Files in root directory, WFP-protected files (many files from \WINNT\System32 directory-tree).
System registry.
COM+ database.
SysVol directory tree (domain controllers only).
Active Directory database (domain controllers only).
Certificate Server (CA) database (Certificate Authority servers only).
*Cluster database (cluster nodes only).
(*) Cluster database is currently not backed up with Stratesave on Windows 2000. This is used for cluster nodes only. On Windows 2003 Cluster database is backed up with VSS.
Stratesave has a single-icon-selection for System State. Stratesave supports differential System State Backup. Each file will be checked from catalog, if it is contained in a backup of higher period, assuring System State integrity. This way, daily or weekly differential backups can be kept small.
For VSS Backups in Windows 2003 and later, there is also the Service State, which has elements important for Services of this computer, but not vital for the base operating system. These are Event Logs, IIS Metabase, and others. Service State elements can be single selected or excluded for backup.
During restore, the System State components should be restored together. But if desired, individual elements of System State can be restored independently. Boot computer with in Directory Services Restore mode, before restoring system state. This is also best policy for restoring System State for a Workstation, or if directory services are not installed.
For backup of Certificate Authority (CA) database: The CA database and configuration is backed up, but not the certificate (private key). This highly sensitive information should be backed up manually, once after the Certificate Services is installed, or when a new certificate is issued. The Certification Authority tool from Windows 2000 lets you backup the certificate to a password protected file (PKCS # 12 file, .p12 file), which can then be backed up with Stratesave. In the CA tool backup Wizard, select Private key and CA certificate for backup, but don't select Issued certificate log and pending certificate request queue. The later is the CA database, which can be backed up with Stratesave. Alternatively, you can backup the certificate with the certutil command (certutil -backupkey). When the CA database is backed up with Stratesave, be sure to also include the \Winnt\System32\CertSrv\CertEnroll directory in the backup.
The Removable Storage Manager (RSM) database is not defined as part of the system state, but it can also be backed up and restored with the system state components. If removable storage is not used (no autoloader is installed), it is also not necessary to backup and restore the RSM database. Backing up the RSM database activates the RSM service which is normally not started.