Does VSS/ SQL Writer interrupt the Backup Chain (LSN)?

  • Hi All,

    I have configured Native SQL Server Backup Like below on my

    production SQL Server 2000 & 2008

    Full Every day at 00Hrs

    DiffEvery 3 Hrs

    TranLogEvery 15 Min

    I have a requirement to copy .mdf & .ldf files from production server to another site/location and keep synchronize without any downtime of SQL Server service and without interrupting my Native SQL Server Backup (LSN).

    To achieve it I found a utility called HoboCopy.exe it uses the VSS (Volume Shadow Service) & SQL Writer to copy .mdf & .ldf files but it interrupts my Native SQL Server Backup. Does VSS interrupt the LSN?

    My problem is that β€œIs any way to instruct VSS/ SQL Writer service to do not interrupt my native SQL Server Backup (LSN)” Or Is any tool, utility to full fill my requirement.

    Thanks Lot to all,

    Reo

    Ram
    MSSQL DBA

  • Why not take your full backup and restore it on the remote instance? Depending on activity, the VSS service can be problematic. You are attempting to freeze two files and keep them in synch, which is a hard thing to do. I wouldn't trust it, since Mr. Murphy will probably ensure that there's s hiccup on the day that you really need it.

    AFAIK, there isn't a good way to do this with SQL Server tools. I have heard that some SAN technologies, like the NetApp system, can snap off the mdf/ldf and keep things intact.

  • I second Steve. It is not a good practice to copy the data files manually when the database is operational. There are be many unpleasant surprises later on. Best option is to take the backup and restore it.

    Pradeep Adiga
    Blog: sqldbadiaries.com
    Twitter: @pradeepadiga

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