How to back up an SQL Server database

What is a backup?

A backup is a spare copy of your data. If something breaks or gets deleted, you can bring the data back. SQL Server is a database system made by Microsoft. It is often used on Windows servers. A database is the place where your site or app keeps its data.

A SQL Server backup is saved as a file that ends in .bak.

Steps with SQL Server Management Studio

SQL Server Management Studio, or SSMS, is a free Microsoft tool that gives you a window to manage databases.

1. Open SSMS and connect to your server. Use the server name and login from your welcome email, or ask Hostvento support.
2. In the Object Explorer on the left, open the Databases folder.
3. Right-click the database you want to save.
4. Choose Tasks, then Back Up.

   

5. Set Backup type to Full. A full backup copies everything.
6. Under Destination, click Add.

   

7. Pick a folder and type a file name that ends with .bak.

   

8. Click OK, then click OK again in the main window.
9. Wait for the message that the backup finished.

Steps with a command

You can also run this in a new query window:

BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabase
TO DISK = 'C:\Backups\MyDatabase.bak';

This saves a full backup of MyDatabase into the file. Change the names and the folder to match yours.

Keep it safe

• Copy the .bak file to another place, such as your computer or cloud storage.

  

• A backup stored only on the same server may be lost if the server fails.
• Back up on a regular schedule.

Quick recap

• A backup is a spare copy saved as a .bak file.

  

  

• In SSMS, right-click the database, then Tasks and Back Up.
• Choose Full and pick a destination.
• Store a copy away from the server.