Backup option for windows 2000 server?

[Ns1]

So wise ones.

I need to perform routine backups of a windows 2000 server. It needs to be able to backup a SQL DB. AFAIK, these files can't be properly backed up unless the sql server is stopped correct? I don't want to have to do this.

Is there a backup program that can stop the server, backup, and then start up sql server again? Cost is an issue, so cheaper is better.

 

[Snapster]

You don't have to take it off-line to backup a database, however you do if you want to backup those specific files you are thinking of (mdf/ldf).

You can backup a database when it's on-line using a maintenance plan, either a daily full backup or maybe a weekly full backup with daily transactional it's really up to you. I suggest you do some reading on setting up a maintenance plan within Enterprise Manager/Management Studio to accomplish your goals.

If you don't want anything to do with setting up a maintenance plan you set up a daily scheduled task which runs a batch file that'll stop your sql server, copy files to a location that's in your backup plan and start the server. Something akin to the following:

@ECHO OFF

NET STOP SQLSERVERAGENT
NET STOP MSSQLSERVER

xcopy D:\Databases\sql\*.?df D:\Databases\sqlBackup /q /s /y

NET START MSSQLSERVER
NET START SQLSERVERAGENT

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: Snapster
You don't have to take it off-line to backup a database, however you do if you want to backup those specific files you are thinking of (mdf/ldf).

You can backup a database when it's on-line using a maintenance plan, either a daily full backup or maybe a weekly full backup with daily transactional it's really up to you. I suggest you do some reading on setting up a maintenance plan within Enterprise Manager/Management Studio to accomplish your goals.

If you don't want anything to do with setting up a maintenance plan you set up a daily scheduled task which runs a batch file that'll stop your sql server, copy files to a location that's in your backup plan and start the server. Something akin to the following:

@ECHO OFF

NET STOP SQLSERVERAGENT
NET STOP MSSQLSERVER

xcopy D:\Databases\sql\*.?df D:\Databases\sqlBackup /q /s /y

NET START MSSQLSERVER
NET START SQLSERVERAGENT

Damn, sounds a bit out of my league. Any simpler off the wall program, or should I find a 'real' it guy?

 

[Snapster]

The script I gave you an example of is fairly simple, just create a batch file with those commands and then set up a scheduled task within windows to run the batch file. You can then decide what to do with your backups eg copy to network drive or add to your daily tape backups etc.

Can't help you with an off the shelf program that'll do just sql server as I don't know of/need any, maybe Windows Backup might be able to, worth a shot I guess?

 

[dphantom]

Snapsters script is as simple as it gets. Maintenance plan is really the way to go if you do not want to spend any money. The wizard should walk you through the config. It is pretty self explanatory.

If you do not want to mess with either of these two options, then maybe look at Backup Exec with the SQL agent. Be warned it is expensive and probably overkill for you.

 

[Ns1]

This is the program I'm recommending. http://www.swordsky.com/

This is for a client. While I probably COULD do snapster's script, this is out of my (pay range, job description, etc), and I don't want to be liable for anything. I've only lightly used windows server and I'm only vaguely familiar with sql server. I know enough to get by but not detailed functionality.

Thanks for the help guys...maybe I'll put server training on the list of things to do