Hi, I need to do a backup plan and implement it to my company computers. We have 1 File server (Windows Server 2K3) and 15 workstations running on Win XP Pro SP2. I did a little reading about the built in backup function in both Win Server 2K3 and Win XP Pro, ntbackup.exe. I also read about 2 other backup softwares Cobian Backup 7 and DriveImage XML. Could someone advise which is a better solution? I tested ntbackup.exe and Cobian. ntbackup creates a bkf file where as Cobian copy the entire directory to the destination drive. Any other suggestions on doing a good backup is very much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Jane

Well, I've had good success with the native ntbackup. The thing I like most about it is that it doesn't cost you extra money. Here's a link to a reply I did regarding backups with ntbackup in another forum (I hope the power's that be don't mind and don't delete this): http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win2003/1135033077 The reply shows a batchfile I created for backing up using ntbackup and also has a link to microsoft's site and an article there on creating backup sets (managed and unmanaged). I highly recommend you give it a read. There isn't much point in spending money on something you already have.

Depends on how much (if any $$$)you are able to spend and what media you will be backing up to? Will you be using a tape drive, if so how much data will you be backing up?etc?

I have been using Backup Exec for years and love it. Now that symantec bought it, they will run it into the ground in a couple of years but for now it's a nice solution. Veritos Backup Exec.. It's fairly costly though. $500+ for a erver version. Michael

VeritasBackup is quite good. Another Alternative is Norton Ghost and Acronis TrueImage. You shouldnt touch ntbackup if your data is really important for you.

Hi, Thanks everyone for your reply. Curt, I think the Batchfile is very helpful. I have one question still. If I use ntbackup, it creates a bkf file. This file will require the Windows restore function to restore the files and folder. The other software I found Cobian 7 is a freeware. It does the backup by copying the entire file/folder to the destination without creating any bkf file. When restoring, I'll need to copy the entire file/folder back to the original place. Therefore I was wondering which could be more efficient when it comes to restoring. Jane

We bought a WD external HD that came with Retrospect backup software which had to be upgraded to use with Win 2003 Server. It's good for large scale operations, I think. I run a small network using Win 2003 Server as a file server for now. I have two applications which I serve to all clients that are vital. Each application uses a MS Access database. This is where all the important data is. So, all I have to backup is the databases. I'm in the process of figuring out AD and trying to implement it first, then MS Exchange Server. After all that, I'm sure I'll have to come up with a better backup scheme.