Backup Differential

  • When doing a differential backup, is it better to save to a new file or use the full backup file?

    In general what resources get used during a differential backup and does it affect reads and writes to the database?

    Thank you, djj

  • All backups, regardless of their type, should go to their own individual file, preferably stamped with the date and time of the backup.

    Differential backup, just like a full, is an IO-intensive operation, so the IO subsystem will be under load during the backup.

    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
  • save to a new file. Makes restore process easier.

    Backups are i/o intensive, so backup to a different drive. CPU will also increase if compression is used. Use of the database can continue without interruption whilst the backup takes place

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  • Thanks. Since the MS default is to append I did not know, even though I always do the full backups into separate files.

    We have grown and I was wondering about stating a differential backup, however we need to get better hardware as we are currently having I/O stress.

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