System state backup creates a backup file for critical system-related components. This backup file can be used to recover critical system components in case of a crash.
Does IDrive support system state Backup and what is considered for backup?
Yes, IDrive supports system state data backup.
The following components are backed up:
The Boot file
The COM + CLASS registration database
The registry
If the system is a domain controller, the following components are backed up:
Active Directory (NTDS)
The System Volume (SYSVOL)
If the system is a certificate server, then the related data is also backed up.
What are the supported operating systems for system state backup?
IDrive supports system state backup on the following operating systems:
Client systems: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Server systems: Windows Server 2008, Windows Web Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Home Server 2012, Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019.
Note: System state backup is not a replacement for a full disaster recovery solution (which includes backup of the entire system including creation of recovery disks).
How do I perform the system state backup?
To perform the system state backup,
Sign in to the IDrive desktop application and click 'Server Backup'. A slider menu will appear.
Click 'System State'. The System state backup/restore console appears. By default, 'System state backup' is selected.
Select 'Online Backup', 'Local Backup' or 'IDrive Express™ Backup'.
Note:
On selecting the 'Local Backup' or 'IDrive Express™ Backup', specify the local backup location.
On selecting 'Online Backup', the data will be stored on the IDrive cloud whereas on selecting 'Local Backup' or 'IDrive Express™ Backup' the data will be stored in the local drive.
Specify a temporary path for the local backup of the system-related components.
Note: Once the local backup is initiated, '.ServerBackup' folder is auto-created.
Click 'Schedule Now'.
The 'Scheduler’ is displayed where you can schedule the backup for any future day and time or perform an immediate backup of the system state data.
Should I run over the last system state with the new versions?
No. It is advisable to keep two or more versions. Thus, even if the last system state is corrupted, you can recover from a previous version.
Do I need to close all the running applications/programs to run the system state backup?
No, you need not close the applications/programs running on your machine while the system state backup is happening.
What is the format of the system state data backup file?
The system state data backup file(s) is in the standard Windows format. On the Windows operating system, the system state data is backed up to the folder 'IDSystemStateData'.
On successful completion of system state backup, I see a folder 'IDSystemStateData' in my IDrive account. What is it?
'IDSystemStateData' is the system state backup folder that is created during the system state backup operation and contains all the backed up data in standard Windows format.
Can I remove the temporary system state backup folder from my local computer upon completion of backup?
Yes. You can remove the temporary system state backup folder from your local computer on successful completion of the system state backup to your IDrive account.
Can I add/modify the files in the system state backup folder 'IDSystemStateData'?
No. It is not advisable to add/modify the files that are present in the system state backup folder 'IDSystemStateData'. Any modification made to files in this folder would adversely impact your system state restore operations.
How do I restore system state backup components to the original operating system drive?
Perform the following steps to restore system state backup components to the original operating system:
Navigate to the command line from bootable CD.
Using xcopy command, copy individual system state backup files/folders components to the original operating system drive.
For example: IDrive system state backup folder "IDSystemstateData" contains Windows, ProgramData, program files, folders, etc. You can copy the required files/folders to the original operating system drive.
Is it possible to restore the backed-up system state components using IDrive?
Yes, IDrive supports the restoration of backed-up system state components. A full system state restore can be performed to recover critical system configuration data such as the registry, boot files, COM+ database, system files, and Active Directory (for Domain Controllers).
IDrive creates a backup set called 'IDSystemstateBkset', when you schedule a system state backup operation.
To reschedule,
Sign in to the IDrive desktop application.
Click 'Scheduler'.
Select 'IDSystemstateBkset' from the 'Backup set name' dropdown.
Make the changes by using the checkboxes.
Can I select a shared or mapped drive as the temporary destination for my system state backup?
Yes, you can select a shared or mapped drive for the system state backup as the temporary destination.
Does IDrive require specific privileges to backup system state data?
Yes, you should have the administrative privileges to perform the system state data backup.
Do I require an additional/external storage volume for the system state backup?
No, you do not require any additional or external storage to take the system state backup using IDrive. Ensure that the temporary folder set while scheduling the system state backup has enough free space.
