How to Set Up Disaster Recovery for a Critical WINS Server (201068)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q201068
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

If you require a fast process for disaster recovery when a critical WINS server stops working, Microsoft recommends the following procedure. You must follow this procedure before the WINS server stops working.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

  1. Make sure there is a valid backup of your critical WINS server database. Also, save the WINS Partners registry key from the critical WINS server. This registry key contains the Push/Pull partner configuration. Save the Partners key from this registry location:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Wins\Partners

  2. Install a backup WINS server that is running parallel with the critical WINS server.
  3. Set up WINS replication between the critical WINS server and the backup WINS server.
If the critical WINS server stops working, use these steps:
  1. Rename and change the IP address from the backup WINS server to match the critical WINS server.
  2. Reboot the backup WINS server and stop the WINS service.
  3. Restore the WINS Partners registry key from the critical WINS server to the backup WINS server's registry. Locate this key in the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Wins\Partners

  4. Click the Partners key, click Registry, and then click Restore.
  5. Type the path where the file is located.
  6. Start the WINS service on the Backup WINS server. At this point the backup WINS server will have the same replication partner configuration as the critical WINS server.
  7. Force replication of the backup Wins server with all of its partners. At this point WINS will be fully functional.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:6/11/2002
Keywords:kbenv kbhowto KB201068
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.