Hi,My ONE server died, (incorrect RAID) but I have a recent system backup and old full backup (from the original server build).It's a Server 2003 SP2, and is the only DC in its domain. Obviously I want to restore it to full functionality with minimum need to run around all the PCs and re-join them to the domain.I tried to do a system state restore in non-Directory services mode, and after doing this got the error after rebooting that the server couldn't contact a GC. I hadn't installed DNS or AD or DHCP at this point.Do I need to install AD, DHCP, and DNS first before I do a restore of the system state?I'm at the stage now where I've re-installed the O/S with SP2 and really could do without doing this again. Plus it would be handy to know how to do this for when other servers (with incorrect RAID configurations fail! ;)).Any help would be much appreciated.Vicky

Hello Vicky,Is this problematic server a domain controller? If not, please try disjoin and re-join it into the domain for a trail.The fail contact with GC could be due to the expiration of this computer account.If it is a domain controller, when you restore the system state in DSRM, the AD should be restored.Thanks.This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

Hi David,I had to rebuild the server. Restore in DSRM failed and caused me to be unable to log onto the server so I just rebuilt :)Thanks anyway,Vicky