Testing a backup and restore

[mirojr]

Hi

 

I am trying to test that my backup and restore system is going to work when I need it.

 

I am installing a new server 2008 r2 OS on a test machine with the hope of restoring the system state backup from production server to this test server.

 

I foresee I will have trouble with a restore within the same domain, because I'd have conflicts with the actual production server that I'm testing the backups of.

 

Is there a way to test System State restores without taking a production server offline?

 

I can only think to restore without a network connection or on a different subnet to prevent conflicts.

 

Is there anyone with experience of doing this that could help me out please?

 

Thanks

[mirojr]

Scary

[DMcCoy]

Restore the test offline so it's not connected to the network. If it's the same name then it's not a good idea for them to see each other or the server. If it's a DC *DO NOT* put it anywhere near the live network.

[mirojr]

Thanks

 

I don't think its even possible for me to do this in theory as I would be unable to get the system state to recover to a different machine. So I will probably have to wait till its a necessity.

 

Only other option is to have a complete mock up DC with users and computer accounts and try and run restores on that.