Backing up Dynamics CRM 2011 Server
Backing up Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Server would include backing up its databases, program files, and website files. Now the database backup has already been discussed in the previous recipe. In this recipe, we will explore backing up program files and website files.
In addition to these files, if any update rollups have been applied, the versions of these update rollups have to also be noted so that in case of failure recovery, these update rollups can also be reapplied.
The registry should also be backed up so that it can be restored in the case of a failure.
How to do it…
The following steps would create a backup of the files:
- Dynamics CRM 2011 Server program files and websites reside in the following mentioned location by default. Please save the files in a safe location on a separate backup machine.
These file backups can be used in the case of any failure. Hence, it is recommended to save them on a separate machine itself.
By default, all Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Server program files are located in the folder
C:\Program Files\Microsoft CRM\.By default, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Server website files are located in the folder
C:\Program Files\Microsoft CRM\CRMWeb. - The registry under
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSCRMshould also be backed up. - It is also very important to keep the update rollup information safe. The build number of the Dynamics CRM 2011 Server can potentially indicate what is the latest update rollup that has to be installed. The build number can be found by following these steps:
- Browse to the Dynamics CRM 2011 URL in the Internet Explorer window.
- Then go to File | Help | About Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
- This will show the build number of the Dynamics CRM 2011 Server as shown below.
How it works…
In this recipe, we have taken backup copies of the web.config and registry files. The backups become very important in case changes have been made to them post the installation of Dynamics CRM 2011. In any case, keeping a backup copy is always recommended. This backup copy can be restored when a failure occurs.
The build number of the Dynamics CRM 2011 Server will confirm that the latest update rollup was installed on the environment. The RTM version of Dynamics CRM 2011 has a build number of 5.0.9688.583, and then with every update rollup release the build number changes. The following table shows the build numbers of the update rollups available till this book was written:
