Backing up server configuration

I'm a new MacOS X.3.2 admin (not my regular job). I'd like to backup the entire conf. now that I've set it up. My 'starter' manual indicates this is done with server assistant, and when I start it, it gives me this option (last of 3 on the start up page). However - when you click to 'continue' it starts asking the same questions I answered when I first setup the server. I've backed out of continuining this before having server assistant do anything because I don't want it to recreate the administrator account or change anything I already have in place. Is this a bug in server administator? How do you save the entire config. of the server without using server administrator? Next, should the config file I create be placed in the standard location: /Volumnes/hd1a/Auto Server Setup/xxx.plist or should I just create a folder and on a 2nd volumne (not containing MacOS X) and store it there? I did read that was recommended, but I also read that when a server upgrade is done the file stored in the standard location is not erased --- which is true? which is better?