SQL Server Backup Internal Steps

  • I am looking for resources on SQL Server Backups that explain the different steps that the engine takes to back up a database. I am not looking for high level info, I need specifics on each step the engine performs. I am trying to dissect some backup issues, and in order to do that, I need to know exactly what SQL Server is doing. If anyone knows of some good resources where I can find this type of information, it would be greatly appreciated!

    Karl Lambert
    SQL Server Database Administration
    Business Intelligence Development

  • Read Paul Randal's blog: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/paul/category/backuprestore/


    My blog: SQL Soldier[/url]
    SQL Server Best Practices:
    SQL Server Best Practices
    Twitter: @SQLSoldier
    My book: Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring[/url]
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, Data Platform MVP
    Database Engineer at BlueMountain Capital Management[/url]

  • Anything more you can tell us? Providing more information might allow someone here to help you.

  • Actually, Paul's blog was the first place I went, but I browsed through a little too quickly, it seems. Steve, I have backups that are failing when they get to the FlushFileBuffers step. I was looking to see if there was anything I could do to optimize on the sql side, or if I needed to engage the network folks.

    Karl Lambert
    SQL Server Database Administration
    Business Intelligence Development

  • You're deeper than most us at this point. Apart from burning a call to CSS, I might email Paul and ask him. He may get a blog/article out of it, or a newsletter, and he may be willing to help.

  • Definitely could be a network issue. I know that Red-Gate does some management of communication to ensure that, in the event of interruption, the backup will still process appropriately.

    I'll be interested to hear what you find is the cause. Thanks.

    David

    @SQLTentmaker

    “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” - Jim Elliot

  • What are the actual errors that you are getting?


    My blog: SQL Soldier[/url]
    SQL Server Best Practices:
    SQL Server Best Practices
    Twitter: @SQLSoldier
    My book: Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring[/url]
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, Data Platform MVP
    Database Engineer at BlueMountain Capital Management[/url]

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