Hi there,

We have SBS 2003 Premium Edition with SP1.

Hardware RAID consisting of one array with RAID 1 for the OS and a separate second array with RAID 5 for all data.

Unfortunately the first disk in the RAID 1 configuration failed yesterday and the second disk has taken over.

The disk will be replaced on Monday, so I am attempting to cover all bases just in case things don't go to plan.

 

I have a full backup (taken the night before the disk failed) as described in your article Backing up SBS 2003.

My questions relate to the restore process just in case I end up having to do this on Monday.

 

I am unsure of the very best method to restore the server to its previous working condition in the case where the new disk doesn't come online successfully.

 

1. I have an ASR backup set, but this was taken many months ago. I'm assuming this would not be preferable to use as it does not reflect a lot of the changes to the system since it was taken?

 

2. After the failed disk occurred, I thought I'd do a fresh ASR backup, could I use this successfully when the new disk is installed, even though this ASR backup has been done with the failed disk in situ?

 

3. Your article on restoring the server does not talk about using ASR like Microsoft recommends for a restore.

This has confused me, should I restore from an ASR set or use your method and use the last successful normal backup tape? I prefer your method as you have created an excellent article that shows me what to expect.

 

4. If I do use your method should I use (a.) The last normal backup before the drive failed, or (b.) can I use last nights backup which was now post the disk failure?

 

5. In your article you talk about re-creating ALL partitions. The RAID 5 data array is still intact and operational, should I be formatting that drive as well and restoring all the data?

 

6. If yes to question 5 do I include my D: data drive at the point in your article where you select the files to be restored?

 

7. And lastly, during the initial install phase does it matter what administrator password is used?

 

Apologies for so many questions, but I want to be sure I get this right and hopefully this information is useful to others.

Many many thanks for your advice in advance.