Can't Restore Server 2008 R2 Backup

[robneal81]

I had a system failure and needed to restore from a backup, but I am having many problems. I did a full system backup to a NAS drive a few weeks ago. Our server failed (replaced HDD) and I needed to restore from that backup. I tried to restore from the boot DVD but got an error message. I decided to complete a fresh server 2008 install and try a restore, with no luck. Here is exactly what happens:

 

- I launched Windows Server Backup

 

- Selected Recover\A Backup Stored in Another Location\Remote Shared Folder\

 

- I entered the NAS location path: \\192.168.101.135\office\full system backup

 

- I get the following error message: "The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process"

 

This is a completely fresh install of windows server...there can't be any processes using that location. I tried rebooting the NAS, in case there were any issues.

 

Can anyone help me? I'm completely stuck!!! I'd settle on just getting our files back (from the .VHD file), but a full system restore would be nice.

[mmthomas]

Are you using the instructions from here?: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc755163.aspx

 

The file in use message you are getting may be because the system files it wants to replace on the server are in use on the active OS. I'm not sure that you can do a full server restore when you have booted from the OS you want to replace. If the disk startup method didn't work for you, you can use the Repair Your Computer option (F8 at startup - then Advanced Boot menu) to enter the Windows Repair Environment (WinRE) and restore the machine. If that option isn't there, then you may need to install WinRE on a drive, though booting from the Windows install disk should have worked (instructions in case you missed something).

[robneal81]

Are you using the instructions from here?: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc755163.aspx

 

The file in use message you are getting may be because the system files it wants to replace on the server are in use on the active OS. I'm not sure that you can do a full server restore when you have booted from the OS you want to replace. If the disk startup method didn't work for you, you can use the Repair Your Computer option (F8 at startup - then Advanced Boot menu) to enter the Windows Repair Environment (WinRE) and restore the machine. If that option isn't there, then you may need to install WinRE on a drive, though booting from the Windows install disk should have worked (instructions in case you missed something).

 

 

I think you're right...I can't do a full system restore while the server is booted. I tried restoring the backup from another location and still had "Catalog errors". My backup wouldn't even show up as available.

 

On a lighter note, I found the software WinImage which was able to open the VHD file and get all my data back. I just re-built the server and gave up trying to restore.

 

Thanks for your reply though!

 

- Bob

[softlover]

I think the image might be damaged in some way. This could happen for a lot of unpredicted reasons. I recommend you try some schedule backup do the backup regularly for you at a fixed time..then you could have more than one image and out of risks like this.