Complete Guide to SQL Server Backup and Restore Using the Command Line

Creating backups of a SQL Server database is one of the most critical aspects of maintaining a system. There are various tools available for creating backups, such as SQL Server Management Studio, SqlBak, and SQLBackupAndFTP. However, performing backups via the command line interface can provide even more flexibility and customization options.

PowerShell and batch scripts can be used to perform SQL Server backups via the command line interface. PowerShell scripts offer advanced functionality, while batch scripts are simpler and easier to use. Command line backups provide more flexibility and customization options than GUI-based tools.

This article provides an overview of the process involved in performing SQL Server backups via the command line interface and discusses the advantages of using PowerShell and batch scripts.

Read more

SqlBak Guide: Backup Storage Selection

SqlBak supports sending to 16 different storage types. In one job, you can specify multiple backup storage locations, and for each storage location, you can specify the duration of backup storage on it.

Note:
SqlBak does not store your backups on its servers. Backups are sent directly from your server to the storage location.

Read more

How to backup remote SQL Server database using SqlBak

With the help of SqlBak, you can backup your remote SQL Server databases according to your schedule. A standard BACKUP DATABASE command doesn’t work on a remote SQL Server — only scripts can be generated. If there is a choice between script generation or performing backups in *.bak files, it is always recommended to run the standard BACKUP DATABASE command to get *.bak files. Scripts have some drawbacks: they are larger and do not support differential and transaction log backups. A more detailed explanation about remote backups can be found in the following blog post.

Read more

How to backup and restore Amazon RDS SQL Server

Amazon RDS SQL Server is a cloud database from Amazon. The way RDS SQL Server performs backups is the main difference between this and the classic SQL Server. It offers the following: snapshots, restore point-in-time, Export Data-tier Application and native backup to S3 (instead of native T-SQL BACKUP DATABASE construction).

Read more