August 25, 2008 at 4:18 am
There was an OnlineExam database that was created way back in 2000 for internal purposes. It was updated frequently by employees with various questions in order to be able to test candidates prior to their personal interview. No backups were ever taken of this database.
Today there was a new software that was installed and don't know how, but the person in charge says that the OnlineExam database got 'linked' to the new software database.
Which means, now the OnlineExam database looks exactly like the new software database and there's nothing from the OnlineExam in it. The mdf and ldf files have been located (I think). What can be done now? There is no backup file that can be restored on the OnlineExam database!
August 25, 2008 at 4:47 am
Nisha (8/25/2008)
There was an OnlineExam database that was created way back in 2000 for internal purposes. It was updated frequently by employees with various questions in order to be able to test candidates prior to their personal interview. No backups were ever taken of this database.Today there was a new software that was installed and don't know how, but the person in charge says that the OnlineExam database got 'linked' to the new software database.
Which means, now the OnlineExam database looks exactly like the new software database and there's nothing from the OnlineExam in it. The mdf and ldf files have been located (I think). What can be done now? There is no backup file that can be restored on the OnlineExam database!
August 25, 2008 at 4:59 am
If you have the mdf and the ldf, and the files aren't in use (ie already part of an existing database), you may be able to attach them to SQL. It's worth a try.
If, however, the software upgrade overwrote the old database (which is what it sounds like), then without a backup there's probably no way to get the old DB back.
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
August 26, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Would there, anywhere, be an image backup of the system? That may have copied the old database in a 'pristine' state, although since this sounds like a non-production machine, I'd be surprised. But desperate times call for desperate measures, even long shots.
August 26, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Rather ironic that the OnlineExam database didn't get backed up.
Going forward, you can run something like this to identify databases that have not been backed up recently:
select * from master..sysdatabases db
where (not exists
(select * from msdb.dbo.backupset
where db.name = msdb.dbo.backupset.database_name
and backup_start_date > '2008-08-24'))
order by name
Or use (getdate - n) instead of a hardcoded date.
August 27, 2008 at 1:29 pm
First question to be added to the database if/when it gets recovered:
Which do you consider the most important responsibility of a DBA?
A) Insuring that consistent backups are taken
B) Verifying that backups restore successfully
C) Providing comic relief during those stressful moments in life
D) All of the above.
If you discover that the mdf/ldf that you are referring to that "got located" are the data files of the newly create application database, look for all .mdf on the system. You may luck out and the install script detached and archived before creating the new database.
Kyle
Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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