Bare Metal Recovery

Bare Metal Recovery

A Complete Guide on Bare-Metal Recovery 

Overview

This knowledge base article outlines the step-by-step process of creating a BDRSuite Recovery CD for conducting Bare-Metal Recovery (BMR). It covers the installation of Windows AIK/ADK, downloading the BDRSuite Recovery CD,  creating the BDRSuite Recovery ISO file, including steps for creating a UEFI ISO and Steps to perform Bare Metal Recovey.

Methods of BDRSuite Bare-Metal Recovery

Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) allows you to restore the Physical Window Servers, Desktops and Laptops from scratch using two different methods: Direct Streaming Method and Manual Download Method. 

Direct Streaming Method

Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) by directly streaming backup data from the Backup Server to the target bare-metal host. A stable and reliable internet connection between the BDRSuite Server and the target bare-metal host is essential, to initiate the Bare Metal Recovery (BMR) process. You can use the predefined ISO image available directly from the Backup Server Console. During this process, you have the option to inject necessary drivers - even if the storage controller, network adapter, or other critical components are different from those on the original machine.


Manual Download Method

Bare Metal Recovery using the Manual Download Method using the Recovery ISO boots the target machine directly from local media. Since the recovery environment is booted locally, there’s no latency and dependency on a continuous, stable internet or network connection during the restore process. You can either use the predefined ISO or you can prepare the boot media in advance with additional drivers and perform recovery without depending on live server connections.

A Step-by-Step Guide for Bare Metal Recovery Using Direct Streaming Method

Overview

BDRSuite Bare-Metal Recovery (BMR) is essential when a complete system failure occurs, enabling you to restore an entire system, whether it's a Windows Server or a Windows Workstation, to new or existing hardware. This guide details the steps for performing a Bare-Metal Recovery using the Direct Streaming method within the BDRSuite/BDRCloud console.

Pre-requisites

  1. Ensure you have a 'disk image backup' of the Windows Server or Windows Workstation you want to restore.
  2. Access to the 'BDRSuite Backup Server console' with the required credentials.

Steps for Bare Metal Recovery

Step 1. Sign in to BDRSuite Backup Server: 

Open the BDRSuite Backup Server console and sign in.


Step 2. Access Recovery Menu: 

Navigate to the 'Recovery' menu and select 'Restore Backup Data'.

Step 3. Select the Backup Job: 

Choose the backup job that includes the machine you need to restore and click on 'Restore'.

Step 4. Select the Machine and Recovery Type:

Select the machine you want to restore. Choose the recovery type as 'Bare Metal Recovery' and click 'Next'.

Step 5. Choose Direct Streaming Method: 

Among the available recovery methods, select 'Direct Streaming' and click 'Ok, Proceed'.

Step 6. Download Required Components: 

Download the 'BDRSuite Bare Metal Recovery CD ISO', which is required for the BMR process.

Step 7. Generate Authorization Code: 

Upon selecting the Direct Streaming option, an authorization code will be generated. Copy and keep this code handy.

Step 8. Create Bootable USB Drive:

Use a tool like 'Rufus' to burn the downloaded ISO to a USB drive. Open Rufus, select your USB drive as the device, browse and select the ISO, then click 'Start'.

Step 9. Boot the Bare-Metal Host: 

Insert the bootable USB drive into the bare-metal host where you want to restore. Power on the host, ensuring the USB drive is set as the primary boot source.

Step 10. Load BDRSuite Recovery Console: 

The USB drive will load the BDRSuite Recovery console. Follow the on-screen prompts:
  1. Click 'Next' on the welcome screen.
  2. Review and accept the license agreement, then click 'Next'.

Step 11. Configure Network Settings:

  1. Choose 'Recover Data Directly from Server (Direct Streaming)'.
  2. Click 'Configure Settings' to set up the network configuration:
    1. If the backup server and bare-metal host are on the same network, data transfer will happen through LAN.
    2. If the backup server is outside the network, ensure the bare-metal host has internet access.
  3. Obtain the IP and DNS addresses automatically or configure them manually, then click 'Apply'.

Step 12. Connect to BDRSuite Server:

  1. Enter the IP address or DNS name of the backup server.
    1. If the backup server is on the same local network, enter its private IP address.
    2. If it is outside the network, enter its public IP address.
  2. Enter the authorization code copied earlier and click 'Connect BDRSuite Server'.

Step 13. Select Restore Point:

  1. Once connected, the available restore points for the backup will be listed.
  2. Select the restore point you want to use for recovery.

Step 14. Choose and Restore Disk:

  1. Choose the disk you want to restore. All backed-up disks will be listed, and you can only select an entire disk for recovery.
  2. Click 'Next' to proceed.

Step 15. Initiate Bare-Metal Recovery:

  1. Select the target disk on the bare-metal host where you want to restore the backup data.
This disk will be formatted and all existing data will be erased
  1. Ensure the target disk has enough space, then click 'Next' to initiate the bare-metal recovery. E.g., if the source disk is 50 GB, the target must be ≥ 50 GB.
  2. The backup data will be streamed over the network from the backup server to the bare-metal host, and the data will be restored.

Step 16. Enable Driver Injection (Optional)

If hardware differs between source and target machines:
  1. Enable ‘Driver Injection’.
  2. Browse and select required driver folders (e.g., for storage or network).
  3. After recovery, a summary of injected drivers will be displayed.

Step17. Complete the Recovery:

  1. Once the restoration is complete, click 'Finish'. The machine will restart, booting up with the restored data, marking a successful bare-metal recovery.

By following these steps, you will efficiently restore your system using the BMR Direct Streaming Method within the BDRSuite/BDRCloud environment.

Note:
  1. A 'stable internet connection' between the server and agent is essential for successful bare metal recovery.
  2. Ensure 'compatibility' between source and target disk sizes for a smooth restoration process.
  3.  Driver injection is critical when restoring to dissimilar hardware.

A step by step guide for Bare Metal recovery Manual Download Method

Overview

The BMR Manual Download Method in BDRSuite/BDRCloud offers a convenient way to restore data by manually downloading disks. This article provides a detailed guide on how to utilize this method effectively. This method requires extra storage space because of the disk download, but offers flexibility and independence from continuous network connectivity. 

Procedure

Steps to create a bootable media for bare-metal recovery.


Step 1: Installation of Windows AIK/ADK and BDRSuite Recovery CD Builder

1.1 Download and Install Windows AIK/ADK:
  1. Download Windows AIK 
  2. Download Windows ADK
Note: AIK supports Windows 7, 8.1, 2008, 2008 R2. ADK supports Windows 10, 2012 R2, 2016, and up to 2019.
1.2 Download BDRSuite Recovery CD:
  1. Download the BDRSuite Recovery CD
NotesNote: Choose the appropriate version (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your requirements.
1.3 Run RecoveryCDBuilder
  1. Unzip the downloaded BDRSuite Recovery CD file.
  2. Run RecoveryCDBuilder with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Creation of BDRSuite Recovery ISO file

2.1 Read and Agree to License Agreement:
  1. Upon running RecoveryCDBuilder, read the Service Provider License Agreement carefully and click Agree.
Note: When you have RAID and additional drivers to be set up in the machine to be recovered, such drivers can be bundled with BDRSuite Recovery CD using the 'Additional Driver' option
  1. 2.2 Configuration in BDR Recovery CD Builder:
    1. The AIK/ADK location will be auto-filled in the window.
    2. Choose the target location to store the ISO file.
    3. Select the "Retain temporary files" option if you need a UEFI supported ISO.
    4. Click "Build" to initiate ISO file creation and monitor progress in the status bar.
    1. Upon completion, the ISO file will be available in the specified target location.

Step 3: Creation of UEFI Supported ISO (Optional)

3.1 Navigate to Logs Folder:
  1. Navigate to the BDRSuite_RecoveryCD\Logs folder from the downloaded and unzipped files.
3.2 Retrieve Temporary File Location:
  1. Open the SG_Recovery text file with a text editor.
  2. Note the temp file location, you can find the temp file location on the logs.
Example: Windows Tempfolder C:\Users\ADMINI~1\AppData\Local\Temp\2\2024_05_02_19_24
  1. Navigate to the folder and copy the path.
Example: "C:\Users\ADMINI~1\AppData\Local\Temp\2\2024_05_02_16_49\Temp\media"
3.3 Open Command Prompt:
  1. Open a command prompt and navigate to the specified temp file location.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools\amd64\Oscdimg>
3.4 Run Command to Create UEFI ISO:
  1. Execute the following command:
Oscdimg -bootdata:2#p0,e,bEtfsboot.com#pEF,e,bEfisys.bin -u1 -udfver102 <Temp files location path> <Path to create the UEFI ISO>
Example:
Oscdimg -bootdata:2#p0,e,bEtfsboot.com#pEF,e,bEfisys.bin -u1 -udfver102 C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Temp\TempFolder\media F:\backup3\UEFI\bdrsuite-recovery-cd.iso
  1. The UEFI ISO will be created in the provided location.
This comprehensive guide enables users to effectively create a BDRSuite Recovery CD for conducting Bare-Metal Recovery, including the optional creation of a UEFI supported ISO.


Step 4. Accessing the BDRSuite/BDRCloud Console:

  1. Log in to your BDRSuite/BDRCloud console.
  2. Navigate to the "Restore To Backup Data" page.

Step 5. Initiating Restore:

  1. Click on the "Restore" button corresponding to the Disk Image backup.
  2. Choose the "Download Disks (Manual Method)" option.
  3. Confirm your selection by clicking "OK".

Step 6. Timestamp Selection:

  1. Select the desired timestamp for data restoration.
  2. Proceed by clicking "Next".

Step 7. Disk Selection and Format:

  1. Choose the disk and disk format you wish to download.
  2. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 8. Configuration Review:

  1. Review the selected configuration for accuracy.
  2. Click the "Restore" button to initiate the process.

Step 9. Downloading Restored Disk:

  1. Upon completion of the restore process, the disk will be zipped.
  2. Access the reports page to download the zipped disk.

Step 10 : Boot the Target Machine

  • Plug in the USB or insert the DVD.

  • Enter BIOS/Boot Menu and select the recovery media.

  • Configure Network Settings, set IP configuration manually if DHCP is not available.

Step 11. Connect to BDRSuite Backup Server

  • Provide Backup Server IP and port (default: 42005).

  • Enter credentials if prompted.

  • Select the machine and available recovery point.

Step 12. Map Disks and Enable Driver Injection

  • Map source disks to target disks (ensure same or higher capacity).

  • All data on target disks will be erased.

  • Enable Driver Injection if needed and add .inf files.

Step 13. Start Recovery

  • Click Proceed to begin the recovery.

  • Monitor progress; duration varies based on data size.

12. Final Steps

  • Remove recovery media.

  • Restart and verify successful OS boot.

Post-Recovery Checks

  • Confirm drivers and partitions.

  • Reactivate licenses if required.

By following these steps, users can efficiently utilize the BMR Manual Download Method in BDRSuite/BDRCloud to restore data by manually downloading disks.