Chapter 7

Chapter 7:Configuring Server Storage, Backup, and Performance

OptionsOptions

Chapter 7:Configuring Server Storage, Backup, and Performance

OptionsOptions

Chapter 7

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Explain basic and dynamic disksExplain basic and dynamic disks Partition, format, and manage basic Partition, format, and manage basic

disks and convert them to dynamic disksdisks and convert them to dynamic disks Create and manage simple, spanned, Create and manage simple, spanned,

striped, RAID-5, and mirrored dynamic striped, RAID-5, and mirrored dynamic disksdisks

Mount a driveMount a drive

Chapter 7

Learning Objectives (continued)Learning Objectives (continued)

Manage removable storage and set up Manage removable storage and set up media poolsmedia pools

Perform disk backupsPerform disk backups Tune server performanceTune server performance Configure Windows 2000 Server for an Configure Windows 2000 Server for an

uninterruptible power supply (UPS)uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

Chapter 7

Basic DiskBasic Disk

Uses traditional disk management Uses traditional disk management techniquestechniques

Is partitioned and formattedIs partitioned and formatted Can be set up to employ disk setsCan be set up to employ disk sets Offered for backward compatibility with Offered for backward compatibility with

earlier versions of Windows and MS-earlier versions of Windows and MS-DOSDOS

Chapter 7

Disk PartitioningDisk Partitioning

Blocks a group of tracks and sectors in Blocks a group of tracks and sectors in preparation for a file systempreparation for a file system

Places a master boot record and Places a master boot record and partition table in the beginning track and partition table in the beginning track and sectors on a disksectors on a disk

Chapter 7

Partitioning TipPartitioning Tip

When you partition a basic disk, leave When you partition a basic disk, leave 1 MB free for workspace which is 1 MB free for workspace which is necessary to later convert to a necessary to later convert to a dynamic disk dynamic disk

Chapter 7

Customizing the MMC for Disk Management

Customizing the MMC for Disk Management

Figure 7-1 Figure 7-1 Disk Management and Disk Defragmenter snap-ins installed in the MMCDisk Management and Disk Defragmenter snap-ins installed in the MMC

Chapter 7

Primary and Extended PartitionsPrimary and Extended Partitions

Primary partition: A partition or portion Primary partition: A partition or portion of a hard disk that is bootableof a hard disk that is bootable

Extended Partition: A partition that is Extended Partition: A partition that is created from unpartitioned free disk created from unpartitioned free disk space and is linked to a primary space and is linked to a primary partition in order to increase the partition in order to increase the available disk spaceavailable disk space

Chapter 7

Setting Up an Extended PartitionSetting Up an Extended Partition

Figure 7-2 Creating an extended partitionFigure 7-2 Creating an extended partition

Chapter 7

Boot and System PartitionsBoot and System Partitions

Boot partition: A partition that holds the Boot partition: A partition that holds the Windows 2000 Server \Winnt folder Windows 2000 Server \Winnt folder containing the system filescontaining the system files

System partition: A partition that System partition: A partition that contains boot files, such as Boot.ini and contains boot files, such as Boot.ini and Ntldr in Windows 2000 ServerNtldr in Windows 2000 Server

Chapter 7

Viewing the System and Boot Partitions

Viewing the System and Boot Partitions

Figure 7-3 System and boot partitionsFigure 7-3 System and boot partitions

Chapter 7

FormattingFormatting

Formatting creates a table containing Formatting creates a table containing file and folder information for a specific file and folder information for a specific file system in a partition – it also creates file system in a partition – it also creates a root folder and volume labela root folder and volume label

Use the Disk Management tool to Use the Disk Management tool to format a partitionformat a partition

Chapter 7

Formatting Using the Disk Management Tool

Formatting Using the Disk Management Tool

Figure 7-4 Formatting a partitionFigure 7-4 Formatting a partition

Chapter 7

Formatting Tips Formatting Tips

When you format a partition, avoid using When you format a partition, avoid using the quick format option, because it does the quick format option, because it does not check for bad sectors during the not check for bad sectors during the formatformat

After you partition and format a disk, be After you partition and format a disk, be sure to update the emergency repair sure to update the emergency repair disk to reflect your changedisk to reflect your change

Chapter 7

Volume and Stripe SetsVolume and Stripe Sets

Volume set: Two or more formatted Volume set: Two or more formatted basic disk partitions (volumes) that are basic disk partitions (volumes) that are combined to look like one volume with combined to look like one volume with a single drive lettera single drive letter

Stripe set: Two or more basic disks set Stripe set: Two or more basic disks set up so that files are spread in blocks up so that files are spread in blocks across the disksacross the disks

Chapter 7

Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk

Converting a Basic Disk to a Dynamic Disk

To convert a disk:To convert a disk: Right-click the basic disk to convertRight-click the basic disk to convert Click Upgrade to Dynamic DiskClick Upgrade to Dynamic Disk

Chapter 7

Converting a Dynamic Disk to a Basic Disk

Converting a Dynamic Disk to a Basic Disk

To convert back to a basic disk:To convert back to a basic disk: Back up the dynamic diskBack up the dynamic disk Delete the dynamic disk volumeDelete the dynamic disk volume Click the disk, click the Action menu, and Click the disk, click the Action menu, and

click Restore Basic Diskclick Restore Basic Disk Partition and format the diskPartition and format the disk

Chapter 7

Dynamic DisksDynamic Disks

Dynamic disk: In Windows 2000 Server, Dynamic disk: In Windows 2000 Server, a disk that does not use traditional a disk that does not use traditional partitioning, which means that there is partitioning, which means that there is no restriction to the number of volumes no restriction to the number of volumes that can be set up on one disk or the that can be set up on one disk or the ability to extend volumes onto additional ability to extend volumes onto additional physical disks. Dynamic disks are only physical disks. Dynamic disks are only compatible with Windows 2000.compatible with Windows 2000.

Chapter 7

Dynamic Disks (continued)Dynamic Disks (continued)

Dynamic disks support:Dynamic disks support: Spanned volumes and volume extensionsSpanned volumes and volume extensions Up to 32 disks in one spanned volumeUp to 32 disks in one spanned volume RAID levels 0, 1, and 5RAID levels 0, 1, and 5 FAT16, FAT32, and NTFSFAT16, FAT32, and NTFS

Chapter 7

Simple VolumeSimple Volume

Simple volume: A portion of a disk or an Simple volume: A portion of a disk or an entire disk that is set up as a dynamic entire disk that is set up as a dynamic diskdisk

A simple volume is not set up for fault A simple volume is not set up for fault tolerance or RAIDtolerance or RAID

Chapter 7

Spanned VolumeSpanned Volume

Spanned volume: Two or more Spanned volume: Two or more Windows 2000 dynamic disks that are Windows 2000 dynamic disks that are combined to appear as one diskcombined to appear as one disk

A spanned volume can contain 2 to 32 A spanned volume can contain 2 to 32 disksdisks

Chapter 7

Spanned Volume (continued)Spanned Volume (continued)

Figure 7-5 Spanned volumeFigure 7-5 Spanned volume

2 G B

11 G B spanned volume

2 G B 3 G B 4 G B

Chapter 7

Design TipDesign Tip

In a spanned volume if one disk fails, In a spanned volume if one disk fails, the entire volume is inaccessible. If a the entire volume is inaccessible. If a portion of a volume is deleted, such as portion of a volume is deleted, such as one disk, the entire disk set is deleted. one disk, the entire disk set is deleted. For these reasons, avoid placing For these reasons, avoid placing mission-critical data and applications on mission-critical data and applications on a spanned volume.a spanned volume.

Chapter 7

Striped VolumeStriped Volume

Striped volume: Two or more dynamic Striped volume: Two or more dynamic disks that use striping so that files are disks that use striping so that files are spread in blocks across the disks (RAID spread in blocks across the disks (RAID level 0)level 0)

Striping requires 2 disks and can include Striping requires 2 disks and can include as many as 32as many as 32

Striping equalizes the disk load, extends Striping equalizes the disk load, extends the life of disks, and increases disk the life of disks, and increases disk performanceperformance

Chapter 7

Striped Volume LayoutStriped Volume Layout

1-64 KB 65-128 KB 129-192 KB 193-256 KB 257-320 KB

321-384 KB

D isk 1 D isk 2 D isk 3 D isk 4 D isk 5

Row 1

Row 2

Row 3

385-448 KB 449-512 KB 513-576 KB 577-640 KB

641-704 KB 704-720 KB

Figure 7-6 Disks in a striped volumeFigure 7-6 Disks in a striped volume

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting TipTroubleshooting Tip

If one or more disks in a striped volume If one or more disks in a striped volume fail, the data will likely be inaccessible. fail, the data will likely be inaccessible. Frequently back up a striped volume so Frequently back up a striped volume so you do not lose data if a disk failure you do not lose data if a disk failure occurs.occurs.

Chapter 7

RAID-5 VolumeRAID-5 Volume

RAID-5 volume: Three or more dynamic RAID-5 volume: Three or more dynamic disks that use RAID level 5 fault disks that use RAID level 5 fault tolerance through disk striping and tolerance through disk striping and creating parity blocks for data recoverycreating parity blocks for data recovery

A RAID-5 volume is not as fast at A RAID-5 volume is not as fast at writing because it must calculate the writing because it must calculate the parity block for each rowparity block for each row

Chapter 7

RAID-5 LayoutRAID-5 Layout

Parity b lock 1-64 KB 65-128 KB 129-192 KB 193-256 KB

257-320 KB

D isk 1 D isk 2 D isk 3 D isk 4 D isk 5

Row 1

Row 2

Row 3

Parity b lock 321-384 KB 385-448 KB 449-512 KB

513-576 KB 577-640 KB Parity b lock 641-704 KB 704-720 KB

Figure 7-7 Disks in a RAID-5 volumeFigure 7-7 Disks in a RAID-5 volume

Chapter 7

Disk Spaced Used for ParityDisk Spaced Used for Parity

The amount of disk space used for The amount of disk space used for parity is 1/n where n equals the number parity is 1/n where n equals the number of physical disksof physical disks

When you plan disk capacity, take into When you plan disk capacity, take into account the amount of space (for parity) account the amount of space (for parity) that cannot be used for production data that cannot be used for production data

Chapter 7

Design TipDesign Tip

If you create a RAID-5 volume, add at If you create a RAID-5 volume, add at least 12 MB or more of RAM, because least 12 MB or more of RAM, because RAID-5 functions need more memoryRAID-5 functions need more memory

Chapter 7

Mirrored VolumeMirrored Volume

Mirrored volume: Two dynamic disks that Mirrored volume: Two dynamic disks that are set up for RAID level 1 so that data are set up for RAID level 1 so that data on one disk is stored on a redundant diskon one disk is stored on a redundant disk

Disk read performance is the same as Disk read performance is the same as reading from a simple volume, but the reading from a simple volume, but the disk write time is increased in order to disk write time is increased in order to write on both diskswrite on both disks

Chapter 7

Design CautionDesign Caution

The system and boot partitions can be on The system and boot partitions can be on a simple, spanned, or mirrored volume, a simple, spanned, or mirrored volume, but not on a striped or RAID-5 volume but not on a striped or RAID-5 volume (unless hardware RAID is used)(unless hardware RAID is used)

Chapter 7

Disk Performance and RepairDisk Performance and Repair

Avoid allowing disks to get over 80 Avoid allowing disks to get over 80 percent fullpercent full

You can extend the life of disks by using You can extend the life of disks by using striped or RAID-5 volumesstriped or RAID-5 volumes

Regularly defragment disks to extend Regularly defragment disks to extend disk life and increase performancedisk life and increase performance

Chapter 7

Using the Disk DefragmenterUsing the Disk Defragmenter

Figure 7-8 Analyzing a disk’s fragmentationFigure 7-8 Analyzing a disk’s fragmentation

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting TipTroubleshooting Tip

Ensure disk integrity and repair disk Ensure disk integrity and repair disk problems by using the “checkdisk” utility, problems by using the “checkdisk” utility, called called chkdskchkdsk

Chkdsk Chkdsk can check FAT16, FAT32, and can check FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS formatted volumesNTFS formatted volumes

Chapter 7

ChkdskChkdsk

In NTFS, chkdsk can check:In NTFS, chkdsk can check: FilesFiles FoldersFolders IndexesIndexes Security descriptorsSecurity descriptors User filesUser files Disk allocation unitsDisk allocation units

Chapter 7

Chkdsk Switch and Parameter Options

Chkdsk Switch and Parameter Options

Switch/Parameter Purpose

[volume] (such as C:) Specifies that chkdsk only check the designated volume

[filename] (such as *.dll) Enables a check of the specified file or files only

/c For NTFS only, chkdsk uses an abbreviated check of the

folder structure

/f Instructs chkdsk to fix errors that it finds and locks the disk

while checking

/i For NTFS only, chkdsk uses an abbreviated check of indexes

Chapter 7

Chkdsk Switch and Parameter Options (continued)

Chkdsk Switch and Parameter Options (continued)Switch/Parameter Purpose

/L:size For NTFS only, enables you to specify the size of the log file

created by the disk check

/r Searches for bad sectors, fixes problems, and recovers

information (if possible, or use the Recover command

afterwards)

/v On FAT shows the entire path name of files; on NTFS shows

cleanup messages associated with errors

/x Dismounts or locks a volume before starting (/f also

dismounts or locks a volume)

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting TipTroubleshooting Tip

If there is physical damage on a disk, If there is physical damage on a disk, use use chkdskchkdsk with the /r switch to identify with the /r switch to identify bad sectorsbad sectors

Use Use RecoverRecover to recover files on a to recover files on a damaged disk: damaged disk: Recover [driver and path] Recover [driver and path] filenamefilename

Chapter 7

Mounted DriveMounted Drive

Mounted drive: A physical disk, CD-Mounted drive: A physical disk, CD-ROM, or Zip drive that appears as a ROM, or Zip drive that appears as a folder and that is accessed through a folder and that is accessed through a path like any other folderpath like any other folder

Using mounted drives enables you to Using mounted drives enables you to save on allocating drive letterssave on allocating drive letters

Chapter 7

Removable StorageRemovable Storage

Examples of removable storage include:Examples of removable storage include: CD-ROMsCD-ROMs CD-RWsCD-RWs Magnetic media such as tapes and Zip Magnetic media such as tapes and Zip

disksdisks

Chapter 7

Library ConceptsLibrary Concepts

Library: Removable storage media and the Library: Removable storage media and the drive (or drives) used by the mediadrive (or drives) used by the media

Robotic library: A library of removable media Robotic library: A library of removable media and drives in which multiple media, such as and drives in which multiple media, such as tapes, can be mounted and dismounted tapes, can be mounted and dismounted automaticallyautomatically

Stand-alone drive library: A library consisting Stand-alone drive library: A library consisting of media and a drive in which the media are of media and a drive in which the media are mounted manually one at a timemounted manually one at a time

Chapter 7

Media Pool ConceptsMedia Pool Concepts

Media pool: A set of removable media in Media pool: A set of removable media in which the media are used for the same which the media are used for the same purpose and that are managed in the purpose and that are managed in the same way, such as backup tapes for a same way, such as backup tapes for a Windows 2000 serverWindows 2000 server

Media in each library are managed as Media in each library are managed as part of a media poolpart of a media pool

Chapter 7

Media ClassificationMedia Classification

Physical media: Media you can touch, Physical media: Media you can touch, such as tapes and that are linked to a such as tapes and that are linked to a library (most common classification)library (most common classification)

Logical media: Media that can hold Logical media: Media that can hold information from two different media information from two different media pools, such as a tape that has backup pools, such as a tape that has backup information from multiple media poolsinformation from multiple media pools

Chapter 7

Creating a Media Pool Creating a Media Pool

The steps for creating a media pool are:The steps for creating a media pool are: Open the Removable Storage Management toolOpen the Removable Storage Management tool Double-click Removable Storage, right-click Media Double-click Removable Storage, right-click Media

Pools, click Create Media PoolPools, click Create Media Pool Access the General tab and enter a name for the Access the General tab and enter a name for the

media pool, enter a description, specify the type of media pool, enter a description, specify the type of media, and specify how the media are allocatedmedia, and specify how the media are allocated

Use the Security tab to specify who can access and Use the Security tab to specify who can access and manage the media poolmanage the media pool

Chapter 7

Media Pool SetupMedia Pool Setup

Figure 7-9 Setting up a new media poolFigure 7-9 Setting up a new media pool

Chapter 7

Backing Up a ServerBacking Up a Server

Develop a backup strategy as soon as Develop a backup strategy as soon as possiblepossible

Consider your backup activities as mission-Consider your backup activities as mission-criticalcritical

Chapter 7

Windows 2000 Backup OptionsWindows 2000 Backup Options

The backup options in Windows 2000 Server The backup options in Windows 2000 Server include:include: Normal – a full backupNormal – a full backup Incremental – a partial backup (removes the Incremental – a partial backup (removes the

archive attribute)archive attribute) Differential – a partial backup (does not remove the Differential – a partial backup (does not remove the

archive attributearchive attribute Copy – backs up specifically selected filesCopy – backs up specifically selected files Daily – backs up files that have changed on the day Daily – backs up files that have changed on the day

of the backupof the backup

Chapter 7

Starting a Backup Starting a Backup

Figure 7-10 Manually starting a backupFigure 7-10 Manually starting a backup

Chapter 7

Scheduling BackupsScheduling Backups

For regularly performed backups, use For regularly performed backups, use the scheduling capability in the Backup the scheduling capability in the Backup tool – which actually employs the tool – which actually employs the Scheduled Tasks toolScheduled Tasks tool

Chapter 7

Configuring a Scheduled BackupConfiguring a Scheduled Backup

Figure 7-11 Scheduling a backup jobFigure 7-11 Scheduling a backup job

Chapter 7

Performing a RestorePerforming a Restore

Perform a restore by using the Backup Perform a restore by using the Backup tool and clicking the Restore tabtool and clicking the Restore tab

You can restore all files and folders on a You can restore all files and folders on a medium or only those you select medium or only those you select specificallyspecifically

Chapter 7

Configuring Application Performance

Configuring Application Performance

Tune the server performance by Tune the server performance by configuring application performanceconfiguring application performance

Application performance is tuned by Application performance is tuned by opening the Control Panel System icon, opening the Control Panel System icon, accessing the Advanced tab, and accessing the Advanced tab, and clicking the Performance Options buttonclicking the Performance Options button

Chapter 7

Configuring Virtual MemoryConfiguring Virtual Memory

Tune a server by configuring the page Tune a server by configuring the page file, which is used to expand the file, which is used to expand the capacity of RAMcapacity of RAM

The general formula for configuring a The general formula for configuring a page file is to size it to match the page file is to size it to match the amount of RAM times 1.5amount of RAM times 1.5

Chapter 7

Page File Configuration TipsPage File Configuration Tips

Avoid placing the page file on the boot Avoid placing the page file on the boot partition or volumepartition or volume

Place a page file in each volume in a multiple Place a page file in each volume in a multiple volume systemvolume system

Place a page file on the main volume in a Place a page file on the main volume in a mirrored setmirrored set

Do not place a page file on a stripe set, Do not place a page file on a stripe set, striped volume, strip set with parity, or RAID-striped volume, strip set with parity, or RAID-5 volume5 volume

Chapter 7

Page File ConfigurationPage File Configuration

Figure 7-12 Configuring virtual memoryFigure 7-12 Configuring virtual memory

Chapter 7

Configuring Memory to Match the User Load

Configuring Memory to Match the User Load

Tune a server so the memory is Tune a server so the memory is allocated to match the number of users allocated to match the number of users and the main functions of the server and the main functions of the server (access by users, access to run (access by users, access to run processes, access to obtain files)processes, access to obtain files)

Chapter 7

Configuring Server RAMConfiguring Server RAM

Optimizing Memory Settings Purpose

Minimize memory used Optimizes the memory used on servers with

10 or fewer simultaneous network users

Balance Optimizes memory use for a small LAN with

64 or fewer users

Maximize data throughput for file

sharing

Used for a large network with 64 users or

more where file serving resources need more

memory allocation to make the server efficient

Chapter 7

Configuring Server RAM (continued)

Configuring Server RAM (continued)

Optimizing Memory Settings Purpose

Maximize data throughput for network

applications

Used in servers that primarily handle network

connections and to reduce paging activity

when this affects server performance

Make browser broadcasts to LAN

manager 2.x clients

Used for networks that have both Windows

2000 Server and Microsoft’s early server

operating system, LAN Manager

Chapter 7

Configuring RAM AllocationConfiguring RAM Allocation

Figure 7-13 Adjusting memory allocationFigure 7-13 Adjusting memory allocation

Chapter 7

UPS Fault ToleranceUPS Fault Tolerance

Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A device Uninterruptible power supply (UPS): A device built into electrical equipment or a separate built into electrical equipment or a separate device that provides immediate battery power device that provides immediate battery power to equipment during a power failure or to equipment during a power failure or brownoutbrownout

The dollars you spend on a UPS are quickly The dollars you spend on a UPS are quickly returned in terms of the data that is saved, returned in terms of the data that is saved, grateful users, and reducing hardware and grateful users, and reducing hardware and software damagesoftware damage

Chapter 7

Troubleshooting TipTroubleshooting Tip

Avoid plugging laser printers into a UPS, Avoid plugging laser printers into a UPS, because their excessive power because their excessive power consumption when turned on can damage consumption when turned on can damage a UPS (also there is usually no reason to a UPS (also there is usually no reason to protect a printer from a power outage)protect a printer from a power outage)

Always purchase an online UPS for a Always purchase an online UPS for a server – and one that has ample line server – and one that has ample line filtering and surge protectionfiltering and surge protection

Chapter 7

Chapter SummaryChapter Summary

Windows 2000 Server supports two kinds Windows 2000 Server supports two kinds of disks, basic and dynamicof disks, basic and dynamic

Basic disks are for backward compatibility Basic disks are for backward compatibility and dynamic disks offer comprehensive and dynamic disks offer comprehensive disk managementdisk management

Windows 2000 Server supports many Windows 2000 Server supports many kinds of removable storage such as tapes, kinds of removable storage such as tapes, CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, Zip, and Jaz drivesCD-ROMs, CD-RWs, Zip, and Jaz drives

Chapter 7

Chapter SummaryChapter Summary

Removable storage is managed through Removable storage is managed through libraries and media poolslibraries and media pools

Server backups are handled through the Server backups are handled through the Backup tool which offers several backup Backup tool which offers several backup alternativesalternatives

Tune your server right away for running Tune your server right away for running applications, virtual memory, and applications, virtual memory, and memory used for network connectivitymemory used for network connectivity