Backing up .mdf

[netcert]

What are the ramifications or consequences, if any, of backing up all of your db's (.mdf & .ldf) as part of the entire server backup (Veritas) instead of using Enterprise Mgr to backup your db's independently of the server backup?

With server backup you can still restore your db but i would think it would be much more admin time intense to have to restore the whole server just to get your db off. Plus, you would never be clearing/truncating the trans-logs if you do it this way, right?

With individual db backups you can simply restore that specific db.

 

[Catadmin]

First of all, if you backup your .mdf & .ldf via Veritas without detatching your db, you're not going to be able to recover your db. The files will be corrupt.

You should be using Veritas to backup the SQL backup (.bak) files, not the data & log files.

As for your later point, you are exactly correct.



Catadmin - MCDBA, MCSA
"No, no. Yes. No, I tried that. Yes, both ways. No, I don't know. No again. Are there any more questions?"
-- Xena, "Been There, Done That"

 

[SQLBill]

You can use Veritas if you purchase the Agent for SQL Server. However, I personally don't advise it. As Catadmin says, do a 'native' SQL Server backup to disk and then copy that file to tape.

However, IF you have regular downtime...then you can take the databases offline (either detach them or stop SQL Server services) and backup the .mdf AND .ldf files.

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875