Backup database

hlchuah77 · December 4th, 2004, 04:15 AM

I have formatted my hdd this recently, I forgot to backup my database (in fact, I don't know how), all the data are lost subsequently. I want to know how to backup my database to a different hard drive, and import it back from the drive where I back-up before, to the formatted drive when my OS is ready.

This is my second question:

My friend want me to give him a copy of my database (my database schema) because he want to use it, the problem is that he is staying far away from where I stay, and my friend don't want me to export data to him via internet as it is insecure. Any solution?

Thanks.

jemacc · December 4th, 2004, 10:47 AM

Once you have SQL install and Patch with SP3A

Is your Drive on the same computer/Server?
If it is use this

Example to restore database

Code:

RESTORE DATABASE TestDB 
   FROM DISK = 'c:\Northwind.bak'
   WITH MOVE 'Northwind' TO 'c:\test\testdb.mdf',
   MOVE 'Northwind_log' TO 'c:\test\testdb.ldf'

To back up your database and give to a friend you have several options

Depending on its size make a back and burn it to a CD. You can also Zip or compress the backup file and then burn it to a cd. If you have Winzip you can encrypt it or password protect the file for email.
Example for backing up database

Code:

BACKUP DATABASE Northwind 
   TO DISK = 'c:\Northwind.bak'

Jaime E. Maccou
Applications Analyst
Database Programmer

hlchuah77 · December 4th, 2004, 01:12 PM

Hi, jemacc, I am not so clear about this:

Quote:

quote:RESTORE DATABASE TestDB

Quote:

   FROM DISK = 'c:\Northwind.bak'
   WITH MOVE 'Northwind' TO 'c:\test\testdb.mdf',
   MOVE 'Northwind_log' TO 'c:\test\testdb.ldf'

It is quite clear what the first line and second line are, but I am not so understand what the third and fourth line are. What does it means?

I know 'Northwind' and 'Northwind_log' are the backed-up database and its log, rite? But why move to 'c:\test\testdb.mdf' and 'c:\test\testdb.ldf'?

I have browsed through my C directories, I see there are numbers of database table and log file in this => C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data

If I follow yours example, is it correct if I code as this:

WITH MOVE 'Northwind' TO 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data',
MOVE 'Northwind_log' TO 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data'[/quote]

jemacc · December 4th, 2004, 01:34 PM

The "move" . If you had your original database in a different folder or disk this will allow you to move the location of the data and log files. It is best practice not to have your application file and your data files in the same drive or location.

Code:

RESTORE DATABASE TestDB 
   FROM DISK = 'c:\Northwind.bak'
   WITH RECOVERY, REPLACE,
   WITH MOVE 'Northwind' TO 'c:\test\testdb.mdf',
   MOVE 'Northwind_log' TO 'c:\test\testdb.ldf'

With replace - this will wipe out all data files/log files and restore the database based on the info generated in the backup. If you were to move the data files/log files to a new location you would need to have the file name and specify the new location via the move option with restore.

If you keep the same database name then

Code:

RESTORE DATABASE NorthWind
   FROM DISK = 'c:\Northwind.bak'

and it will restore to it default location

Jaime E. Maccou
Applications Analyst
Database Programmer

hlchuah77 · December 5th, 2004, 11:57 AM

Understand finally, thanks. :)