Automated System Recovery

Using Automated System Recovery
 
Automated System Recovery (ASR) can be used to help recover from some problems that may prevent your Microsoft? Windows? XP or Microsoft? Windows? Server 2003 computer from booting properly. The ASR functionality does not exist on any operating systems prior to Microsoft? Windows? XP and Microsoft? Windows? Server 2003 so this document is not relevant to such operating systems.
 

RM Community Connect 3 Servers (Windows Server 2003)
 
ASR will only backup (and hence restore) the system partion; it does not backup any user data or applications and so is not a substitute for traditional backups. ASR is not SQL/MSDE aware and so can not back up or restore the Printer Credits Database. On its own ASR is unsuitable for backing up RM Community Connect 3 servers; as part of an overall backup and disaster recovery strategy its usefulness is, at best, limited.

ASR can be used as a last resort if the system can not be recovered using the RM supported Server Recovery Procedure (which will be supplied to you, if appropriate, if you contact RM Support). You should not use ASR to recover a RM Community Connect 3 server unless specifically advised to by RM Support.
 

Microsoft Windows XP
 
ASR can be used to recover from certain problems in Microsoft? Windows? XP but since only the system partition (usually drive C:) any data not stored on that partition can not be recovered by ASR. ASR should be used as a last resort for system recovery. It should be used only after you have exhausted all other options, such as Safe Mode Boot and Last Known Good Boot (see the 'Other Useful Articles' section below).

In order for ASR to be of value ASR sets should be created on a regular basis as part of an overall plan for system recovery in case of system failure. ASR backups should be run regularly and when major changes have been made, for example: a service pack installation or a device driver installation.

Microsoft? Windows? XP Home does not include the Backup utility in a default operating system installation; if you wish to use ASR you must install the utility using the following procedure:

Boot to Microsoft? Windows? XP Home and insert the Microsoft? Windows? XP Home installation CD.
From the menu select Perform Additional Tasks, Browse this CD, Value Add, MSFT, NTBACKUP.
Backup will then appear as an option in the System Tools menu.
 

How to Create an ASR Backup
 
Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click Backup.
If the Backup or Restore Wizard starts click the "Advanced Mode" link.
Press the button marked Automated System Recovery.
Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You will be prompted for a destination for your backup; this can be either a file or a tape drive. You will need a blank, formatted, 1.44MB floppy disk to complete the procedure.
 

How to Recover a Computer Using an ASR Backup
 
Boot the computer with a Microsoft? Windows? XP or Microsoft? Windows? Server 2003 CD (or with the setup floppy disks).
During the boot process you will be prompted as follows, along the bottom of the screen: "Press F2 to run Automated System Recovery (ASR)...".
When you press F2 you will be prompted to insert the ASR Recovery Disk; insert the disk that you created during the backup process and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the recovery.