Backup SQL databases by Copy & Paste

[FoxT2]

Hello,

Is there a way to backup SQL server databases by copying and pasting them to another backup folder on the hard drive? Kind of like I do in MS Exchange server where I stop the Information Store service and then copy the MDBDATA folder to another backup folder. Also is there a command I can use from the command prompt that will copy all databases from SQL server to a backup folder.

Thanks,

FoxT

 

[tran008]

deattach the database and copy it over to another folder.

 

[SQLBill]

I use SQL Server to do the backups. I backup the databases to disk and then use Backup Exec to copy those backup files.

If you want to eliminate SQL Server backups, you'll need to be able to detach the databases (which takes them offline and they won't be usable while the backup is being done), then copy the database files.

I don't recommend that method as the database(s) will be unusable while they are detached.

-SQLBill

 

[FoxT2]

Thanks for the help. Deattach the database and copy it over to another folder worked fine.
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"I don't recommend that method as the database(s) will be unusable while they are detached."

SQLbill, good point. I do not plan to use this method as a regular practice. Just wanted to know if it could be done. I like the ability to copy and paste files for backup outside of a conventional backup program if nessasary.

Thanks again,

FoxT

 

[SQLBill]

I agree with the fact that it comes in handy sometimes. I do it if I will be taking the system down for a long period of time and might lose data. Copying the files, vice backing them up, makes it easier to restore them. All I do is move them back to their old location and reattach them.

-SQLBill