One of the first things that should be done when managing SQL Server is to setup an appropriate backup plan in order to minimize any data loss in the event of a failure. Along with setting up a backup plan there are certain database configurations that need to be setup to ensure you are able to backup databases correctly. In this tip we will look at the different recovery models that SQL Server offers and how to choose a recovery model for your database.  Read more...

SQL Server trainer and longtime expert, Andy Warren brings us a great article on one basic skill that every DBA should know.  Read more...

ckup compression is a new feature in SQL Server 2008 that can help provide smaller sized backups and reduce backup time. This document provides guidance related to tuning options for backup performance. All of the information and test results presented here were done specifically by using the backup compression feature of SQL Server 2008; however, they apply broadly to any backup scenario whether backup compression is used or not  Read more...

SQL 2008 has some key improvements over SQL 2005. This article deals with backup compression and faster backups in SQL 2008  Read more...

On my database server I have my databases set to the full recovery model, but the transaction logs get quite big, so I am issuing a BACKUP LOG with NO_LOG. I am not exactly sure if this causes any issues, but I know that I am able to free up space in my transaction log and shrink the file. Is this the correct way to handle this situation?  Read more...

Running backups is enough for disaster recovery, right? That's a myth that could get you into trouble. Steve Jones explains there's more that's needed.  Read more...

Describes how data changes for differential backups are recorded using dbcc page  Read more...

Backups are the foundation of any well run database server, or even any computer system. Numerous articles have been written about SQL Server backups and new author Paulo Luis brings us a new twist on building automated backups using devices.   Read more...

You have many SQL Servers to administer and you just want to know when the last backup was taken for each database on each instance. This stored procedure will help.  Read more...

DTS is an incredible package for moving data in the SQL Server world. One feature that is missing, however, is the ability to send files using FTP to a remote server. This article looks at a technique for sending files via FTP.   Read more...

One of the lesser used features of SQL Server 2000, but the capability to restore your databases to a particular point in time can be a valuable skill. Kathi Kellenberger takes a moment to explain how this feature works and how you can use it in your environment.   Read more...

SQL Server has a rock solid backup routine that works every time. However the schemes used to implement backups with maintenance plans, Enterprise Manager, etc., are not a smooth or as flexible as what most people require. Author Eli Lieba brings us his strategy and code for ensuring that each database is backed up how he needs it to be, whether a full or differential backup.   Read more...

SQL Server has a great backup and recovery architecture, but you have to know how to properly configure and use the server to ensure that you will not be seeking new employment anytime soon. A few of the Sonasoft team have written this short piece on strategies for setting up your backup jobs to ensure recovery in the event of a disaster. Welcome new authors Bilal Ahmed, Kiran Kumar, and Vas Srinivasan.   Read more...

Chris (one of our regulars!) installed Log Explorer and took it for a test drive. Written up in our standard review format this will give you a very quick overview of what the product does.   Read more...

New Author! Written as a rant, this article covers a couple basic issues that STILL tend to get overlooked in a lot of places. It's run to rant sometimes but we plan to maintain our focus and continue to keep these a small percentage of our content. Let us know what you think.   Read more...

The second article in a 3 part series that presents another VBScript class file that creates a class that can be used to display the backup information from a SQL server's maintanence plans.   Read more...

This articles makes the case for using SQL LiteSpeed over other backup solutions and presents some notes about why the DBA should manage backups rather than offloading to network administration.   Read more...

A monster book at 980 pages, it's written in 'how-to' format and has a ton of good material. Andy gave it the once over for us and reports back - see what he thinks!   Read more...

This article by new contributing member Bob Musser shows you how to reduce the amount of scans that SQL Server Agent does against databases. Not for the faint of heart.   Read more...

Andy had a semi-disaster similar to the one he wrote about last year. Interesting to see the kinds of problems that happen to other people. This article raises some interesting points that are outside the scope of basic disaster recovery, looking at how/when to move databases to a different server and how to reduce the server load dynamically.   Read more...

SQL 2008 has some key improvements over SQL 2005. This article deals with backup compression and faster backups in SQL 2008  Read more...

SQL Server trainer and longtime expert, Andy Warren brings us a great article on one basic skill that every DBA should know.  Read more...

Describes how data changes for differential backups are recorded using dbcc page  Read more...