backup mssqlsystemresource.mdf ?

  • We are preparing for upgrading to SQL2012 and in the past have always backed up the mssqlsystemresource.mdf and .ldf files.

    We have quite a simple database with no changes to the default schema, so will i still need to back these files up?

    I have tested our backups many times and never copied these files back, as it works with the default files. I also read this post:http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic859279-263-1.aspx which says it isn't necessary. However, the MS documentation explains how to back it up and most posts i read are about how to use xp_cmdshell to do it, so I'm just not sure what to do!

    The only down side of backing it up is that i have to enable xp_cmdshell, so I'm not too fussed, but I'd just like to know in what situation it is necessary.

    Many thanks

  • It is better to back it up and not need it than to need it and not have a backup. Live by those words and back it up every time.


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  • the resource database only changes when you patch SQL server so you only need to make a copy of it then (flat file copy). So do this manually at that point, its not worth doing via T_SQL on a regular basis.

    As the files are in use by SQL I don't see how that would work anyway.

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  • george sibbald (6/29/2012)


    the resource database only changes when you patch SQL server so you only need to make a copy of it then (flat file copy). So do this manually at that point, its not worth doing via T_SQL on a regular basis.

    As the files are in use by SQL I don't see how that would work anyway.

    Or upgrade it which is what the OP is aksing about, backing it up when they upgrade.

    And the resource database files are not locked by SQL Server. You can copy them while SQL is running.


    My blog: SQL Soldier[/url]
    SQL Server Best Practices:
    SQL Server Best Practices
    Twitter: @SQLSoldier
    My book: Pro SQL Server 2008 Mirroring[/url]
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, Data Platform MVP
    Database Engineer at BlueMountain Capital Management[/url]

  • Robert Davis (6/29/2012)


    george sibbald (6/29/2012)


    the resource database only changes when you patch SQL server so you only need to make a copy of it then (flat file copy). So do this manually at that point, its not worth doing via T_SQL on a regular basis.

    As the files are in use by SQL I don't see how that would work anyway.

    Or upgrade it which is what the OP is aksing about, backing it up when they upgrade.

    I was trying to be generic by using the term 'patch' - applying a hotfix, CU, service pack, any time you change SQL version, those are the points it should be backed up.

    And the resource database files are not locked by SQL Server. You can copy them while SQL is running.

    thanks, never even occurred to me to try, I always do flat file copies of master, model and msdb at the same time so have SQL down.

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