Microsoft KB Archive/325863

= HOW TO: Schedule a Daily Backup in Windows Server 2003 =

PSS ID Number: 325863

Article Last Modified on 4/5/2004

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Datacenter Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Standard Edition
 * Microsoft Windows Small Business Server 2003, Premium Edition

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This article was previously published under Q325863



For a Microsoft Windows 2000 version of this article, see 300960.

IN THIS TASK

 * SUMMARY
 * How to Schedule a Daily Backup Job in Windows Server 2003
 * REFERENCES



SUMMARY
This step-by-step article describes how to schedule a daily backup in Windows Server 2003.

Windows Server 2003 integrates the Backup or Restore Wizard with the Task Scheduler service. You can use this service to schedule backup jobs. You can use the wizard to schedule a backup to occur when you want, or at regular intervals.

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How to Schedule a Daily Backup Job in Windows Server 2003
NOTE: The Task Scheduler service must be running before you can schedule a backup. If the Task Scheduler service is not already running, start it. To do so, click Start, click Run, type cmd in the Open box, and then click OK. At the command prompt, type net start schedule, and then press ENTER.

To schedule a daily backup job in Windows Server 2003:
 * 1) Log on as administrator or as a member of the Administrators group.
 * 2) Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Backup. The Backup or Restore Wizard starts.
 * 3) Click Advanced Mode.
 * 4) On the Welcome tab, click Backup Wizard (Advanced) to start the Backup Wizard, and then click Next.
 * 5) Click Back up selected files, drives, or network data, and then click Next.
 * 6) Expand My Computer, click to select the check boxes next to the drive, folder or file that you want to back up, and then click Next.
 * 7) Specify the backup type, destination, and name in the appropriate boxes, and then click Next. For example, C:\Backup.bkf.

NOTE: If a tape drive is not connected to your computer, File is the only backup media type that is available in the Select the backup type box.
 * 1) On the &quot;Completing the Backup or Restore Wizard&quot; page, click Advanced to specify additional backup options.
 * 2) Specify the type of backup that you want to use, and then click Next.
 * 3) If you want to verify the backed-up data after the backup operation finishes, click to select the Verify data after backup check box. Click any other options that you want on the &quot;How to Back Up&quot; page, and then click Next.
 * 4) Click Replace the existing backups, and then click Next.
 * 5) Click Later. Type a name for the scheduled backup job in the Job name box, and then click Set Schedule.

The Schedule Job dialog box appears so you can configure when and how frequently you want the backup to occur. For example, you can schedule the backup to occur every Friday at 10:00 P.M. You can also configure multiple schedules for a task if you click to select the Show multiple schedules check box.
 * 1) Click the Schedule tab. In the Schedule Task box, click Daily, specify a time in the Start time box, and then click OK.
 * 2) In the Set Account Information dialog box, verify that ComputerName\Administrator is displayed in the Run as box, type the password in the Password and the Confirm password boxes, and then click OK.

NOTE: If the Task Scheduler service is not set to start automatically, you may first be prompted if you want to start Task Scheduler. If this occurs, click Yes, and then the Set Account Information dialog box appears.

Because the Task Scheduler service automatically runs programs in the security context of a valid user for the computer or domain, you are prompted for the name and password with which the scheduled backup job will run. For scheduled backup jobs, you must supply a user account with the appropriate permissions to gain access to all the folders and files that you want to back up. The instructions in this article use the Administrator account to run the scheduled backup job.
 * 1) Click Next.
 * 2) The options that you selected are displayed on the &quot;Completing the Backup Wizard&quot; page. Make sure that these options are correct, and then click Finish.

The backup job that you scheduled is displayed in the calendar on the Schedule Jobs tab. The scheduled backup job automatically starts at the time that you specified.
 * 1) Close the Backup Utility window.

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