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Disaster Recovery in Windows Server 2003

Introduction to Disaster Recovery for Windows Server 2003

The time when you and your users realize the true value of information is when that information is either permanently or temporarily unavailable. Make your mantra: 'If I cannot manage without a file, then I will protect that file.'

The best solution for disaster recovery is prevention. So during your review of disaster recovery strategies, do take the time to see how rising technologies like SAN* and NAS* can protect your data.

The best disaster prevention strategy is to identify your weakest link. While the best local tactic is to identify then eliminate any single point of failure.

Topics for Disaster Recovery in Windows Server 2003

Tried and Tested Strategies

Newish Technologies

Guy Recommends: Permissions Analyzer - Free Active Directory Tool

I like the Permissions Monitor because it enables me to see quickly WHO has permissions to do WHAT. When you launch this tool it analyzes a users effective NTFS permissions for a specific file or folder, takes into account network share access, then displays the results in a nifty desktop dashboard!

Think of all the frustration that this free utility saves when you are troubleshooting authorization problems for users access to a resource.

Download Permissions Analyser - Free Active Directory Tool

*Acronym check

RAID - Redundant array of inexpensive disks

UPS - Uninterruptible power supply

NAS - Network area storage

SAN - Server area network.

This section features the best of general disaster strategies, combined with specific recovery methods for Windows Server 2003. My advice is start by identifying your weakest link, then homing in on that disaster recovery area.

Guy Recommends 3 Free Active Directory Tools

Solarwinds have produced three Active Directory add-ons. These free utilities have been approved by Microsoft, and will help to manage your domain by:

Seeking and zapping unwanted user accounts.
Finding inactive computers.
Bulk-importing new users. Give it a try.

Download your FREE Active Directory administration tools.

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Guy Recommends:
Orion's NPM - Network Performance Monitor

Orion's performance monitor is designed for detecting network outages. NPM makes it easy to see what's working, and what needs your attention.

This utility guides you through creating network maps. It also helps troubleshooting by indicating whether the root cause is faulty equipment, or resource overload.

Download a free trial of Network Performance Monitor

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