Extension of database backups

[apollo11]

I have observed that specifying any other extension for database backups ends up making the file significantly larger than a file with a .bak extension. Why is that?

 

[tlbroadbent]

I've not noticed the same. I just ran some tests and in SQL 2000 SP2 and SQL 7 SP3, the database backups were either the same size of slightly smaller when using a different extension.

Which version of SQL Server are you running? How are you backing up the databases - Maintenance Job, Enterprise manager, SQL Script, SQL DMO or other technique? Terry L. Broadbent
Programming and Computing Resources

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm

 

[apollo11]

I am running SQl Server 7.0 with SP2

 

[chaitanya]

i want to concatenate 2 fields & get the output in 1 textbox concatenating the 2 field values.Can u just send me the syntax.

 

[tlbroadbent]

Chaitanya.

Please post your question in a new thread. Your question is off the topic of this thread.

Thanks, Terry L. Broadbent
Programming and Computing Resources

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm

 

[tlbroadbent]

Apollo11,

I'll run a backup on one of our servers with SQL 7 SP2 later today. I don't know any reason for the difference. You didn't tell me how you are running the backups. That information will help me try to duplicate your process.

Are you backing up to the same location each time? You could see a difference backing up to different drives. Also, are you running the backups consecutively so there is no chance of updates to the database between backups? Terry L. Broadbent
Programming and Computing Resources

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm

 

[apollo11]

No running backups to the same drive but with different extension. One thing I find hard to understand is why does SQl server restores from local machine only?
Also there is no activity on the DB between the backups so the db size is he same

 

[tlbroadbent]

I just ran a test on a server running SQL 7 SP2. I used Enterprise Manager and T-SQL in Query Analyzer. There was no difference in the backup sizes using either method. I have no explanation why you would see a difference.

Are you initializing the backup file in one instance and appending in the other. This would certainly account for size differences. How much difference to you see in backup sizes?

SQL doesn't limit you to local server backup and restore. Why do think it does? You can backup and restore to another server. You must use the UNC to do remote backup. You cannot use a mapped drive. You must use a domain account and have write permissions in the remote folder.

\\server\share\folder\dbname_db.bak Terry L. Broadbent
Programming and Computing Resources

http://tlbroadbent.home.attbi.com/prog.htm