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Disaster Recovery - Volume Shadow Copy (VSS)

Volume Shadow Copy in Windows 2003 (VSS)

Suppose a user wishes to recover yesterday's version of their word document. How much would it cost to restore that one file a user? If you implement Volume Shadow Copy Services (VSS), then the user can recover the file themselves at no cost to you.

Volume Shadow Copy is one of the least known features of Windows Server 2003. There are several names for this new service: Shadow Copy, Previous Version, Shadow Copy of Shared folders, Volume Shadow Copy. Let me help you get started with this wonderful service.

Topics for Volume Shadow Copy

Introduction to Shadow Copy
A simple way to configure Shadow Copy on a Volume
How to Manage Volume Shadow Copy with an MMC
Shadow Copy TWclient - Clients
Best practice for Backup and Volume Shadow Copy
Summary of Volume Shadow Copy

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Introduction to Shadow Copy (VSS)

As it is not easy to define this service in one phrase, here are a selection of definitions of Volume Shadow Copy given by the IT press :

An add-on for backing up open files in Windows 2003
A Recycle bin for network shares
Automatic backup for shared folders
Poor man's version control.
Retrieve older copies of files with twclient

Simple way to configure Shadow Copy on a Volume

In Windows Server 2003, each NTFS Volume or partition has its own Shadow Copy tab. Click on the root of the any drive, Select a Volume, now press the Settings button. Note that the diagram opposite displays the number of shares for each volume. Volume Shadow Copy. VSS

This is a key point, Volume Shadow Copy will only operate on shared folders. If you need to make an instant Shadow Copy of your shares, just press the 'Create Now' button.

The next step is to select the Settings button for the drive you want to configure, remember to change the shadow drive by using the Details button.

When it comes to configuring Shadow Copy for file shares, always use a separate volume for the shadow. Where possible, use a different disk for performance and fault tolerance.

The default timing for creating a Shadow Copy is twice a day at 7:00 and 12:00. If you are keen to get the most out of Shadow Copy, then analyze your users work habits and devise a better schedule. I would advise against going mad and creating too many copies. Bear in mind that that there is a limit of 64 shadow copies before the first one gets overwritten. Therefore part of your plan should be to calculate how long it would be before a copy is erased.

How to Manage Volume Shadow Copy in Windows 2003

I do like to work from my MMC or 'Mission Control', therefore when I need to configure Volume Shadow Copy, I go to the Shared Folder snap-in. The alternative route is to launch Computer Management and select Shared Folders.

Like so many Windows 2003 features, Volume Shadow Copy operates as a service. You can check the settings through Administrative Tools, Services and verify that Volume Shadow Copy is set to Start Automatically.

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Volume Shadow Copy Clients

As I mentioned earlier, the key point to remember with Shadow Copy is that it operates on shares and not all folders. It also follows that the XP machines need a TWClient (Shadow Copy Client), so to deploy the client, firstly, share out this folder:
%SystemRoot%\system32\clients\twclient

Next send a memo to your users explaining how to install the client. You could give step-by-step instructions on how to connect to the \\server \twclient share and install the client. Perhaps an even better idea would be to cut out the user and install twclient via a Software Group Policy. Incidentally, if anyone knows what TW in Twclient means, please email me. And Steve B did. TW stands for TimeWarp. Strange but true, Microsoft at their zaniest.

Volume Shadow Copy - Previous Versions Finally, when your users at these XP clients wish to retrieve a previous version of a file, explain how to connect to the share on the server, and then select the 'Previous Version' tab from the file in question.

Note: When testing make sure that you make a change in the file, otherwise File versions will be blank. In extreme cases this oversight can mean that you erroneously undo all the Volume Shadow Configuration.

Best Practices for Backup and Volume Shadow Copy

If you use Windows 2003's backup (much improved over Windows 2000), always make sure Volume Shadow Copy is enabled. That way you can be sure that any open files will be included in the backup. Fortunately, by default, Volume Shadow Copy is selected, my advice is to leave the setting enabled.

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Summary of Volume Shadow Copy (VSS)

Shadow copy, or Volume Shadow copy Service (VSS) is one of the hidden jewels of Windows Server 2003, take the time to setup shadows on your file servers, and roll out the twclient via group policy.

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