Windows URGENT - redirected folders backup

Hi,

Im not that tuned up when it comes to servers and i shall bore you the story of why i need to do this but its a "worst case scenario".

i need to copy all the contents of the companies redirected folders (not many around 5 or 6) to an external drive.

obvisouly the problem i have is permissions. now im not sure how to alter the permissions without altering/overwriting exisiting ones so i can have access to everyones documents and make a copy.

anyone any ideas ?

 

What OS?
Do you have admin rights?

 

lol oops

its server 2008 and i have network administor role

 

Either.

1) Manually change permissions on each folder by taking control of it then adding yourself to the ACL.

or

2) Use shadow copies to copy the files to the external drive (use it as the target)

or

3) Use your backup software to make a copy to that drive.

 

tried to copy a shadoe copy to a new location and it was denied, seems i require permissions still

know any that are free that will copy even if i dont have permissions ?

if i take ownership of each of the folders wont this effect redirected folders and then they wont be accessible by the user ?

 

If you're running full server 2008 then you can use the built in backup software to do it (you may need to install the feature)

If you take ownership of a folder it shouldn't affect the current permissions unless you change them. I usually take control, give myself full control then change the owner back.

 

hmmm the backup software only allows me to make a backup of the whole C: drive but im guessing its a compressed image file (or something similar) so i wont be able to access files individually

 

when i try to change permissions of the my doc folder or desktop folder and add the admin user i get an acess denied message !

 

Have you tried logging in as Administrator, browsing to the folders & looking at previous versions then drag & dropping them to a drive.

If it's just for backup then it doesn't matter if you can see/open the files.
If you're trying to steal the data or snoop on people then it's another matter (not for a public forum)

 

Have you taken control first?

 

basically my boss has asked me to do it and hes the director of the company so no stealing or whatever.

hmm i probly didnt take control first but im gunna use a work around to make things easier and so i dont break the server.

since we have very few users im just gunna log in to each PC (3 or 4) and make a backup of of docs and desktop. shouldnt take long and im scared about breaking the server.

thanks for super fast responses though sapro +rep

 

Take ownership. It won't break the permissions. If you're really worried, simply check the security permissions and make sure the relevant user already has permissions setup (which they should do). If they're listed, go ahead and take ownership.

 

If you want me to remote in to the server let me know.

 

lol thanks for the offer but im sure my boss would kill me. ive sorted it now and backed up all the PCs i need to.

 

I could charge him if he want.
That way it's like getting a consultant in.
A bargain at £750 a day.