Backups, Archives, ExportsBackups, Archives, Exports

Backup - Used to make a duplicate of a database, table, or log as a safety measure. Use SQL Enterprise Manager

Archive - Used to permanently store a database so that the active SQL database can be initialized (data deleted)Use Master Station Export

Export - Master Station archive utility

Creating a backup data deviceCreating a backup data deviceWhen you create a backup device, you provide a logical and a physical name. The logical name must follow SQLServer rules for identifiers and can be up to 30 characters. The physical name is an operating system filename thatincludes the full path and that follows the rules for operating-system filenames or the universal naming convention(UNC) for network devices.SQL Enterprise Manager supports local and network disk backup devices. A local disk backup device is created on adisk drive that is attached to the local computer. A network disk backup device is created on a shared networkdirectory. When you create a network disk backup device, specify a UNC name for the physical name.

SQL Enterprise Manager also supports local tape backup devices (on tape drives attached to the local computer).Network tape backup devices are not supported. To create a tape backup device, you must first install a tape driveusing Windows NT. When you create a tape backup device for SQL Server, you must use the physical name that isassigned to the tape drive by Windows NT. For example, \\.\TAPE0.You cannot use SQL Enterprise Manager to create, edit, delete, back up to, or restore from disk backup devices, or tocreate named pipe backup devices.

To create a backup device

1. In the Server Manager window, select the server to create a backup device for.2. From the Tools menu, choose Database Backup/Restore.

The Database Backup/Restore dialog box appears.

3. In the Backup Tab, under Backup Devices click the New button.

The New Backup Device dialog box appears.

4. Complete the dialog box and click Create.

Database BackupDatabase Backup

Scheduled backups may be set up through the SQL database backup wizard under Enterprise Manager “Help” or by clicking the “Schedule” button on this Dialog.

Database BackupsDatabase BackupsEntire DatabaseBacks up the entire database.Transaction LogBacks up the transaction log. To use this option, the transaction log must be on a separate device from the database and the database must havethe Truncate Log on Checkpoint option enabled. (To enable the Truncate Log on Checkpoint option, in the Manage Databases window, clickEdit Database and select the Options tab.)TableBacks up the table specified in the box.Initialize Device: No Check in the Box Means:Specifies to add the backup to the device. The backup will not overwrite what is on the device. To overwrite existing backups on the device,check this option.For SQL Server version 6.0 or later, backups can be appended to any disk or tape backup device. You can keep backups of a database and itstransaction logs in one physical location. If you are using a tape that contains data in a foreign format (not SQL Server backup files), you mustcheck the Initialize Device option or the tape will be rejected.No expiration dateSpecifies that the backup will have no expiration date and can be overwritten at any time.Expires afterSpecifies that the backup will expire after a specified number of days has elapsed. If you select this option, you must also type the number ofdays in the adjacent box.An existing backup cannot be overwritten until it expires. However, when Initialize Device is selected, the Expires After option is informationalonly.Expires onSpecifies the specific date a backup will expire. If you select this option, you must type the number of days in the adjacent box.An existing backup cannot be overwritten until it expires. However, when Initialize Device is selected, the Expires On option is informationalonly.Backup DevicesLists available backup devices for the database specified in the Database Backup box. You can select one or more devices to back up to. Youcan also add or drop devices.Note that you cannot back up to floppy disk devices using SQL Enterprise Manager.ScheduleSpecifies a schedule for the backup for immediate, one time, or recurring execution.Scheduling an immediate backup (instead of choosing Backup Now) provides the advantageof running the backup as a scheduled (background) task, instead of interactively.

Restore a previously backed Restore a previously backed up Databaseup Database

When a database is restored from a backup, that database must not be in use. All data in the database to be restored is replaced by the backup data.

Database ArchiveDatabase ArchiveGet Selected Range from “Manage Algorithm”. Check all boxes is recommended. If space is an issue, uncheck “Include Load Interval Data”. Check “Delete Data from Database” to initialize database.

Export stores data in an “.nms” file and com-presses by around 75%.

Importing a Previously Importing a Previously Archived DatabaseArchived Database

Import brings previously archived data into the currently open database. Identical premises names are matched. Otherwise a new premises is created.

Field station “.dtf” files are also importable.

Additional database Additional database management tipsmanagement tips

Create databases using separate log and data devices. For small to medium-sized databases, make the log at least 32MB.

If possible, place log and data devices on different physical drives.

Use the database management wizard to schedule automatic database maintenance and backups.