Read the full series:
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Ch.1 – Architecture & Requirements |
Ch.9 – Volume recovery |
In previous posts we talked about recovery methods that can be used with Veeam Endpoint Backup. While discussing volume recovery we mentioned a few limitations and how these limitations can be avoided via Veeam Recovery Media. Let’s take a closer look at the Veeam Recovery Media and how to start the Bare Metal Recovery process
You need the recovery media
To start the bare metal restore, you must create a recovery media: it’s almost a mandatory for protecting your computer. You may refer to one of my previous blogpost in order to get the clear understanding of how it works. Keep in mind, you can create a new Recovery Media any time you need it by simply launching one of the Endpoint’s tools – the Create Recovery Media wizard.
Depending on the chosen media type for recovery media, you might need to adjust the BIOS boot order to force your computer using this media as a boot device. If all set correctly, once the computer is rebooted, you should be prompted to press any key in order to boot from the Veeam Recovery Media even before the original operating system starts to load. Now when the recovery media is booted, let’s run over the different options we have.
Tools
The last in the list comes first. Why? We have added a set of lifesaving tools so you can try to repair or troubleshoot the unresponsive PC first before doing an actual bare metal recovery.
- Command Prompt
Well known by all IT pros and does not need an explanation. - Reset Password
If you forgot your computer’s password, use this tool to reset the local admin’s password to be blank. No worries if the admin account was disabled – this tool can enable in order to let you in. Of course, it is strictly recommended to change the password and disable the account afterwards. Additional note: this tool won’t work on domain controllers. - Load driver
In order to get access to the backup storage or network you must have a proper driver installed in the operating system – Recovery Media acts the same way. If you have the option to Include hardware drivers from this computer enabled while creating the recovery media, the drivers are loaded automatically. However, in case of dissimilar hardware, you can use this tool load additional device drivers if necessary - Memory diagnostics (Microsoft utility)
This is a known utility to check the system memory of your computer and detect potential problems. To learn more, see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/magazine/2008.09.utilityspotlight.aspx - Startup repair (Microsoft utility)
This utility can be used to fix system problems that may prevent Microsoft Windows from starting, for example, missing and damaged system files or the corrupted boot sector. For more information see http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/features/startup-repair - Export Logs
When something went wrong during recovery process, you can use this tool to export the debug logs into external storage in order to share it with our support department.
Windows Recovery Environment
One of the existing features on a Windows installation is the Windows Recovery Environment. If you have a Microsoft system image, you can use our recovery media to recover that specific one to your computer. The procedure to do this is the same when you would do it without our Recovery Media. For more information, see here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/restore-computer-from-system-image-backup#1TC=windows-7
Veeam Bare Metal Recovery
Now let’s have a look at Bare Metal Recovery process. Simply click the Bare Metal Recovery icon at the start screen of the recovery media. The recovery wizard will drive you thru a few steps:
- Backup location
Depending on the location of your backups, you can choose the local storage (that includes removable devices when attached) or the network storage. Note that is perfectly possible that wizard finds the backup files automatically while crawling the local storage. If you choose network storage, you will need to tell the recovery media what network adapter to use (yes, it works over WiFi!) and configure it if needed. Once done you are good to go typing the proper share folder destination or Veeam Backup and Replication’s server IP address. - Bare Metal Restore Point
You must select a specific bare metal restore point you want to recover from. In many cases, this will be the latest one (to recover the most actual data) but there might be a reason why you would want to select an older one. - Bare Metal Restore Mode
There are three bare metal restore modes available. Entire computer and system volume modes are fully automated and perfectly work while performing a recovery to the original location or empty disk. Manual restore is for advanced users only because it allows manually mapping and relocating the volumes from the backup into existing disk – it might be tricky but brings the full control of volume management during recovery. - Summary
Simply review your settings and start the bare metal restore process. Veeam Endpoint Backup FREE will perform partition re-allocation if needed and restore the necessary data from the backup. Everything on those volumes and partitions will be overwritten.
Conclusion
Most people will see the Veeam Recovery Media only as a bootable device to perform a bare metal recovery. While this is certainly the use-case, it contains much more. Lots of handy tools are included for fixing your computer even before doing an actual restore. Additionally it can help you with Windows recovery images left in you system. Last but not least, there is indeed the bare metal recovery option which is very easy to use, can be started in seconds and gives you additional flexibility for recovery control if needed.
Read the next chapter:
Сh.11 – Ad-hoc versus scheduled