While the recovery console could be used you can also choose to copy the files out, perform the restore and then copy the files back before you reboot. You only need to use the RC if you forget to copy the files back before you reboot. I've posted the use of the "in-place" upgrade many times to ensure the new hardware on the new server is properly enumerated. Still, I always use the approach of copying out the files and then back in after the restore first. With windows 2000 I've found this works about 80% of the time, with Windows 2003 almost 95% of the time. For the time when it doesn't work the "in-place" upgrade does. For that process you do not have to use the RC at all to copy any files first. Kyle
Leigh Reed <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Geoff In my mind, the MS Recovery Console is the key to achieving successful restores back to dissimilar h/w in the Wintel area. After installing your vanilla MS OS (that is to be restored over), you need to take a copy of the OS files that are specific to your h/w. Then, if they are overwritten with different versions by your restore, you can put them back with the RC upon reboot. These files can be found in Device Manager--> Computer and then under the driver details of the Properties of your processor(s). For Windows2000, they are as follows c:\winnt\system32\hal.dll c:\winnt\system32\kernel32.dll c:\winnt\system32\ntdll.dll c:\winnt\system32\ntkrnlpa.exe c:\winnt\system32\ntoskrnl.exe c:\winnt\system32\win32k.sys c:\winnt\system32\winsrv.dll For Windows2003, they are as follows c:\windows\system32\hal.dll c:\winnt\system32\ntkrnlpa.exe c:\winnt\system32\ntoskrnl.exe If after you complete the restore of your system drive and you reboot and get a blue screen or worse, all is not lost. The Microsoft Recovery Console is an extremely useful tool. From the RC, you can copy the above original files from a floppy or the root of the system drive to the system32 directory. Also, the RC will enable you to disable devices or services on boot. One important point to note, the RC requires the LOCAL administrator password to be entered before it can be used, therefore ensure that you know the local passwords to all your machines. The following IBM Technote is also very useful for Wintel system restores http://www-1.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=663&context=SSGSG7&q1=116481 2&uid=swg21164812&loc=en_US&cs=utf-8&lang=en Above all else, the key to restoring back to dissimilar h/w is practice. Where possible, try to trial restore as many of your Wintel systems back to unlike h/w. I know it is obvious, but it is far easier to solve any arising issues in a DR trial environment, than at 3am with somebody looking over your shoulder, asking every 5 minutes when will it be ready ? Leigh -----Original Message----- From: ADSM: Dist Stor Manager [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gill, Geoffrey L. Sent: 23 September 2006 00:15 To: ADSM-L@VM.MARIST.EDU Subject: [SPAM: 4.000] Re: [ADSM-L] BMR - unlike hardware >What kind of system are you concerned with? I'm looking for some basic info on all platforms anyone has experience with, Windows being the biggest concern. After hearing some remarks this morning in a meeting concerning bringing back a server from scratch, and how long it took, I'm flabbergasted. Then again nobody called me to ask for help either. To add to this are there any issues anyone is aware of for servers that have been virtualized but still use TSM for their backups? Would the process be the same? Thanks, Geoff Gill TSM Administrator PeopleSoft Sr. Systems Administrator SAIC M/S-G1b (858)826-4062 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------- Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2ยข/min or less.