schedule database Backup SQL 2008

  • If I click on the database in "Enterprise Manager" and select "tasks --> backup". I am presented with a window. Under the general tab, I see something like : backup will expire after ??? days.

    What does that represent?

    I am trying to schedule the backup to happen once every week on sunday at 12 am (as example). But I also want SQL to overwrite backup files older than 3 weeks. I am assuming this done through the "backup will expire ... entry". I am just not sure.

    Thanks

  • Take a look at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188697.aspx

  • i would recommend that you use a 2 part maintenance plan.

    step 1 takes your full backups to a designated place. (Back Up Database Task)

    step 2 looks at that same location and removes any files with a .bak extension based on file age. (Maintenance Cleanup Task)

    you can then schedule that plan to run as often as needed.

  • I like Geoff's advice. Do not overwrite files. You'll overwrite the one that you need in a disaster situation.

    Write a new file every time you do a full backup, and I'd recommend using the date/time in the file name. Then there is a task in the maintenance plan that can remove old backup files.

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