What backup files do I need to keep?

25 Nov 2005 5:51 PM

mizi

Hi. Currently, I do daily full database backup and hourly trans log backup,
so the system will generate many files, I don't know what files should I
keep?

eg, there are following files in my server:

cardata_db_200511220000.BAK
cardata_tlog_200511220000.TRN
....
cardata_tlog_200511222300.TRN

can I delete files from 'cardata_tlog_200511220000.TRN' to 'cardata_tlog_
200511222200.TRN', and just keep the last database and trans log backup?
Thanks!

25 Nov 2005 6:30 PM

Graeme Malcolm

You need to keep all transaction log backups since the last full or
differential backup, since the restore process is:
1. Restore last full backup.
2. Restore last differential backup (if there is one).
3. Restore all transaction log backups in order since last full or
differential backup.

--
Cheers,
Graeme
_____________________
Graeme Malcolm
Principal Technologist
Content Master
- a member of CM Group
www.contentmaster.com

Show quote

"mizi" <h***@haha.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9719B59AAAA83hahahahacom@207.46.248.16...
> Hi. Currently, I do daily full database backup and hourly trans log
> backup,
> so the system will generate many files, I don't know what files should I
> keep?
>
> eg, there are following files in my server:
>
> cardata_db_200511220000.BAK
> cardata_tlog_200511220000.TRN
> ...
> cardata_tlog_200511222300.TRN
>
> can I delete files from 'cardata_tlog_200511220000.TRN' to 'cardata_tlog_
> 200511222200.TRN', and just keep the last database and trans log backup?
> Thanks!

25 Nov 2005 10:38 PM

ML

Use the grandfather-father-son practice. On the first day create a full
backup, on the second and the third a differential backup, on the fourth day
repeat the pattern.

Make sure transaction log backups are frequent enough (based on your
workload).

This practice alows you to remove all files older than six days. And when I
say remove, I mean store in a dark, cool and dry place. :)

ML