backs of a copy of a shadow copy -
> when it does a backup - so why wouldn't all the data from files on the
> system be intact for a true FULL restore. I would think this would get
> everything - similar to running a ghost image of the drive. Maybe not.
> But your opinion at this point is that there is no other way to get
> this back to snuff without following the MS restore directions? If so
> - that's is sooo annoying to have to do all of that.
>
> P.S. If you don't want to respond considering my post to your hand
> slapping on the re-post thread - I'll understand. I don't apologize
> for what I said as I meant what I said, but I will accept your help if
> you want to give it. If there is anything I can ever assist your with
> - I will do it - if I have time & see your post - even if it is a re-
> post ;) But, I bet you've NEVER done that though - right? ;)
>
> Andrew