[sims] Backup Issues

[stokylst]

I am new to SIMS.net and just trying to get my head round it all. I am taking, daily, weekly and monthly backup of our SIMS system. I decided today I would try and extract last nights backup onto a stand alone PC to make sure the back up works and I can access all the data... Typically it cannot open and windows explorer crashes. Any possible reasons for this? Also the backup is 28G, surely that is too large for a daily backup?? Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

[matt40k]

Depends what your backing up. Most important is the SIMS database which the biggest backup size I've seen is 6GB. Was it your LA who set it up?

[edutech4schools]

What version of SQL are you running. Are you backing up the SQL databases?

 

Normally you need to backup the SQL databases prior to backing up the standard Sims windows folders

[stokylst]

Its all set up in backup assist. I have just taken over the role as the guy who looked after it before has left. Im guessing its the whole SIMS database, Iv managed to get into the folder and extract the files and it holds everything(as far as i can see), my only concern is that 28G is just far too large

[matt40k]

I would image it stops the SQL service, backups the sims.mdf and sims.ldf, as well as the docstorage - which is not uncomment to around 20gb, the sims folder (normally around 1gb). 28GB would be reasonable. It's a pretty standard method of backup - just a bit dated, you should be able to, basically, attach the sims mdf and restore the reset of the files normally - just don't do it on a live system!!

[stokylst]

Ok, well as iv said its all new to me so if that sounds about right to you, then that's all good with me! Cheers

[vikpaw]

can you confirm what is in your backup folder? is it all listed as above?

if you have an mdf and ldf, tell us the sizes. also, that's not the best way to back it up, you'd be better off with a backup from sql itself which should give you a .bak file. just make sure you don't have multiple things backing up the same data.

If your db files sizes are too large, there are things you can do to reduce that.

also, it is probably overkill to be doing a full backup of your docstorage and sims folders, they could be on a separate schedule, doing differential or incremental. this would help reduce your weekly backup size, and time.