Backup and Restore DHCP Database

Having a DHCP database backup protects users from data loss in case the database gets corrupted or lost due to circumstances. Three backup methods may be used for DHCP database and are all supported by DHCPServer service:†¢ Synchronous backup – this backup occur automatically and happens every 60 minutes (default backup interval)†¢ Asynchronous backup – this is a manual backup. The user can use this backup by using the Backup command on the DHCP console. †¢ Windows Backup (ntbackup.exe) or non-Microsoft backup software The entire DHCP database is saved when the synchronous or asynchronous backup is used (Microsoft Corporation 2010). Restoring a DHCP database may be done by replacing the server database file Dhcp. mdb with a backup copy of the same file. The user may also get the database’s backup copy from the DHCP’s backup folder if the DHCP Manager is used. Restoration of the Dhcp. mdb file is also possible through the use of a tape backup or other backup media.All this procedures may be done if the user is a member of the Administrators group or has the proper authority to perform these tasks. Some points to remember when restoring a DHCP database are as follows (Microsoft Corporation 2010): †¢ Restore database backup from the same Windows Server version. If the backup is from a different version, migrate the DHCP database to the same version using the netsh export/import command.†¢ Restore database backup from the same language version.†¢ DHCP service is temporarily stopped when restoring a DHCP database.