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Restore

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Backing Up Databases

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Backup

Access this form using File>Backup.

Use this form to back up existing organization and system databases. The path to the database backup file is from the server's perspective. So, if you are running a local install of the server, by default, the backup will reside on the local hard drive.

We recommend that you use this form to back up your database, rather than other backup software. Often times when backing up with other software, the database is shown to be "in use." However, if you want to use your other backup software, you should use this form to back up first, and then run your other backup software. You can then make a back up of your database using your other software.

Note: Ensure all users are logged out of the system and/or organization prior to backing up your database.

The system (NpsSqlSys) backup is always stored in the Backup directory of the Microsoft SQL Server folder. By default, organization backups are stored here also.
If data was backed using other software, the file cannot be restored using the File>Restore form. In such a case, the database should be backed up using this form, and then your backup software. That way your backup can be restored, if necessary.

MIP manages organization and system database backups automatically for you; therefore, the Backup menu selection is not available. Full backups are performed weekly and differential backups are performed daily. See Nonprofit Online.

The system (NpsSqlSys) backup is always stored in \MSSQL\Backup. By default, organization backups are stored here as well.

 

Database to Backup: Select an existing database to back up using the drop-down list. The list contains the system database (NpsSqlSys), the NTO database (if it was installed), and any organization databases that have been created.

Backup to File: The system displays the file name for the database being backed up. However, you can change the path and file name.

  • The system backs up any database selected from the Database to Backup drop-down list—not the database for the active organization.
  • The backup process can take several minutes or longer to complete, depending on the size of the databases. Very large databases may take some time. When you make a backup, the system makes a copy of your database. The backup files are not compressed; therefore, they will be about the same size as your database.
  • If you use Browse to change the location of the backup on your server, you will only see hard drives that are available on the computer on which the server component of the system is installed.
  • If Warning on Exit is selected (Options>Customize Workstation Settings>Alerts tab) and you have rights to this form, a message displays asking if you want to back up the database upon existing the system. If you click Yes, the system automatically displays this form. After closing this form, the system is exited regardless if the database was backed up.
  • If you perform a nightly backup to another source, ensure that you backup your Backup directory instead of your Data directory. You cannot copy files from the Data directory while the system is running.
  • You should maintain the files in your Backup directory. The size of this directory could increase over time. You should clean it out periodically to avoid using up free disk space.