Need to image a server.

[JustInspired]

Need to image a server just for archival purposes then wipe it.
I don't have the unit yet but only that it is an old Windows server being returned to some leasing company.

I have got boot CDs for Macrium, Acronis, Paragon etc that I use for desktop imaging but will these care about a server OS? Surely it will not matter?

Better yet, how can I make an image that I can use if we want to boot it virtually?
I have used VirtualBox before to mount virtual machines but that's about as far as I have ventured.

Any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SAG]

I've imaged servers using Acronis B&R as well as disk2vhd.

In fact, 2 weeks ago I imaged a 2003 SBS with disk2vhd just to archive it. After decommissioning the hardware, realized I needed an SQL dump from it as the last one I took was bad.
Booted the VHD in Hyper-V and dumped sql.

Now, if it were OEM I'd have to reactivate it the moment I booted it, and also would be in violation, but it was VLK.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

disk2vhd

//end thread

 

[ohio_grad_06]

Also, I think that acronis .tib files can be converted ro vhds that can be run from within vmware.

 

[JustInspired]

Thanks for the answers.

Just a quick one...

Can you run disk2vhd using a Windows PE boot CD or similar and copy the image to a USB hard drive (or must it be run from inside the booted up server OS?)


I suppose it depends on whether or not boot disc has the necessary mass storage or RAID drivers to see the server hard drive properly?

 

[SAG]

I have NEVER had a failure when running disk2vhd from within the running server.
I just stop all major processes (SQL, AV, etc) and sometimes even let it back the image up to the server disk itself.

For a small portable utility it's pretty cool.
Full of fiber and wholesome goodness and all that.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

I cant speak to vhd, but ive used acronis booting from disc to make an image of a pc, and then you can convert that to a vm. So might work for a server if acronis csn understand RAID.