Problems with differential backups

  • I'm hoping someone can help on two problems I have please.

    I have implemented a backup strategy using simple mode where databases have a full backup on a Monday and differential the rest of the week - I've done this through maintenance plans- these are non critical on a development box so am happy that I have some protection from disasters, however :

    - Sometimes, randomly it seems, the system refuses to perform a differential backup because it claims there is not a full backup in existence - even though I can clearly see the full backup in my backup device. This doesn't just happen on the 1st differential backup, I've seen a couple where my backup device contains a full backup and some differentials. No clues are given in the error what might be my problem and I'm stumped where to look next.

    - More concerning is that when I try to edit a maintenance plan for specific differential backups the system forgets which databases I selected as soon as I close the backup database task - this is more than a little frustrating so again any pointers greatly appreciated (if I set the backup type to full it works perfectly).

    Many thanks

  • Just to be clear:

    - Which backup solution are you using?

    - Which SQL version (including SP/hotfixes please)

    - Which edition

    - x86 or x64?

    Wilfred
    The best things in life are the simple things

  • A backup can run anytime. Just because you have a maintenance plan doesn't mean this is the last backup run. If someone runs an adhoc one, they break the chain.

    Also, if you restore, which can happen on dev boxes, you break the chain as well.

  • Ah broken chain might be my problem there - silly me.

    On the earlier issue I have 2005 developer edition 9.0.3068 (x86)with the following version from the About screen

    Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio9.00.3042.00

    Microsoft Analysis Services Client Tools2005.090.3042.00

    Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC)2000.085.1117.00 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)

    Microsoft MSXML2.6 3.0 5.0 6.0

    Microsoft Internet Explorer6.0.2900.2180

    Microsoft .NET Framework2.0.50727.1433

    Operating System5.1.2600

    Using the built in backup tools directly via management studio

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