Hello everyone,
I have a bit of a problem:
We run 1 MS SBS for our 8 PC Network, we would like a duplicate server that we could keep offsite, and use incase of a disaster...
Easy I here you say?! We have taken a full backup of the existing server, and loaded it onto an identical machine.
Then removed the normal server from the network and put the backup server in its place...
The 'New' Server boots up, and all seems ok, however non of the network machines can see it, or log onto the network, and the server can not be pinged from any machine on the network.
I 'think' it may be down to the licences on the back up server...as the amount of licences differs from the amount on the regular server.
Am I close? Any input would be grately appreciated.
anyone...any ideas?
Couple of things here, first one being licensing. Even if there's an offline server it will still need cals - but I suspect thats why you have a difference in licenses.
If the backup server is 100% identical I would clone the OS drives rather than using NTBackup. Its possible that the new server is using different SIDs and this is why they can't connect. They would be seen as foreign, however, they would still be able to ping the server so I would say the issue could be DHCP. Set the XP machines to static IP rather than dynamic as they could be defaulting to the 169. IP range because they can't see a DHCP server.
Also check that the spare servers DHCP service is running
Let us know the results.
Terry
Thanks for the reply terry :)
The servers are identical, so I am going to run Acronis True Image Server Ed tonight, and restore it on the second server.
The XP machines are already on static (some of the software we use is really fussy about IPs), and the server does have DHCP enabled.
Will try the imaging, and let you know.
Thanks again. S
Hi,
Acronis restore did not work...once completed it had managed to corrupt the active directory.
I have now used Server 2003 ASR tool, the server is functioning, but I have not put it on the network yet. I will try a 'wet test' later and post the results.
Stephen
just a breif update:
I have not had a chance to run the backup server on the network yet, but I have checked the SID's of bother servers, and the are a perfect match!
So I just need to get the backup server on the network and try it...just wish people didnt use there computers all day :(
A clone shouldn't corrupt the AD or anything since its bit for bit copy of the original. I wonder if you have some bad blocks on the live server which are causing all your backup problems? Try a full chkdsk to see if there's anything wrong, but it will be out of hours check.
Im still a fan of cloning, so if you can get your hands on ghost 2003, try running a DOS based clone. This will also tell you if there are unreadable sectors.
hi guys and gals,
its been a while, but I have only just been able to retry the server (its been a quiet day in the office).
I have done another ASR through Server 2003 to the duplicate server...then installed it on the network. (removing the normal SBS server first)
None of the client machines (all XP) are able to see the duplicate server. I am unable to ping the IP or the name of the server...however I can ping our router.
The duplicate server seems in fine form, it has copied over the CALs to the duplicate server....everything should be perfect, but its not.
The one thing i did notice, the normal server has a modem in it for recieving faxes, where as the duplicate server does not. Also I believe the HD's are different makes in the backup server. Could these two small differences be confusing the poor machine?
Any views appreciated.
Minty, Some thoughts..
Disable the XP firewall. Can you ping either way after?
Is this 2 NIC or single on SBS ?
Does the router issue DHCP? (should be disabled)
Is the difference on the HD just brands or is it SCSI on one and SATA on the other?
Are the NICs the same brand
Have you got the LAN / WAN wired correctly between switching servers (dumb question, but needs to be answered)What would happen if you set one of the XP machines to dynamic IP, does it match the expected DHCP / DNS / LAN IP?
What would happen if you logged onto XP as a local account, can you ping the server?
I doubt the modem would have any affect because RRAS would stop because there's no modem, however it may be worth swapping if its easy to do.
Can't think of anything else until I read your results
(c)David Overton 2006-23