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Title
Migration Manager backup strategy - what is needed to be able to recover in case of a disaster. -
Description
When using QMM for AD and Exchange Data Migration, what should be backed up to ensure a quick recovery in case of disk/server failure?
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Resolution
QMM for AD Project:
QMM stores all of the Project information in the ADAM DB.Should something happen to the console machine, the QMM Project can be easily restored by installing QMM on another machine, and connecting to the existing (or restored from backup) project. As long as an ADAM backup is available, one will be able to recover within minutes.
In a disaster scenario all that is needed is a backup of the ADAM instance. At a minimum the folder "%programfiles%\Microsoft ADAM" (including subfolders) should be saved.
Performing a backup regularly (eg. every night) would ensure that there is always a backup of a recent project available.
Alternatively, if no backup solution is available, you can do it manually, this KB article (SOL9901) contains instructions:
https://support.quest.com/SUPPORT/index?page=solution&id=SOL9901QMM for Exchange:
If the Exchange portion of the tool is being used to synchronize the Exchange Data, then one needs to backup the SQL DB as well.
To determine which SQL DB is being used in QMM navigate to Project - Open Project and follow the wizard, it will show which SQL server is being used and the name of the SQL DB will be displayed. Quest does not offer a backup solution for SQL, native MS or other third party tools need to be used to backup the SQL database.
Important: Every time the Project wizard is started, it is important to finish the wizard otherwise the project will not open and QMM will not show the configured project (domain pair).QMM Directory Synchronization Agent:
The Directory Synchronization Agent (DSA) stores the information about migration sessions. Should the DSA computer become unavailable, one will not be able to undo the migration sessions. It is a good idea to backup at least the .stg files which are located by default under:"Program Files\Quest Software\Migration Manager\DSA\CONFIGS\UndoStorage"
Preserving the old DSA data (stg files) allows you to recover the DSA and to undo old migration sessions.
For more detailed information about the DSA and the role of .stg files when undoing migration sessions, please see also KB article SOL42792:
https://support.quest.com/SUPPORT/index?page=solution&id=SOL42792 -
Additional Information
Detailed steps to back up a QMM ADAM Instance using onboard tools:
1. Select Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Backup.
2. In the Backup or Restore Wizard click the Advanced Mode link.
3. Select the Backup tab and then on the Job menu click New, then select the check box to the left of the ADAM instance folder, which by default is %programfiles%\Microsoft\ADAM\instance1.
4. To back up the ADAM files to a .bkf file, in Backup destination, click File. (If there is no tape drive in the computer, File is selected by default.) Then, in Backup media or file name, type a path and file name for the backup (.bkf) file.
5. Click Start Backup, and then make any desired changes in the Backup Job Information dialog box.
Advanced backup options, such as data verification or hardware compression, can be set by clicking on Advanced in the Backup Job Information dialog box. After advanced backup options have been set, click OK.
6. Click Start Backup and after the backup operation is complete, close the backup application.