What are some recommended software options for creating backups of both a domain controller and files within an AD domain environment?
Ideally, these options should be proven, as well as affordable or free. I have already tried a few choices including the built-in wbadmin, but am open to suggestions for better alternatives.

When it comes to backup solutions, finding one that is both affordable and effective can be a challenge. Cost is often not the top priority, but it does play a significant role.

One option that I would suggest is Nakivo Backup & Replication. While it isn't free, its affordability may vary depending on individual criteria. It's important to avoid pirated software since this program is government-owned and likely not localized or well-known in our region.

In addition to considering cost, it's important to also prioritize functionality and convenience when selecting a backup solution. A reliable backup system can save you time, money, and stress in the event of data loss or system failure.

There are many acronyms that can be used for backups. You can find a lot of them by doing research.

It is possible to back up files using rclone, among other options.

On Windows, users can also utilize the Windows Server Backup tool to perform backups.

Overall, it's important to have a backup plan in place to ensure the safety and security of important files and data.

What's the issue with using Windows Server Backup? Is the domain controller not on bare hardware? In such cases, it is necessary to backup the entire system.

One possible solution is to utilize AD controllers, which are not only effective but also cost-free.

Maintaining a backup system is crucial, especially for important data and systems. It is essential to opt for reliable and efficient backup solutions that fit the organization's needs.
In addition to using AD controllers, cloud-based backup services can also be beneficial for ensuring data safety.

There are several software options available for creating backups of a domain controller and files within an Active Directory (AD) domain environment. Here are a few recommended options that are proven, affordable, or free:

1. Veeam Backup & Replication: This software provides comprehensive backup and recovery solutions for virtual, physical, and cloud-based environments. It offers advanced features specifically designed for backing up domain controllers and AD-integrated services.

2. Acronis Backup: Acronis Backup is known for its reliable data protection capabilities. It supports both physical and virtual environments, including domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers flexible backup and recovery options along with advanced features such as granular item-level recovery from Active Directory.

3. Nakivo Backup & Replication: Nakivo is a cost-effective backup and replication solution that supports domain controllers and Active Directory objects. It offers features like incremental backups, instant recovery, and cross-platform recovery options.

4. Windows Server Backup (WSB): Although you mentioned having tried the built-in wbadmin, it's worth noting that Windows Server Backup (WSB) is a reliable and free option for backing up domain controllers and files within an AD domain environment. It provides basic backup and recovery functionality and can be managed through a graphical user interface or command-line tools.

5. Bacula: Bacula is an open-source backup solution that offers robust features and scalability. It supports various operating systems, including Windows Server, and provides options for backing up domain controllers and Active Directory data.

6. Veritas Backup Exec: Veritas Backup Exec is a popular backup and recovery solution that supports domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like deduplication, granular restore options, and centralized management.

7. Duplicati: Duplicati is an open-source backup client that supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. It provides encryption and incremental backups to remote storage destinations, including cloud storage providers, making it suitable for backing up domain controllers and AD-related data.

8. Azure Backup: If your organization uses Azure as its cloud platform, Azure Backup can be an excellent choice for protecting domain controllers and files within your AD domain. It offers a reliable and scalable backup service with features like automated backups, long-term retention, and easy integration with other Azure services.

9. Unitrends Free: Unitrends Free is a powerful free backup software solution that supports up to 1 TB of protected data. While it doesn't have specialized features for domain controllers or AD, it can still be used to back up the entire system, including the AD-related components.

10. BackupAssist: BackupAssist is a comprehensive backup and recovery software solution that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like full system backups, granular recovery options, and support for multiple backup destinations.

11. Cloudberry Backup: Cloudberry Backup is a popular cloud backup solution that supports backing up domain controllers and files within an AD environment to various cloud storage providers. It offers scheduling, encryption, and easy restoration options.

12. Synology Active Backup for Business: Synology Active Backup for Business is a backup solution designed for Synology NAS devices. It also supports backing up domain controllers and AD-related data. It provides both local and remote backup options with features like deduplication and incremental backups.

13. Altaro VM Backup: Altaro VM Backup is primarily focused on virtual machine backups but also supports backing up domain controllers and AD services. It offers features such as offsite backups, instant restore, and granular item-level recovery.

14. Carbonite Server Backup: Carbonite Server Backup is a cloud-based backup solution that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and Active Directory. It offers features like continuous data protection, file versioning, and bare-metal restore options.

15. NovaBACKUP: NovaBACKUP is another comprehensive backup and recovery solution that supports domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like image-based backups, granular recovery, and remote management capabilities.

16. EaseUS Todo Backup: EaseUS Todo Backup is a popular backup and recovery software that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like system backup, disk imaging, file-level backup, and flexible recovery options.

17. Iperius Backup: Iperius Backup is a versatile backup software that supports various platforms, including Windows Server. It offers features like image-based backups, synchronization, tape backup, and support for cloud storage providers.

18. Cobian Backup: Cobian Backup is a free backup utility for Windows that can be used to back up domain controllers and files in an AD domain environment. It offers features like scheduled backups, encryption, compression, and multiple backup destinations.

19. Commvault Backup and Recovery: Commvault Backup and Recovery is a comprehensive enterprise-level backup solution that supports domain controllers and AD services. It offers advanced features such as deduplication, snapshot-based backups, encryption, and integration with cloud storage providers.

20. DPM (Data Protection Manager): DPM is a Microsoft product specifically designed for backup and recovery in Microsoft environments. It supports domain controllers, AD-integrated services, and offers features like application-aware backups, disk-to-disk-to-tape (D2D2T) backups, and quick recovery options.

21. MSP360 (formerly CloudBerry) Backup: MSP360 Backup is a versatile backup solution that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like cloud backup, image-based backups, encryption, and hybrid backup options.

22. Macrium Reflect: Macrium Reflect is a reliable backup and disk imaging software that supports Windows Server and can be used to back up domain controllers and AD-related data. It offers features like incremental backups, rapid delta cloning, and easy recovery options.

23. AOMEI Backupper: AOMEI Backupper is a comprehensive backup software that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-integrated services. It offers features like system backup, file-level backup, disk imaging, and flexible recovery options.

24. Paragon Hard Disk Manager: Paragon Hard Disk Manager is a robust backup and recovery solution that supports Windows Server environments, including domain controllers and AD services. It provides features such as disk imaging, bare-metal recovery, and advanced partitioning tools.

25. BackupPC: BackupPC is an open-source backup solution that supports various operating systems, including Windows Server. It offers features like source-side deduplication, compression, and web-based management interface for easy configuration.

26. Redo Backup and Recovery: Redo Backup and Recovery is an open-source backup and recovery solution that supports both Windows and Linux environments. It offers features such as bare-metal restore, disk imaging, and easy-to-use interface.

27. UrBackup: UrBackup is a free and open-source client/server backup system that supports Windows and Linux servers. It provides image-based backups, file-level backups, and deduplication capabilities.

28. Handy Backup: Handy Backup is a comprehensive backup solution that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-related data. It offers features such as disk imaging, file-level backups, cloud backups, and synchronization.

29. Druva inSync: Druva inSync is a cloud-native backup and recovery solution that supports enterprise environments, including domain controllers and AD integration. It offers features like endpoint backup, ransomware protection, and centralized management.

30. CrashPlan Pro: CrashPlan Pro is a cloud-based backup solution that supports Windows Server and can be used to back up domain controllers and AD services. It provides features like continuous data protection, unlimited storage, and flexible recovery options.

31. NetBackup: NetBackup is an enterprise-level backup and recovery solution that supports domain controllers, AD-integrated services, and other critical data. It offers features like deduplication, snapshot-based backups, replication, and support for multiple platforms.

32. BackupPC: BackupPC is an open-source backup solution that supports various operating systems, including Windows Server. It offers features like source-side deduplication, compression, web-based management interface, and incremental backups.

33. CloudBerry Backup Server Edition: CloudBerry Backup Server Edition is a reliable backup and recovery solution that supports Windows Server, including domain controllers and AD-related data. It offers features like cloud backup, file-level backups, encryption, and easy restoration options.

34. NovaStor DataCenter: NovaStor DataCenter is a comprehensive backup and recovery software designed for organizations of all sizes. It supports domain controllers, AD-integrated services, and offers features like flexible scheduling, encryption, deduplication, and centralized management.

35. MSP360 (formerly CloudBerry) Managed Backup Service: MSP360 Managed Backup Service is a cloud-based backup solution that supports domain controllers, AD integration, and other critical data. It offers features like advanced scheduling, cloud storage compatibility, encryption, and centralized management.