Backing Up SQL through Windows Server 2008

Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 contain a native backup application called Windows Server Backup. Because Windows Server Backup is not installed by default, it is necessary to add this feature by performing the following steps:

1. Click the Server Manager icon.

2. In the left pane, click Features.

3. In the right pane, click Add Features.

4. Scroll down to Windows Server Backup Features, and select the check box to its left as shown in Figure 11.5. Click Next.

Figure 11.5 Adding the Windows Server Backup Feature

5. Click Install.

6. When the installation is completed successfully, click Close.

7. Close Server Manager.

Now that the Windows Server Backup feature is installed, it can be used to back up SQL:

1. Click Start, Administrative Tools, and Windows Server Backup.

2. In the Action pane at the far right, click Backup Once.

3. In the Backup Options Wizard, choose either Scheduled backup options to repeat previous settings or choose Different options to make a backup with different options. Click Next.

4. When prompted, choose either a Full Server or Custom backup. If you choose Custom, be sure to include the drive containing SQL. Click Next.

5. Choose the destination type, either local drives or a remote share. Click Next.

6. Specify the remote location and click Backup, which will start a backup as shown in Figure 11.6.

Figure 11.6 Running a Backup

7. When the backup is completed, click Close.