Make a copy of server 2003

[johnnycboy]

I'm after a bit of advice, I would like to make a backup copy of windows server 2003, reason being when ever I install it from scratch it only has SP1 on it, so I would like to make an backup copy with all my drivers and the latest SP already installed.

Anybody have any ideas how to do this.

[GSI2]

I'm after a bit of advice, I would like to make a backup copy of windows server 2003, reason being when ever I install it from scratch it only has SP1 on it, so I would like to make an backup copy with all my drivers and the latest SP already installed.

Anybody have any ideas how to do this.

If you have access to machine and can remove harddrive best way is to use hdclone and make a FULL image of your hard drive.

Or you can use PARAGON Software Group - partition manager, drive backup, hard disk partitioning (http://www.paragon-software.com/) to make full backup to DVD's.

[johnnycboy]

If you have access to machine and can remove harddrive best way is to use hdclone and make a FULL image of your hard drive.

Or you can use PARAGON Software Group - partition manager, drive backup, hard disk partitioning (http://www.paragon-software.com/) to make full backup to DVD's.

Thanks GSI2 - I do have access to the HD, I take it I plug it into another machine as a 2nd HD and then use hdclone as you have said?

Will a backup DVD act as a complete install if I ever lost the Server (Will it install exactly like windows or will it literally be copy?)

Your help is appreciated.

[GSI2]

Thanks GSI2 - I do have access to the HD, I take it I plug it into another machine as a 2nd HD and then use hdclone as you have said?

Will a backup DVD act as a complete install if I ever lost the Server (Will it install exactly like windows or will it literally be copy?)

Your help is appreciated.
Sorry forgot to mencion in HDclone you need to have a virtual hard drive or a real hard drive to clone.

Both work the same way its like a snapshot of your entire hdd (literally be copy)
depending on the space you have used in hdd you will need multiple DVD's.

Cheers

[smokey08]

Have a look at this nLite - Deployment Tool for the bootable Unattended Windows installation (http://www.nliteos.com/) I think this might be what you want.

[GSI2]

Have a look at this nLite - Deployment Tool for the bootable Unattended Windows installation (http://www.nliteos.com/) I think this might be what you want.

nLite its excellent but you still need to install everything all over again...

(http://www.digital-kaos.co.uk/forums/members/265259-johnnycboy/)

[johnnycboy]

Thanks guys

I will look into both options in more detail, just needed a starting block to get on with.

[GSI2]

Thanks guys

I will look into both options in more detail, just needed a starting block to get on with.

nLite its to rebuild one windows image that you have and add some more features like updates service packs...

Hdclone or paragon is simple solution because you can restore everything the way it was when you made the clone image.