Backup file much smaller than database

  • Whether I run the backup through a maint plan or t-slq, it is considerably smaller than my database.

    1. SQL server version 9.00.3068

    2. Logging is SIMPLE

    3. Database mdf file size = 73,491,712 KB

    4. Database ldf file size = 3,354 KB

    5. Backup size = 368,599 KB

    If it is a matter of shrinking the database, can I shrink it while it is in use? What are the ramifications?

  • The backup only contains the pages with data on them. So that means you have quite a lot of free space in that db.

  • Thank you for your quick response

  • sqluser_8119 (5/16/2011)


    If it is a matter of shrinking the database, can I shrink it while it is in use? What are the ramifications?

    Shrinking causes fragmentation and uses resources, then it will probably just grow again. Leave it at it's current size unless you have a disk space emergency.

  • homebrew01 (5/17/2011)


    sqluser_8119 (5/16/2011)


    If it is a matter of shrinking the database, can I shrink it while it is in use? What are the ramifications?

    Shrinking causes fragmentation and uses resources, then it will probably just grow again. Leave it at it's current size unless you have a disk space emergency.

    Dude 99% free space... I agree with your comment in general but I think this is the exception.

    I'd investigate why there's so much free space or why it grew so much, but a shrink + reindex here is not an obivous bad idea.

  • Are you sure this isn't a differential backup?

    Chris Powell

    George: You're kidding.
    Elroy: Nope.
    George: Then lie to me and say you're kidding.

  • Hi,

    Can you execute the below command to check the number of backup sets you

    have in your backup file:-

    RESTORE headeronly from disk='c:\FILENAME.BAK'

    This will show the number of backup files in the backfile. Since you

    selected the "Overwrite media", there should be only one file.

    To identify the exact backup file size, Execute the below command from Query

    Analyzer:-

    BACKUP DATABASE <dbname> to disk='d:\backup\dbname.bak' with

    ,stats=10 -- INIT will overwrite the backup file

    Give the drive letter and folder based on ur availability , after the

    execution check the file size.

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