📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses setting up a Windows Server 2012 R2 as a backup server for two Windows 10 laptops. The original poster seeks guidance on starting, with suggestions including creating network shares and using USMT for data backup, though USMT isn't suitable for partition imaging. Other contributors recommend using disk imaging tools like Macrium Reflect or Clonezilla for full system backups and suggest backup frequency and restoration methods, indicating a focus on practical, user-friendly backup solutions.

TomX

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2018
Messages
2
Thread Author #1
I have been given an old server which has windows 2012R2 server installed there are 3 1tb hdd 1 with the OS and the other 2 are clean.
I would like to be able to use it to backup two windows 10 laptops one laptop is connected with ethernet one with WiFi. As I have never used a server I do not know where to start, can anyone give me some ideas of where to start.
 

Solution
If it's a closed network and your not worried about security you could do the following.

  • Create a Read/Write share on the server with 'Everyone' with access to it.
  • Download USMT on both computers
  • Create a simple batch file that will execute USMT
  • Direct the backup to \\server\share_name\%COMPUTERNAME% directory
  • Run the batch file as a scheduled task for the backup frequency you want

USMT can be configure to backup anything
User State Migration Tool (USMT) Overview (Windows 10)

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
If it's a closed network and your not worried about security you could do the following.

  • Create a Read/Write share on the server with 'Everyone' with access to it.
  • Download USMT on both computers
  • Create a simple batch file that will execute USMT
  • Direct the backup to \\server\share_name\%COMPUTERNAME% directory
  • Run the batch file as a scheduled task for the backup frequency you want

USMT can be configure to backup anything
User State Migration Tool (USMT) Overview (Windows 10)
 

Solution

TomX

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2018
Messages
2
Thread Author #3
Neemobeer thanks for your help I will give it a go. Is possible to do a partition backup using USMT.
 

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
No USMT is to backup data only. If you want to do partition or disk images you'll need to use something like clonezilla or macrum
 

jannywatson

New Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2018
Messages
1
Back up a Windows Vista-based computer
  1. Click Start, type backup in the Start Search box, and then click Backup and Restore in the Programs list.
  2. Click Back up files under Back up files or your entire computer.
  3. Select where you want to store the file backup, and then click Next
And if not getting all this try the blog of Link Removed which helps you more in this.
 

jacktors

New Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2018
Messages
5
How often you backing up these laptops? I assume there mobile. Seems like a better way. I would use free program like macrium or ghost to get point in time capture or image. Restore from image with bootable USB you create or make clone. IDK just my 2 cents