Ensuring regular backups of your SQL Server database is essential for data protection and disaster recovery. Whether you prefer using SQL commands or SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), this guide will walk you through both methods.

Backing Up a SQL Server Database Using T-SQL

If you want a quick and efficient way to back up your database, use the following SQL command:

-- Perform full backup of database
BACKUP DATABASE [YourDatabaseName] 
  TO DISK = N'C:\Backups\YourDatabaseName.bak' 
  WITH FORMAT, COMPRESSION, STATS = 10;

That’s what I’m used to writing. I’ve no need to worry about the copy_only option these days, or check SQL Server Editions to see if I can use compression. Good times that was. Measuring available disk space against estimated backup sizes, and sometimes even adding temporary virtual disks to the server to accommodate the backup file size. The SQL statement for backups is simple… but there’s a lot to consider when performing a one. It just depends on the restrictions of the servers you are working with really.

Below is a simple run-through for backing up a database using the Back Up Database Wizard. As always, have a look at the manual first.

Backing Up a SQL Server Database Using SSMS

If you prefer a graphical approach, follow these steps.

1. Right click your database, select Tasks and click Back Up…

2. In the General tab of the prompted window you’ll see it’s already set-up for a Full Backup.

3. Choose a destination and specify a file name ending in .bak.

4. In Media Options, choose whether to verify the backup or perform checksum validation. Review all other available options too before you proceed to the next tab.

5. In Backup Options, enable compression if available.

6. Click Script to generate the SQL script for the backup (optional).

7. Click OK to start the backup.

8. You should see a success prompt if done via SSMS GUI.

You have a backup of your database. I hope this was useful!

In this post I’m sharing a demo of restoring a Full database backup using the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Restore Database Wizard.

I often find myself running through the SSMS Restore Database Wizard and scripting out the SQL to a new query window when running an ad-hoc database restore. This makes it easier particularly for when databases are split into multiple data files across many different drives.

Full Backups in SQL Server capture the entire database, including all data and the transaction log necessary for restoring the database to its exact state at the time of backup. They form the foundation of any good backup strategy, and are needed for reliable disaster recovery of your SQL Server data.

Restore using SSMS Restore Database Wizard

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to the SQL Server instance.

2. Start the Restore: Right-click on Databases and select Restore Database.

3. Select Backup Source: Choose Device, click the ellipsis (…), and locate your backup file.

4. Verify Backup Options: Check the database name and modify it if necessary under the General tab.

5. Define File Locations: Use the Files tab to specify paths for your data (.mdf) and log (.ldf) files. I’m often checking the relocate all files to folder option for restores.

6. Set Recovery Options: On the Options tab, choose the appropriate recovery state:
– STANDBY: Keep the database in read-only mode.
– WITH RECOVERY: Make the database ready for immediate use.
– NORECOVERY: Allow additional restores.

7. Generate T-SQL Scripts: Before execution, click Script to create a T-SQL restore script for version control and automation.

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8. Execute the Restore: Click OK or execute the generated script.

9. Verify the Restore: Refresh the Object Explorer to confirm the restored database exists.