System state Backup creates a backup file for critical system related components. This backup file can be used to recover the critical system components after a crash.

• The Boot file
• The COM+ CLASS Registration Database
• The registry

• Active Directory (NTDS)
• The system volume (SYSVOL)

If the workstation is a certificate server, then the related data is also backed up. Many security and other disasters may be fixed by restoring System state to a good configuration.

Note: System state Backup is not a replacement for a full disaster recovery solution that may include backup of entire system including creation of recovery disks.

You can do an online backup of System state data using ‘IBackup for Windows Version 9.2.3’ and higher. Follow the steps to perform the System state Backup. You can select the ‘System state Backup’ option in the following way:

Step 1.
Menu Bar Backup-Restore > System state > System state Backup.

Step 2.
Select the temporary location for System state data Backup.

Step 3.
Select the destination directory in your IBackup account where the System state Backup files have to be stored.

Step 4.
You will be taken Scheduler Wizard screen, where you can schedule the backup for future date.

Please visit IBackup for Windows for more details.

No, it is always recommended to keep two or more versions. That way even if the last system state is corrupted you will be able to recover from a previous version.

No, you do not need to close the applications/programs running on your machine while System state Backup running.

The System state data Backup file is in the standard Windows format.

You can use Windows Backup to restore the System state data. Following are the steps recommended to restore System state data.

Step 1.
Download the System state Backup file with .bkf extension from your IBackup account using IBackup For Windows.

Step 2.
Click Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Backup
Select ‘Advanced Mode’ option

Step 3.
Click on 'Restore and Manage Media' tab to select the .bkf file and the data you wish to restore. You can also select the location of restore, either the Original location or Alternate location or Single folder.

Step 4:
Click on ‘Start Restore’ to initiate the restore operation. If you select the location to restore as ‘Original location’ then restoring System state will always overwrite the current System state unless restoring to an ‘Alternate location”.

Step 5.
Click on 'Report' button to view the log file. Once you close the ‘Report’ Windows, you will be prompted with system restart message to make the respective changes to the system after the restore is completed.

You need to restart the system in the ‘Active Directory services restore mode’ to restore the system state data for domain controller and follow the steps mentioned in the System Restore to restore data.

You can reschedule the System state Backup using 'Edit' option from the IBackup for Windows Scheduler.

What are the different operating systems on which System state Backup is currently supported?

System state Backup currently supported on Microsoft Windows XP/ 2000/ 2000 Server/ 2003 Server and 2003 Web Edition.

No, You cannot select a shared or mapped drive as a destination for System state Backup using IBackup for Windows.

Yes. User should have administrative privileges to perform the System state data Backup.

No, You do not require additional/ external storage for taking System state backups using IBackup for Windows. Please make sure that the Temporary folder you set while scheduling System state backup has free space around 1GB.