Rules For Creating Backups - Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 Operation And Maintenance

8.3

Rules for creating backups

If you do not install your computer using the Restore DVDs, the first backup will depend on
your administrative needs.
Basically, there are two recommended methods for performing the backup:
● Creating a backup after full installation of all required software (including SIMATIC
software), its service packs and updates, and all the system-related settings
● Creating a basic image after installing the operating system with all required settings
A second image is then created after the SIMATIC software has been installed, along
with its service packs and updates.
Note
Backup strategy
• Make a backup of the PCS 7 station before installing any update.
• To keep the system backup up-to-date with the most recent version, a new backup
should be made each time the software changes. In general, it is a good idea to create
backups on a regular basis.
• Backups can also be made at specified intervals when there are frequent changes. The
system administrator needs to decide which method is appropriate.
Requirements
● To restore the system from a backup, you need to use hardware identical to that in use at
the time of the backup. The hardware in use and its installation position should always be
recorded for this purpose.
If the computer is no longer physically present, because it has been destroyed in a fire,
for example, and you do not have another identical model, you should expect to
experience problems when restoring the system from a backup. In the worst case
scenario, a new installation will be required.
● License keys cannot and may not be included in the backup.
● Important: Record the following settings of the hard disk(s):
– Hard disk type (ATA vs. SATA)
– Hard disk size / partition size, quantity and sequence of the partitions
– Formatting of the hard disk or partition
● Record the settings in the PC BIOS setup, e.g.:
– SATA configuration (AHCI, RAID or IDE modes)
– Settings of "onboard" devices (e.g. LAN)
The last point should be a matter of course in creating full documentation for a plant.
Namely, information such as the computer name, IP addresses, number of network
adapters, operating system, installed service packs, installed software, etc.
Compendium Part D - Operation and Maintenance (V9.0)
Operating Manual, 02/2018, A5E43228948-AA
Backing up and restoring data
8.3 Rules for creating backups
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