Copy only Log Backup

  • Restored last copy only log backup after taking  4 consecutive Copy Only Logs and observed that I can restore the last log even if i delete the other log file(individual logs can be restored) ,seems like  the log files are acting like a differential backup?

    I was expecting only changes during that particular log backup not all.
    Is there any relation between differential backup and copy only logs ?

  • No, there isn't.

    A copy-only log backup doesn't truncate the transaction log, so the last of the copy-only log backups contained all the log records since the last non-copy only log backup.
    Do note that copy-only log backups aren't something you'll be taking for long periods, because they don't truncate the transaction log and so your transaction log will grow until you start taking normal log backups again.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • GilaMonster - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 2:22 AM

    No, there isn't.

    A copy-only log backup doesn't truncate the transaction log, so the last of the copy-only log backups contained all the log records since the last non-copy only log backup.
    Do note that copy-only log backups aren't something you'll be taking for long periods, because they don't truncate the transaction log and so your transaction log will grow until you start taking normal log backups again.

    Thanks Gail.

    Now I understood why I got to see all previous records. Yes,will use normal log backup as part of backup plan.

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