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Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager

Methods of managing transaction log backups

SnapManager provides two ways for you to start or schedule a transaction log backup: using the SnapManager Backup wizard or using the Backup and Verify option. You can also configure how many transaction log backups your system retains in the Up-to-the-minute Restore Ability Settings window.

Note: The topics in this section describe how to start or schedule a SnapManager backup of SQL Server transaction logs only. If you want to backup transaction logs as a follow-on task to a successful full database backup see Backing up, replicating, and archiving databases using SnapManager.

Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup

A backup of only transaction logs is specified using a combination of parameters.

Job-specific parameters

Each time you start or schedule a transaction-log-only backup, a full database backup must exist for that database. You can specify the following information in either the Backup and Verification option or in the Backup wizard:

Note: If you want to schedule the backup to run later, you also need to know the job scheduling information.

Backup settings The following list summarizes the backup settings that pertain to a transaction-log-only backup. These settings enable tasks that can be performed after the transaction log backup finishes successfully.

The Backup settings help you determine the following:

The preceding options are configured using the Transaction Log Backup option of the SnapManager for SQL Server-Backup dialog box, described in "Configuring the profile of a transaction log backup" in SnapManager backup options.

The SnapManager for SQL Server-Backup dialog box can be accessed from the Backup and Verify option, as well as from the Backup wizard.

For more details, see "Configuring the profile of a transaction log backup" in SnapManager backup options.

Creating a transaction log backup using the Backup and Verify option

To start or schedule a backup of only transaction logs using the Backup and Verify option, complete the following steps. If you want to back up transaction logs automatically after a full database backup is complete, see Backing up, replicating, and archiving databases using SnapManager instead.

Note: If you select to delete older backups and do not select the check box "Create snapshot of SnapInfo drive after backup," SnapManager for SQL Server will override the option specified by this check box and automatically create a snapshot of the SnapInfo drive.
Note: For a list of information you need to provide as you complete these steps, see "Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.
Step Action
1

In the SnapManager console root, click the Backup and Verify option.

2

In the Results pane, select the databases you want to backup.

When you select a database, SnapManager automatically selects all other databases that reside on the same storage system volume. For information about deselecting any automatically selected databases, see the bullet "Which databases you want to backup" under "Job-specific parameters" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.

When you select databases at the SQL Server instance level, SnapManager reports any offline databases as skipped in the backup report. For more information, see "Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.

3

In the SnapManager for SQL Server-Backup dialog box, select the "Transaction log backup" option.

Result SnapManager provides a choice of backup options that pertain to backing up only transaction logs.

4

Optional: To add databases from remote servers or from different SQL instances on the same server to this transaction log backup job, click the Federated Backup button.

  1. Click Browse.

    A window opens, displaying all connected servers.

  2. Select the server that contains the database you want to add to the backup job.
  3. Enter the login details.
  4. Click Add.

    The window closes and the server and all databases therein are displayed as a tree in the top pane.

  5. Select the databases that you want to add to the backup job.
  6. Select a federated group.

    SnapManager does not support SAN and NAS databases from the same host in the same federated group.

  7. Click Add to Group.

    The databases are moved into the federated group.

    Note: You can add databases from multiple servers to the same federated group. Backing up a federated group backs up all databases in that group at the same time.
  8. Click OK.
5

If you want the transaction log backup to be followed by a verification, select the "Verify log backup upon completion" option.

6

If you want to automatically delete older transaction log backups, select the "Delete log backups in excess of" option and select the number of transaction log backups you want to keep.

Note: If you select the "Delete log backups in excess of" check box and you do not select the check box "Create snapshot of SnapInfo drive after backup", SnapManager for SQL Server will override the option to create a Snapshot copy of the SnapInfo drive and will automatically create a snapshot of the SnapInfo drive.

Selecting this option enables you to manage the number transaction log backups.

7

If you want to automatically delete transaction log backups older than a specified number of days, select the "Delete log backups in older than" option and select the number of days.

Selecting this option enables you to manage the number transaction log backups.

8

If you want to run a command after the backup finishes, select the Run Commands option.

This is usually done to archive backups.

Note: If you select this option, SnapManager prompts you for the details when you are ready to start or schedule the backup operation.
Back up now or schedule for later
9

You can either run the backup now or schedule it for later. Click one of the following buttons:

  • Backup Now...
  • Schedule...
To complete this procedure by scheduling the backup:
10

If the Schedule Job dialog box appears, complete this procedure by scheduling the backup.

For details, see Scheduling a backup job or a database verification job.

To complete this procedure by starting the backup:
11

If the Backup Status dialog box appears, do the following:

  1. Read the items displayed in the Backup Task List. This list is used to show the progress of the backup operation after you start it.
  2. When you are ready to start the backup operation, click Start Now.

Result The backup operation is performed, and each item in the Backup Task List is checked off as the task is complete.

  • You can toggle the Backup Status dialog box between two different views: Backup Task List view and Backup Report view, by using the Switch button on either view.
  • The Backup Report view displays detailed progress information as the backup progresses. You can also print this information by using the Print Report button.
  • If the backup is successful, the Backup Task List view shows the check-off list with the tasks completed.
  • If Notification is enabled, email is sent and the event is posted to the Windows Application event log.

Creating a transaction log backup using the Backup wizard

To start or schedule a backup of only transaction logs using the Backup wizard, complete the following steps.

Note: For a list of information you need to provide as you complete these steps, see "Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.
Step Action
1

In the SnapManager for SQL Server console root, click the SnapManager Backup Wizard option in the Actions pane.

Result The SnapManager Backup Wizard starts and displays the Welcome screen.

Welcome
2

Click Next.

Result The Databases to Backup or Verify screen appears.

Databases to Backup or Verify
3

In the left panel, click to select the databases you want to backup, and then click Next.

When you select a database, SnapManager automatically selects all other databases that reside on the same storage system volume. For information about deselecting any automatically selected databases, see the bullet "Which databases you want to backup" under "Job-specific parameters" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.

When you select databases at the SQL Server instance level, SnapManager reports any offline databases as skipped in the backup report. For more information, see "Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.

Result The Backup or Verify Databases and Transaction Logs screen appears.

Back up or Verify Databases and Transaction Logs
4

Select the Backup Databases and Transaction logs option, and then click Next.

Result The SQL Server backup type screen appears.

SQL Server backup Type
5

Select the Transaction log backup only option, and then click Next.

Result The "Delete the oldest transaction log backups" screen appears.

Delete the oldest transaction log backups
6

Follow the instructions in the remainder of the Backup wizard screens. The following screens enable you to specify the details of a transaction log backup only:

  • Delete the Oldest Transaction Log Backups
  • Verify the Transaction Logs in this Backup
Note: To view and change the verification settings, click Verification Settings.
  • Option to Perform SnapMirror Update After Operation
Note: This screen appears only if any SQL Server databases or SnapInfo directories reside on a SnapMirror source volume.
  • Run a Command After the Operation

For a list of information you need to provide, see "Information you need to specify when creating a transaction log backup" in Managing transaction log backups using SnapManager.

Backup Finish
7

The Backup Finish screen prompts you to choose whether you want the operation to be performed now or scheduled for a later time.

If you want to... Then...

Run the backup now

Go to Step 9.

Schedule the backup for later

Go to Step 11.

To run the backup now:
8

If you want to run the backup, click Finish.

Result The Backup Status screen appears and displays the backup settings you have selected.

9

In the Backup Status window, click Start Now.

Result The backup is performed.

  • The Backup Status dialog box appears and displays a Backup Task List that is used to show the progress of the backup operation after you start it.
  • SnapManager Backup completes each task and checks it off on the list shown in the Backup Task List view.
  • You can switch back and forth between the task check-off list and the progress report using the Switch buttons on either view.
  • If the backup is successful, the Task window shows the check-off list with the tasks completed.
  • If Notification is enabled, an email is sent and the event is posted to the Windows Application event log.
To schedule the backup for later:
10

If you want to schedule the backup for later, do the following:

  1. Select the Schedule option.
  2. In the Job Name box, enter a name for this job.
  3. If you want this job name to overwrite a job of the same name (if it exists), select the Replace Job if Exists option.

For more information, see Scheduling a backup job or a database verification job.

11

Under "Select the Scheduling Service to Create Job," select either SQL Server Agent or Windows Scheduled Tasks.

For more information, see Scheduling a backup job or a database verification job.

12

Click OK.

If your backup job is not scheduled, you are taken to the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio for scheduling.

13

After the job is scheduled, SnapManager takes you out of the Backup wizard.

Configuring the number of transaction log backups your system retains

Configuring the number of transaction log backups your system retains enables you to balance up-to-the-minute restore needs with storage efficiency. The more transaction log backups your system retains, the more complete your up-to-the-minute restores can be, but the less efficient your storage is because of the amount of storage consumed.

To configure the number of transaction log backups your system retains, complete the following steps.

Note: You should keep a limited number of transaction logs to avoid running out of storage system disk space.
Step Action
1

In the SnapManager console root, double-click the server you want to use.

2

Select the Backup option in the Scope pane.

3

In the Actions pane, click Backup and Verify.

4

In the Backup Settings pane, click Up-to-minute Restore Options.

Result: The Retain Up-to-minute Restore Ability Settings window opens.

5

In the Retain Up-to-minute Restore Ability Settings window, choose from the three available options.

Option Description

Backups generated in the last [days]

Retains all transaction log backups generated during the number of days you define; automatically deletes logs older than the defined limit.

The most recent [number of backups]

Retains a set number of the most recent transaction log backups; automatically deletes logs exceeding the defined limit.

All the older backups [Do Not delete any logs]

Retains all transaction log backups.

6

Choose whether to run the backup now or schedule it for later by clicking the applicable button:

Schedule

Go to Step 7.

Backup Now

Go to Step 8.

To schedule the backup:
7

Follow the instructions in Scheduling a backup job or a database verification job.

To back up the database now:
8

Read the items displayed in the Backup Task List.

This list shows the progress of the backup operation after you start it.

9

When you are ready to start the backup operation, click Start Now.

Result The backup operation is performed, and each item in the Backup Task List is checked off as the task is completed.

  • You can toggle the Backup Status dialog box between two different views: Backup Task List view and Backup Report view, by using the Switch button on either view.
  • The Backup Report view displays detailed progress information as the backup progresses.

    You can also print this information by using the Print Report button.

  • If the backup is successful, the Backup Task List view shows the check-off list with the tasks completed.
  • If Notification is enabled, email is sent and the event is posted to the Windows Application event log.