I am getting an error trying to backup my SQL database
I am getting an error when I try to use the SQL Server Management Studio. There are two files beginning with the letters sm that I need to backup so that I can restore to a new server. I highlight the file and click on backup. The backup desination and file name show as \sm.bak. If I try try to execute the backup it errors and talks about the backup destination setting. I am attaching a copy of the error. I am on a Windows XP station and a computer administrator with no security set.
Property BackupDirectory is not available for Settings 'Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Settings'. This property may not exist for this object, or may not be retrievable due to insufficient access rights. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)ASKER
Where would I find a list of syntax's of SQL backup commands that I can run. I have a strong DOS background but no very little about SQL except that it is a database manager/server.
Look it up in SQL Server Books Online.
Most folks just use the SQL Management Studio... you'd just navigate to the database, do a right click, and select backup
ASKER
I do navigate to the database and select backup. When I try to execute it is when I get the error message I attached.
Property BackupDirectory is not available for Settings 'Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Settings'. This property may not exist for this object, or may not be retrievable due to insufficient access rights. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)
Spooky.... OK, well it certainly looks like your version of SQL Server is a little messed up. I'd recommend a complete uninstall followed by an install
ASKER
What happens to the database if I do a complete uninstall?
Do a Help --> About and make sure you have the current service packs for the Management Studio.
Then are you seeing something like below when you are trying to backup?
Q-23795470-View.jpg
Then are you seeing something like below when you are trying to backup?
Q-23795470-View.jpg
The database files themselves are not removed during an uninstall. However, if you want to be one the safe side, you can shutdown the SQL Server service and copy the database files to somewhere safe
>> you can shutdown the SQL Server service and
>> copy the database files to somewhere safe
That is provided it is an actual separate DB from the system DB.
I'd suggest that he hold off on that until we can get a better description of what is going on.
>> copy the database files to somewhere safe
That is provided it is an actual separate DB from the system DB.
I'd suggest that he hold off on that until we can get a better description of what is going on.
ASKER
Jimpen, I am seeing a tree simular to the one in your example. When I expand the folder databases I can see two database files that I have been told I need to backup. They begin with the letters "sm"
When I right click on either one I can go to tasks and then under tasks, backup. With the backup screen up, I execute and that is when I get the error message. The destination for the backup says \sm.bak.
I have tried to remove the destination file and location and when I click on add for a new location I get the attached error.
When I right click on either one I can go to tasks and then under tasks, backup. With the backup screen up, I execute and that is when I get the error message. The destination for the backup says \sm.bak.
I have tried to remove the destination file and location and when I click on add for a new location I get the attached error.
Property BackupDirectory is not available for Settings 'Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.Settings'. This property may not exist for this object, or may not be retrievable due to insufficient access rights. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Express.Smo)
Ok, that clarifies it a bunch.
You need to fully qualify the destination path such as "C:\MyPath\SM.bak". You can't use a UNC or a non-local drive to save to.
Something like the images below. Note that you want to save them to 2 different files. It is much easier that way.
Backup-DB-Screen.jpg
Backup-Destination-Screen.jpg
You need to fully qualify the destination path such as "C:\MyPath\SM.bak". You can't use a UNC or a non-local drive to save to.
Something like the images below. Note that you want to save them to 2 different files. It is much easier that way.
Backup-DB-Screen.jpg
Backup-Destination-Screen.jpg
It still sounds to me like a corrupted install... but give it a whirl and let us know
ASKER
Hi Jimpen, I am unable to change the destination backup directory. It is grayed out. I realized that when I am logging into the SQL server managment program by default I am logging in with Windows Authentication and I have notice that there is an option for logging in with SQL server authentication. I am thinking that it might make a difference with the backup tools. I am not the one who origionally installed this software so I don't know what the SQL server authentication would be. Is there a default admin password that comes with SQL?
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Can I ask why a B grade?
What's the right grade to give?
Grading at Experts Exchange is not like school. It's more like the "10-point Must" system in professional boxing; in other words, an answer is worth an A, unless it doesn't resolve your issue. If it requires you to do a little more research, or figure out one more piece of code, then it's worth a B. If you think it's not worth a B, the custom is to offer the Experts an opportunity to earn a better grade.
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What's the right grade to give?
Grading at Experts Exchange is not like school. It's more like the "10-point Must" system in professional boxing; in other words, an answer is worth an A, unless it doesn't resolve your issue. If it requires you to do a little more research, or figure out one more piece of code, then it's worth a B. If you think it's not worth a B, the custom is to offer the Experts an opportunity to earn a better grade.
Giving a higher grade has no impact on your Available Points.
ASKER
I apologize for the "B" grade. You guys were actually great! I am afraid it turns out that the database is corrupt and there is no backup. I shouldn't take that out on you guys. I didn't realize it was such a sensitive thing and will remember it when scoring in the future. Again, Thanks
If you need to backup a database, then you'd use the SQL's BACKUP command. If you're trying to backup some file, then you'd use the OS's NTBACKUP command