Automating the backup of GPO's

[clandouglas]

I am wondering if anyone has a good way to automate the backup of GPO's, like on a nightly basis. I know I can backup 1 or all via the GPMC, how can I automate this.

I apologize if this has been posted already, I did a search and didn't find anything related exactly.

martin

[DeanKauf]

Martin, I also have been thinking about how to automate, the only suggestion I can give you right now would be to create a Backup Job via ntbackup, in the selection window drill down to the C:\WINDOWS\SYSVOL\domain\Policies Check the Policies folders and back up everything under policies, create a Job name and a schedule.
This should work up to here, however I have not had time to test the restore, nor at this time the replication issues yet. I am in the process of setting up a test environment and I suggest you do the same and play with it there before trying it in production, otherwise it could be a CLM if you don't.


dk

[clandouglas]

Thanks for the reply Dean. I have been pondering the same thing. I have a whole test forest for this, I will begin testing maybe sometime next week.

[kevsully]

Take a look at the sample scripts with the GPMC, this will be much better for you and much cleaner.

(Sorry so late!)

[clandouglas]

Thanks for the reply kevsully. The scripts and the interface provided are a wealth of knowledge. I am looking into this now. The AD Cookbook by O'Reilly is helpful here as well.

[kevsully]

I can't believe I forgot Robbie's book! I was an editor on that one. Not only for this but for all kinds of great AD stuff that is an awesome book.

Also, chapter 7 of Jeremy's book! Awesome reference for the GPMC and if you need to get real deep MSDN library...

Kevin