How to use the Wbadmin tool to back up Windows Server 2008 R2

Can I use the built-in software to automatically back up Windows Server 2008 R2? is scheduled backups better than on-demand or one-time backups?

Backup is an important element of any data protection plan, but it can be time-consuming and error-prone when backups require manual or on-demand. Many tools are available for backup to data center servers, but Windows Server provides reliable backup utilities that are easy to deploy through the Microsoft Store.

Automatic backup on a Windows server is achievable. The version of Windows server includes four common servers that perform backup and repair methods. Administrators can use the GUI based backup management Console (WBADMIN.MSC), Backup services (Wbengine), PowerShell cmdlet, or command-line tools (Wbadmin.exe).

Many administrators choose to use command-line tools, such as Wbadmin, because it implements granular control over backup or recovery-specific parameters without having to process the GUI. Perhaps more importantly, it can batch command-line operations and execute scripts, allowing administrators to exercise backup control and other important administrative functions.

command-line backup work usually begins with the "Enable backup" subcommand, which allows administrators to add or remove backup targets, eliminate required quantities and items, and control scheduling behavior. For example, suppose an administrator uses Wbadmin to use the server disk C: and a name of 4 o'clock in the afternoon to 8 o'clock every day? The volume of volume{dd453d12-22a0-12a8-9a44-204e4d4a4823} is backed up to a disk named Diska. Wbadmin the command line is similar, enter the following line of command:

Wbadmin enable Backup–addtarget:diska–schedule:4:00,20:00–include:c:,? volume{dd453d12-22a0-12a8-9a44-204e4d4a4823}

Other subcommand allows an administrator to disable backup, start a one-time backup, delete a backup, start a recovery, and perform other related tasks. If you prefer to use the PowerShell command line, such as New-wbpolicy can create a new backup strategy to dictate what to back up, where to back up and when to back up.

Scheduled backups are almost always preferable to one-time backups. Scheduled backups (Wbadmin enabled) have no content or performance advantage over one-time backups (Wbadmin on Backup). Two command settings can capture the same disks and volumes and back up to the same target. However, scheduled backup scheduling reduces the likelihood of command line errors and prevents administrators from forgetting to start a backup (or start a backup when the system is busy). After backing up a subscription, they can easily disable or change the operating conditions.

What does the Wbadmin tool have to do with Ntbackup tools? Are they compatible?

Wbadmin and Ntbackup tools are similar, but Wbadmin is the current backup utility. It replaces the outdated Ntbackup tool, released with the previous version of Windows Server 2008 operating system. A backup created by Ntbackup cannot be recovered using Wbadmin.

Given today's popular Windows Server 2008 and later operating systems, Ntbackup compatibility instances are becoming increasingly rare. Organizations typically use Wbadmin to create more current backups, rarely using old backups. However, with lengthy compliance organizations, even if you have used Wbadmin and upgraded to a new version of Windows Server, you may still need to recover the old Ntbackup files when you encounter discovery or other data storage requirements.

Organizations use Ntbackup with read-only functionality to access old Ntbackup documents on the new operating system-they cannot create new backups using the old format.