Okay, we are wanting to change our current backup system which is a custom script that basically copies *.* everything from selected directories and stores them on the backup server. Is there any professional software out there that is a really stable and easy to restore data that was backed up? Just to give you an idea of our network we have around 32 clients who all access the same domain and store their files in their personel folders on the domain server. I basically want to just copy all the files from the /home root directory to a 500gig usb backup i have connected to my 2003 server. Any ideas on what software to use?

Veritas BackupExec is good but pricey.

That or NTbackup built into Windows. Symantec's BackupExec (bought veritas out) is far more reliable though, and can backup stuff like SQL and Exchange better.

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use veritas while you can...Symantec will ruin it too!

Actually Hero, you know you can do a backup within SQL and then just add that to your ntbackup right? This will automatically close all open files, shut down SQL, back it up then restart SQL.

Exchange is a different story though if I remember correctly and doesn't have a built in backup.

Myself, I have a strong preference for Computer Associates Brightstore ARCserve backup software. But like any other vendor, it's pricey.

"Actually Hero, you know you can do a backup within SQL and then just add that to your ntbackup right? This will automatically close all open files, shut down SQL, back it up then restart SQL."

Does SQL go down then? Yes. ;-) Hero doesn't like backups that require services to shut down. :-)

"Exchange is a different story though if I remember correctly and doesn't have a built in backup."

NTBackup will backup Exchange no prob automagically.

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LOL - automagically....I like that.

Yep, SQL shuts off, but if I remember correctly, only for a minute or two while the backup runs and then it restarts.

I did some work for a company (previous job) and they had a small domain with 3 servers (all 2000). They had their DC, an Exchange and SQL. The guy I replaced talked them into spending a pile of $ on a backup program that was crap. When I took over, they were lucky to get one successful backup per week. I checked the logs and this had been true for several months. Apparently the guy I replaced didn't believe in follow up administration. Anyhow, my boss who was supposed to know everything about SQL was surprised to find out it had a built in backup. We won't mention how much he didn't know in reality.......lol. I setup backups using ntbackup for all servers with the Exchange and SQL running from a batchfile that copied the backups to the DC which had the tape. Then it ran a backup to tape of it's own stuff and the other two. I used unmanaged backup sets and they ran perfectly for the next 8 months I worked there. Heck, they're probably still running fine.