Gail,

In response to your post, let me add that I believe a backup should be done in conjunction with the DUMP TRAN, when used. There are a number of methods that should probably be addressed prior to a DUMP TRAN WITH NO_LOG or some such. However, I would hesitate to say never, after all there is a time and place for anything.

So, I would say the best practices would include addressing issues based on their merits and using the tools required to accomplish the job at hand in the most effective and efficient way within a given time frame.

This is definitely a moot point and there are a varied number of arguments to be made for which methods to use when. I will have to stand by what I said that I thought this method should have been included (perhaps with a bit more detail and disclaimer).

-Joseph Foster