Comparing Objects in Active Directory

You can compare Active Directory backup data in the following ways:

• Compare the data in two different backups

• Compare the data in a backup to the live data in the Active Directory environment

Before You Begin

Comparison jobs are cached on the client server (domain controller). This server is required to be online when creating a new comparison or reviewing the results of previously saved comparisons.

Procedure

1. From the navigation pane, go to Protect > Active Directory.

   The Overview page appears.

2. On the Apps tab, click an Active Directory server.

   The Overview tab for the server appears.

3. On the Comparisons tab, click Add Comparison.

   The New Comparison wizard appears.

4. On the Compare Scope page, select the scope of comparison: Compare entire domain or Compare selected objects.

5. In the Compare Name box, enter a name for the comparison, and then click Next.

   The Configuration page appears.

6. Select the point-in-time comparison type, and then select the backup data for comparison:

   • Compare two point-in-time backups: To compare the data in two different backups, select this option.

     1. Beside Source backup to compare, click the calendar button, and then select the point-in-time backup to compare.

     2. Beside Compare with, click the calendar button, and then select the point-in-time backup to compare.

   • Compare point-in-time backup with live data: To compare data in a backup with live data on the Active Directory server, select this option.

     1. Beside Source backup to compare, click the calendar button, and then select the point-in-time backup to compare.

7. To include unchanged items in the comparison, select Include unchanged items in comparison.

8. To exclude system attributes that are frequently changed, select Exclude frequently changed system attributes.

9. Click Next.

   If you selected Compare entire domain, then the Summary page appears.

   If you selected Compare selected objects, then the Content Selection page appears.

10. If are comparing selected objects, on the Content Selection page, click Add Content:

    1. In the Add content dialog box, select the objects that you want to compare.

    2. Click Add.

    3. On the Content Selection page, click Next.

    The Summary page appears.

11. Review the summary of the comparison, and then click Submit.