For Windows core installations, enabling the backup feature is an important part of crafting an administrative policy for this installation of Windows Sever 2008 R2. Backing up the core installation is different than the full installation counterparts.
The primary difference is that the core installation does not allow the Windows Server Backup snap-in to run; however, the snap-in can be run remotely on a full installation and connect to a core installation server.
The first step in enabling Windows Server Backup on a core installation server is to add the feature. For Windows Server full installations, be sure to read my tip on setting up Windows Server Backup. To install the Windows Server Backup feature on a Windows Server core installation, enter the following command:
start /w ocsetup WindowsServerBackup
Once the feature is installed, you can use the wbadmin command to configure basic local jobs to be configured. The image below shows the wbadmin command on a core installation.
Click image to enlarge
(Screenshot by TechRepublic)
Practically speaking, it may make more sense to use the Windows Server Backup feature instead of other backup products, which may not support the core installation and may not be optimised for the core installation to perform troubleshooting and configuration like the full installation versions. On the other hand, many use cases for the core installation of Windows Server may not need to be backed up.
If you use the Windows Server 2008 R2 core installation for any production-class servers, how do you back them up? Let us know in the talkback below.
Via TechRepublic
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