Backup Types

There are 5 backup types. All these backups can be carried out online. databases. Offline backups require SQLSERVER be stopped. Offline backups are useful for the master, msdb and model databases

1. Full : This takes a complete copy of the database and logs.

2. Differential : This takes a copy of all changed pages since the last full backup (for database and logs.)

3. Transaction Log : This takes a copy of the transactions logs and clears its contents on completion.

4. File or File group : This copies only the specified file or group.

5. File differential : This takes a copy of all changed pages in file since the last file backup. In situations when the backup is too big for a backup window. Read more…