Backing Up DFS in Windows Server 2008



Administrators do not require performing any special steps to back up DFS (Distributed File System) data other than backing up the actual data in the folders as well as the System State of the servers that host and participate in the DFS namespace.

The following elements should be backed up:

1) Folder Target data: This is the actual data that is being accessed by end users. With a true multimaster replication topology, only one target needs to be backed up for each DFS folder target.

2) DFS hierarchy: For stand-alone DFS namespaces, the System State of the root server and System State of all servers containing DFS targets should be backed up. For domain-based DFS namespaces, the System States of domain controllers and all other servers containing DFS targets should be backed up. Active Directory stores all the DFS hierarchy and DFSR (Distributed File System Replication) replication connection information. Active Directory is backed up with the domain controller System State.