SQL Server snapshots/backups

Question

I am aware that SQL Server supports database-level snapshots, but is there a way to create a snapshot or backup of the entire SQL Server instance? (including all server-level logins, permissions, roles, objects, databases, etc.)

(For SQL Server 2012 and up)

Answer 1

The master database stores the server level logins and other meta data. If you back up this system database along with msdb and model, you will have all server level information backed up.

Outside of sql server you could take a VM or SAN snapshot to capture the entire server state.