NT backup ..

The first step to automating a backup is to create the command script. A command script is essentially a text document with an extension of .cmd. This extension is used to manage the automated process. The actual name of the script is irrelevant, but it is a good practice to name the file with a reasonably descriptive name.

For this example, the file name Backup.cmd will be used. This file must be located in the System32 subdirectory of your computer's root directory. For example, if NT was installed in the default directory of WINNT on the C drive, the correct path to store the file is C:\Winnt\System32. This command script can be created with any text editor program, such as Notepad.

An example of the command script would look like this:

NTBACKUP BACKUP C:\Data /D SERVER BACKUP FILES /B /L C:\Backup.log

This script provides for the following:

• Backs up all files in the C:\Data folder (BACKUP C:\Dataz)
• Replaces any files currently on the tape. (/D)
• Labels the backup set Server Backup Files. (SERVER BACKUP FILES)
• Backs up the local registry. (/B)
• Logs all backup information to C:\Backup.log. (/L "C:\Backup.log)

There are additional parameters that can be used to customize the script. The additional parameters can be found in Windows NT Help, or at a command prompt by typing NTBACKUP /?.

Once the command script file has been created and stored in the proper directory, the AT scheduler program must be invoked. Going to a command prompt and entering a command line script for the AT scheduler program to invoke the script file created above is a direct way for this to be done. An example of the command would appear as follows:

AT 22:30 /EVERY: T,Th,S Backup.cmd

This command line executes the file Backup.cmd at 10:30 P.M. or 2230 in military time, on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The AT command is comprised of the following syntax:

AT time /EVERY:date[,...]"command"

Parameters:

• Time: Specifies the time to execute the command. This is noted in military time.
• /EVERY:date[,...]: Runs the command on each specified day(s) of the week or month. If date is omitted, the current day of the month is assumed. Valid values for the date are:
  • M: Monday
  • T: Tuesday
  • W: Wednesday
  • Th: Thursday
  • F: Friday
  • S: Saturday
  • Su: Sunday
• Command: Specifies the Windows NT command, or batch program to be run. Omit the quotes when typing the command.

Additional parameters can be found by typing AT /? at a command prompt.

The Schedule service must be running on the computer in order to use the AT command. To get the Schedule service started:

1. On your screen, locate and click the Start button. From the Start menu point to Settings, then click Control Panel.

    

2. In Control Panel, double-click the Services icon.

    

3. From the list of services, select Schedule, then click Start. If you want the Schedule service to automatically start on every startup, instead click Startup and select Automatic.

Note: Even though it is running, the scheduled task will be invisible to the desktop unless the /Interactive switch is used. If this /Interactive switch is desired on a scheduled task that also uses the /EVERY switch, the /Interactive switch must appear first in the AT command line. In order to see a list of scheduled tasks, type AT at the command prompt.

Additional Information

Additional information can be obtained through the Microsoft Knowledge Base, referencing articles entitled Backup Utilities, which is for NT Server or NT Workstation, Implementing Scheduled Backups with Windows NT Backup, Q103474, and Backup Strategy.