====== Best Practices and Recommendations ====== ---- The following are some best practices or recommendations that we strongly recommend, before you start any Microsoft System State backup and restore. {{INLINETOC}} \\ ===== Temporary Directory Folder Location ===== ---- Temporary directory folder is used by CloudBacko Pro for storing backup set index files and any incremental or differential backup files generated during a backup job. To ensure optimal backup/restoration performance, it is recommended that the temporary directory folder is set to a local drive with sufficient free disk space. Kindly noted that for Windows Server 2008 or newer releases, the restriction on temporary volume (Ch2.3.2) must also be considered. ===== Backup Destination ===== ---- To provide maximum data protection and flexible restore options, it is recommended to configure: * At least one offsite or cloud destination * At least one local destination for fast recovery ===== Backup Frequency ===== ---- MS Windows System State backup should be performed at least once per week. ===== Performance Recommendations ===== ---- Consider the following best practices for optimized performance of the backup operations: * Enable schedule backup jobs when system activity is low to achieve the best possible performance. * Perform test restores periodically to ensure your backup is set up and performed properly. Performing recovery test can also help identify potential issues or gaps in your recovery plan. It's important that you do not try to make the test easier, as the objective of a successful test is not to demonstrate that everything is flawless. There might be flaws identified in the plan throughout the test and it is important to identify those flaws.