SQL2k Backup-to-File

[Gabriel2010]

Dear All,

Hello!

Now that I am running a maintenance backup-to-file from within SQL2K, should I just be backing up these backup-to-file to an NT backup job? Or should I also be backing up the live databases & their transact logs?

Thanks!



Glad to be here!

 

[nigelrivett]

You just need to backup the backup files.
Remember to run periodic test restores.

I don't recommend the maintenance exe - better to code and schedule the backups yourself.

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Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.
DTS can be used in a similar way.
Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy.

 

[Gabriel2010]

Ok.
Thanks for the advice.
Why do you not recommend the maintenance .exe?
Is there another graphical way of doing it besides the maintenance.exe?

Thanks Again!


Glad to be here!

 

[Luvsql]

If you have backup software that can backup open files, do so. If you have to recover ALL databases in a situation where you have had to rebuild the entire server (I've seen clients where their actual hardware was stolen or destroyed by power or fire), it is so much easier to shut down the services, then restore all the mdf and ldf files. If you only have backup files, you'll have to recreate each database first, then manually restore each database one at a time.

I'd recommend Veritas and get the Open File option. It's worth the extra money.

I also never use the Maintenance.exe, but right-click on each Database > Backup. Make sure logs are backed up periodically to the same backup device as well.