Introduction: rebuildXpress is an add-on to Hosting Controller that provides a rigorous and proactive backup and restoration mechanism for Windows based hosting servers. It is a revolutionary tool that takes backup of business critical data (accounts, e-mails, DNS, customer data, etc) on set intervals and in case of an outage quickly restores all services and customer data to last known good state.

rebuildXpress maintains a list of tasks to control which files, folders, and critical data to back up and when to back up. It has a built-in FTP client that takes incremental backups which means that 1st time all data will be backedup and subsequently only the changed files will backup. Backup copies can be stored on local or you can tell rebuildXpress to transport backup on a remote server through FTP or UNC path.

You can use rebuildXpress either manually or automatically. If you want to back up files manually, simply right click on Backup Configuration tray icon and click on "Start Backup".

If you want automated backups, then you should make sure that "Hosting Controller Backup" service is running. Once service is running, rebuildXpress then monitors the source files and keeps the backup store updated with the source files. It runs in the background with no user interaction. So, once the service is enabled, you always have a backup copy of your data.

When rebuildXpress is needed? rebuildXpress is particularly useful for three purposes:

1. System Migration: Consider a scenario where you are shifting to a new datacenter or planning to migrate to a newer and better hosting machine.
   
   Two simple steps will create a replica of your server in 20-60 minutes (depending on number of websites).

1. Install & configure Hosting Controller.
2. Install rebuildXpress and click 'Rebuild Server' under Programs group.
 


2. System Recovery: Consider scenario where your server hard drive is suddenly crashed. In such situation, first preference is restoration of hosting services and user data in shortest possible time. rebuildXpress plays vital role in such situations by helping you quickly restore all the services.
   
   Two simple steps will rebuild your server in 20-60 minutes (depending on number of websites).

1. Install & configure Hosting Controller.
2. Install rebuildXpress and click 'Rebuild Server' under Programs group.
 

3. Mail Server Migration: Have you decided to switch your mail server but can't find migration software? rebuildXpress is here for rescue. You can use rebuildXpress to migrate from one mail server to another. This migration is however possible for those mail servers which are supported by Hosting Controller.
   
   Two simple steps will migrate your mail server.
   
   
1. Install & configure Hosting Controller and select the new mail server to which you wish to migrate.
2. Install rebuildXpress and click 'Rebuild Server' under Programs group. Select to rebuild mail service only.

Components of rebuildXpress: rebuildXpress consists of two utilities:

Backup Configuration Utility: This utility is used to configure backup settings such as backup interval, physical storage for backup, etc. After installation, it automatically opens to let you configure the backup configurations.

Server Rebuild - The Rebuild Utility: This is the main utility used to rebuild server. You will need it only when server migration or rebuild is required. This utility cannot work without the backedup data therefore at the time of rebuild you will have to provide the path to backedup data.

How rebuildXpress works? Working of rebuildXpress is quite simple. The backup component takes regularly backups of your system. The backups are securely stored on local server or transported to remote storage facility through FTP or UNC path. When disaster recovery or server migration is required, 'Server Rebuild' application is run and provided the path of backedup data. It then creates replica of server to the point where last known good backup was taken.

What does it backup? The backup module takes regular backup of following items:

1. Hosting Controller Database: This database is instrumental in server rebuild process therefore its backup is automatically taken.

2. User Accounts: The backup of Windows Accounts (SAM) is taken. The purpose of taking User Account backup is to let you restore user passwords using a 3rd party software. This backup is stored in a specially formatted file which can be provided to IDEAL Migration, a 3rd party software, which then sets previous passwords of all accounts. Remember that user accounts are created by rebuildXpress but their passwords are different and IDEAL Migration is capable of restoring their original passwords.
   Note: IDEAL Migration is not an affiliate of Advanced Communications.

3. Mail Domains and Mail Boxes: The backup of all mail domains and mailboxes is taken. At the time of server rebuild the mail domains and mailboxes are regenerated with their original passwords. Please see the limitations sections for limitation discussion.

4. User Data: User data backup is also taken (optional).