Backing Up the System State

The System State of a Windows Server 2008 R2 system contains, at a minimum, the system Registry, boot configuration files, system files that are protected by Windows File Protection (WFP), and the COM+ class registration database. Backing up the System State creates a point-in-time backup that can be used to restore a server to a previous working state. Having a copy of the System State is essential if a server restore is necessary. A System State backup is included in a full server backup and is also included in the Bare Metal Recovery selection, but it can also be backed up separately. To create a separate System State backup using the GUI, perform the following steps:

1. Log on to the Windows Server 2008 R2 system with an account with administrator privileges.

2. Click Start, click All Programs, click Administrative Tools, and select Windows Server Backup.

3. Click on Backup Once in the Actions pane.

4. On the Backup Options page, select the Different Options option button and click Next to continue.

5. On the Select Backup Configuration page, select the Custom option button and click Next to continue.

6. On the Select Items for Backup page, click the Add Items button. In the Select Items window, check the box next to System State.

7. On the Select Items for Backup page, click Next to continue.

8. Complete the backup by selecting the desired destination for the backup and complete the required steps.

Source of Information : Sams - Windows Server 2008 R2 Unleashed