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copy mdf and ldf files

proper and safe way to copy ldf and mdf files.

sql server is the rdbms

is it safe for me to stop the sql service and then copy the mdf files or ldf files.
or do i have to detach or brind the db's offline to make this a safe process.

i need to copy the mdf and ldf files on a instance but i can't use the backup service for this.
it needs to be a copy and paste job.

also, dumb question but thought i would check my bases.
making a copy of the mdf and ldf files is just as good as making a full copy only backup of a database correct.

thanks a bunch

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Vitor Montalvão

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Jim Metcalf

ASKER

because the sql agent won't start and the server seems jacked up. Wanted to make some copies of the databases before I dug into the problem. windows event log won't start either

Jim Metcalf

ASKER

Thanks Vitor!

Vitor Montalvão

You can run a backup from SSMS. Just create a new query and run the following command:

BACKUP DATABASE DatabaseName TO DISK='<Path\Filename.bak>'

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Jim Metcalf

ASKER

sweet
so the backup utility within sql server does not necessarily rely on sql agent being started?

Jim Metcalf

ASKER

also... command to run backup for all databases without having to name every one?

Vitor Montalvão

There's no backup utility in SQL Server, only the backup command.
SQL Server Agent is only a schedule task for SQL Server. What it does for backups is run the same backup command in a configured schedule.

Try the following command for backing up all databases (I didn't test it):

exec Sp_MSForEachDB 'BACKUP DATABASE ? TO DISK='C:\temp\?.bak''

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