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Restoring a Single Computer

Restoring Active Directory on a single computer is a relatively easy operation.

U-Move loads only the Active Directory database files (not the entire System State), giving you a safe and fast way to recover the Active Directory database.

To restore the AD database:

1. Find the most recent .BKF file or tape/media backup that contains a backup copy of Active Directory. It can be a daily snapshot or a full backup of the System State. Or have a Windows Server Backup image (for example on E:).
2. Install and run U-Move. Do a simple or comprehensive restore.
3. Enter the path to the .BKF file or the disk letter of the Windows Server Backup (E:), and load Active Directory. (If you are connected to a remote server, the path is located on the remote server.)
4. Clean up and uninstall U-Move.

If you do not have a backup available see Emergency Instructions.

Windows Server 2008 R2: If the Windows Server backup was written to compressed DVD discs, use a utility such as U-Recover to expand and mount the DVD disc image(s).

Simple Restore vs Comprehensive Restore

A simple restore will restore only the Active Directory database.

A comprehensive will restore essential data that, while technically not part of the AD database, is closely connected with Active Directory. This includes the computer name, the IP address, the Domain Name Server (DNS) database, the DHCP database, the Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) database, the Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) database, the IIS metabase, and the WINS database.

A comprehensive restore is recommended to restore any of the settings or services listed above because they are not part of Active Directory.