EMC® NetWorker®

Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI

Release 3.0 SP1

User Guide
P/N 302-000-095
REV 06
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Published November, 2014

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2 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CONTENTS

Preface

Revision History

Chapter 1 Overview of SQL Server VDI

Introduction to using NMM with Virtual Device Interface .............................. 18
Microsoft SQL Server VDI environment ........................................................ 18
Backup environments ........................................................................... 18
Recovery environments ......................................................................... 21
Cluster environments ............................................................................ 22
Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment ......................................................... 23
Supported Windows Server versions and SQL Server versions ............... 24
Migrating from VSS solution to VDI solution for SQL Server
data protection ..................................................................................... 24
AlwaysOn Availability Group feature of Microsoft SQL Server 2012........ 24
SQL Client Direct to Data Domain devices or Advanced File
Type Device........................................................................................... 25
Microsoft SQL Server named log marks ................................................. 25
SQL Server master database maintenance ............................................ 26
Named and default instances of SQL Server .......................................... 27
NMM recovery interactions with SQL Server........................................... 28
Multi-stream Data Domain Boost........................................................... 29
Providing access privileges for backup and recovery.................................... 29
SQL Server backups .................................................................................... 31
Types of supported backups ................................................................. 31
Backup levels........................................................................................ 32
Setting backup levels............................................................................ 33
SQL Server recovery .................................................................................... 36
Types of supported recovery.................................................................. 36
Recovery modes.................................................................................... 38
Recovery time ....................................................................................... 38
Recovery window restrictions ................................................................ 39
The recovery process............................................................................. 39
Error logs for backup and recovery............................................................... 40
Prerequisites............................................................................................... 41

Chapter 2 Manual Backups

Overview of manual backups ...................................................................... 44
Performing manual backups........................................................................ 44
NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin .................................................... 45
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI of NMM ........................................... 49

Chapter 3 Scheduled Backup

Overview of scheduled backup.................................................................... 56
Backing up unavailable databases........................................................ 56
Prerequisites............................................................................................... 57

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 3
Contents

Configuring scheduled backups ................................................................... 57

Setting up backup levels ....................................................................... 58
Setting up a pool to sort backup data.................................................... 61
Configuring a backup schedule ............................................................. 62
Configuring a NetWorker backup group ................................................. 62
Configuring a client resource ................................................................. 63

Chapter 4 Federated Backup

Overview of federated backup ..................................................................... 74
Backup settings .................................................................................... 74
Performing federated backups .................................................................... 75
By using the Client Configuration Wizard ............................................... 75
By using the NetWorker Management Console ...................................... 80

Chapter 5 Data Recovery

Prerequisites............................................................................................... 86
Performing recoveries ................................................................................. 87
Setting up the restore............................................................................ 88
Specifying the browse time ................................................................. 104
Viewing the required volumes ............................................................. 106
Setting the restore properties.............................................................. 106
Starting the recovery ........................................................................... 119
Performing recovery of federated backups................................................. 119
Performing SQL Server 2012 recovery........................................................ 121

Chapter 6 Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery

Prerequisites............................................................................................. 124
Configuring scheduled backups for SQL Server clusters............................. 124
By using Client Configuration Wizard................................................... 124
By using NMC...................................................................................... 128
Performing manual backups and recovery ................................................. 130
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI ...................................................... 130
The command prompt ......................................................................... 130

Chapter 7 Striped Backup and Recovery

Overview of striped backups ..................................................................... 134
Specifying striping .............................................................................. 134
Changing Windows registry entry for striped backup ........................... 134
Performance considerations...................................................................... 135
Performing striped backups ...................................................................... 136
Performing striped recovery ...................................................................... 136
Optimal striped recovery versus fail-safe striped recovery ................... 136
Performing an optimal striped recovery ............................................... 137
Performing a fail-safe striped recovery................................................. 137

Chapter 8 Command Line Interface

Overview of command line interface.......................................................... 142
Using the nsrsqlsv command .................................................................... 142

4 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Contents

Using the nsrsqlrc command ..................................................................... 146

Command options for nsrsqlrc ............................................................ 147
Using the nwmssql command ................................................................... 152
Backup and recovery command syntax for SQL Server data ....................... 152

Chapter 9 Disaster Recovery

Overview of disaster recovery.................................................................... 158
Disaster recovery features ......................................................................... 158
Performing disaster recovery ..................................................................... 159
When not to reinstall the SQL Server ................................................... 160
Recovering a damaged primary disk .................................................... 160
Recovering a damaged binary disk ...................................................... 161
Recovering SQL Server and NetWorker server ...................................... 161
Recovering SQL Server without reinstalling.......................................... 162
Recovering SQL Server ........................................................................ 163
Using the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete
disaster recovery................................................................................. 164

Glossary

Index

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 5
Contents

6 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
TABLES

Title Page

1 EMC publications for additional information................................................................ 11

2 Backup levels in NMM for SQL VDI backups................................................................. 32
3 Terminology ................................................................................................................ 32
4 Where to initiate backup operations............................................................................ 32
5 Backup levels for SQL Server data ............................................................................... 33
6 Full backup every one to two weeks............................................................................. 33
7 Incremental backup after a full backup........................................................................ 33
8 Backup level advantages and disadvantages .............................................................. 34
9 Creating additional backup levels with data objects.................................................... 34
10 Backup level promotion process ................................................................................. 35
11 Types of recovery for SQL Server VDI............................................................................ 37
12 Recovery modes.......................................................................................................... 38
13 Program and log file names ......................................................................................... 40
14 Tasks for SQL Server VDI backups ............................................................................... 58
15 Backup levels for SQL Server data ............................................................................... 58
16 Full backup every one to two weeks............................................................................. 59
17 Incremental backup after a full backup........................................................................ 59
18 Backup level advantages and disadvantages .............................................................. 60
19 Creating additional backup levels with data objects.................................................... 60
20 Backup level promotion process ................................................................................. 61
21 SQL VDI save set syntax .............................................................................................. 69
22 SQL VDI save set syntax .............................................................................................. 81
23 Views displayed by the Modify the destination for the files in field .............................. 92
24 List of fields that can be configured ............................................................................ 93
25 Backup Versions table columns ................................................................................ 116
26 Log Mark table columns ............................................................................................ 117
27 Guidelines for fail-safe striped recovery..................................................................... 137
28 Command options for nsrsqlsv.................................................................................. 144
29 Command options for nsrqlrc .................................................................................... 147
30 Command options for nwmssql ................................................................................. 152
31 Command syntax for SQL Server data ........................................................................ 153
32 Command syntax for names containing a period ....................................................... 155
33 Command syntax for names containing a backslash.................................................. 155
34 Command syntax for names containing a colon......................................................... 156
35 Command syntax for names containing periods, back slashes, and colons ............... 156

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 7
Tableses

8 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
FIGURES

Title Page

1 Traditional backup command and data flow ................................................................ 19

2 Federated backup command and data flow ................................................................. 20
3 Traditional recovery command and data flow .............................................................. 21
4 Granting permissions to view subcomponents in the SQL Management Studio ........... 30
5 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - General View .................................. 46
6 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - Options View.................................. 47
7 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - Monitor View.................................. 49
8 Backup window........................................................................................................... 50
9 Backup Options for SQL page...................................................................................... 51
10 Properties dialog box .................................................................................................. 53
11 Select the Backup Objects page (default page) for non-federated backup ................... 65
12 Specify the Backup Options page................................................................................ 66
13 Backup Configuration Summary page.......................................................................... 68
14 Apps & Modules tab.................................................................................................... 70
15 Select the Backup Objects page (default page) for federated backup .......................... 77
16 Specify the Backup Options page................................................................................ 78
17 Backup Configuration Summary page.......................................................................... 80
18 Apps & Modules tab.................................................................................................... 82
19 Normal Restore window............................................................................................... 88
20 Properties dialog box .................................................................................................. 89
21 Standby Undo File dialog box ...................................................................................... 90
22 Properties dialog box .................................................................................................. 91
23 Specify the File Destination dialog box ........................................................................ 93
24 Properties dialog box, Restore Time tab....................................................................... 94
25 Restore Options dialog box, General tab ..................................................................... 96
26 Review Options message ............................................................................................ 97
27 Select the SQL Server dialog box ................................................................................. 98
28 NetWorker User for SQL Server message...................................................................... 99
29 Restore (Copy) window................................................................................................ 99
30 Sample Properties dialog box.................................................................................... 100
31 Restore window......................................................................................................... 101
32 Verify Only Restore window ....................................................................................... 102
33 Piecemeal Restore window........................................................................................ 103
34 Restore Options message.......................................................................................... 104
35 Change Browse Time dialog box ................................................................................ 105
36 Specify Browse Time dialog box ................................................................................ 105
37 Properties dialog box ................................................................................................ 107
38 Specify the Standby Undo File dialog box .................................................................. 109
39 Filegroup Restore Properties dialog box..................................................................... 110
40 The Files tab of the Properties dialog box .................................................................. 111
41 Specify the File Destination dialog box ...................................................................... 113
42 Read File Configuration dialog box ............................................................................ 114
43 The Restore Time tab in the Properties dialog box...................................................... 115
44 Point-in-Time Restore dialog box ............................................................................... 118
45 Select NetWorker SQL Server Client option ................................................................ 119
46 Select the SQL Server dialog box ............................................................................... 120
47 Select the SQL Server Instance option ....................................................................... 120
48 Browse the backed up Availability Group databases ................................................. 120

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 9
 49 Full backup for federated backup.................................................................... 121
50 Select the Backup Objects page..................................................................... 126
51 Specify the Virtual Server Credentials page.................................................... 126

10 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
PREFACE

As part of an effort to improve its product lines, EMC periodically releases revisions of its
software and hardware. Therefore, some functions described in this document might not
be supported by all versions of the software or hardware currently in use. The product
release notes provide the most up-to-date information on product features.
Contact your EMC representative if a product does not function properly or does not
function as described in this document.

Note: This document was accurate at publication time. Go to EMC Online Support
(http://support.emc.com) to ensure that you are using the latest version of this document.

Purpose
This guide contains information about using the NetWorker Module for Microsoft (NMM)
Release 3.0 SP1 software to back up and recover Microsoft SQL Server using the Virtual
Device Interface technology.



The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide
supplements the backup and recovery procedures described in this guide and must be
referred to when performing application-specific tasks. Ensure to download a copy of the
EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide from EMC
Online Support (http://support.emc.com) before using this guide.

Audience
This guide is part of the NMM documentation set, and is intended for users using NMM to
back up and recover Microsoft SQL Server using the Virtual Device Interface technology.
Readers should be familiar with the following technologies used in backup and recovery:
◆ NetWorker software
◆ Microsoft Virtual Device Interface (VDI) technology

Related documentation
Table 1 on page 11 lists the EMC publications that provide additional information.

Table 1 EMC publications for additional information (page 1 of 2)

Publication title Description

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Provides information about new features and changes, problems fixed
Release Notes from previous releases, known limitations, and late-breaking information
that was not provided in the remaining documentation set.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Provides pre-installation, installation, silent installation, and
Installation Guide post-installation information about NMM 3.0 SP1.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Provides information common to all the supported Microsoft applications
Administration Guide that can be backed up and recovered by using EMC NetWorker Module for
Microsoft.

Preface 11
Preface

Table 1 EMC publications for additional information (page 2 of 2)

Publication title Description

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL and Provides information about using NMM for backup and recovery of SQL
SharePoint VSS Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide Server VSS and SharePoint Server VSS.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for Exchange VSS Provides information about using NMM for backup and recovery of
Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide Exchange Server VSS.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for Hyper-V VSS Provides information about using NMM for backup and recovery of
Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide Hyper-V Server VSS.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for Windows Bare Provides information about using NetWorker and NMM for Windows Bare
Metal Recovery Solution Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide Metal Recovery (BMR) solution and the procedures required for disaster
recovery of the supported Microsoft applications.

EMC NetWorker Performing backup and recovery of Provides information for performing backup and recovery of a SharePoint
SharePoint Server by using NetWorker Module for Server by using the SQL Server Virtual Device Interface (VDI) technology
Microsoft SQL VDI solution Release 3.0 SP1 Technical and the SharePoint VSS Writer with NMM.
Notes
EMC NetWorker Performing Exchange Server Granular Provides information about using NMM with Ontrack PowerControls to
Recovery by using NetWorker Module for Microsoft with perform granular level recovery (GLR) of deleted Microsoft Exchange
Ontrack PowerControls Release 3.0 SP1 Technical Server mailboxes, public folders, and public folder mailboxes.
Notes
EMC NetWorker Cloning Integration Guide Provides planning, practices, and configuration information for using the
NetWorker, NMM, and NMDA cloning feature.

EMC NetWorker SolVe Desktop NetWorker SolVe Desktop, which is an executable download, can be used
to generate precise, user-driven steps for high-demand tasks carried out
by customers, support, and the field.

EMC NetWorker Licensing Guide Provides information about licensing NetWorker and its modules.

EMC NetWorker Software Compatibility Guide Provides a list of supported client, server, and storage node operating
systems for the following software products: NetWorker and NetWorker
application modules and options (including deduplication and
virtualization support), AlphaStor, Data Protection Advisor, and
HomeBase.

EMC NetWorker and EMC Data Domain Deduplication Provides planning and configuration information about the use of Data
Devices Integration Guide Domain devices for data deduplication backup and storage in a
NetWorker environment.

EMC NetWorker and EMC Avamar Integration Guide Provides planning and configuration information about the use of
Avamar in a NetWorker environment.

Conventions used in this document

EMC uses the following conventions for special notices:



NOTICE is used to address practices not related to personal injury.

Note: A note presents information that is important, but not hazard-related.

12 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Preface

Typographical conventions
EMC uses the following type style conventions in this document:
Normal Used in running (nonprocedural) text for:
• Names of interface elements, such as names of windows, dialog boxes,
buttons, fields, and menus
• Names of resources, attributes, pools, Boolean expressions, buttons,
DQL statements, keywords, clauses, environment variables, functions,
and utilities
• URLs, pathnames, filenames, directory names, computer names, links,
groups, service keys, file systems, and notifications
Bold Used in running (nonprocedural) text for names of commands, daemons,
options, programs, processes, services, applications, utilities, kernels,
notifications, system calls, and man pages
Used in procedures for:
• Names of interface elements, such as names of windows, dialog boxes,
buttons, fields, and menus
• What the user specifically selects, clicks, presses, or types
Italic Used in all text (including procedures) for:
• Full titles of publications referenced in text
• Emphasis, for example, a new term
• Variables
Courier Used for:
• System output, such as an error message or script
• URLs, complete paths, filenames, prompts, and syntax when shown
outside of running text
Courier bold Used for specific user input, such as commands
Courier italic Used in procedures for:
• Variables on the command line
• User input variables
<> Angle brackets enclose parameter or variable values supplied by the user
[] Square brackets enclose optional values
| Vertical bar indicates alternate selections — the bar means “or”
{} Braces enclose content that the user must specify, such as x or y or z
... Ellipses indicate nonessential information omitted from the example

Where to get help

EMC support, product, and licensing information can be obtained as follows:
Product information — For documentation, release notes, software updates, or
information about EMC products, licensing, and service, go to the EMC online support
website (registration required) at:
http://support.emc.com

Technical support — For technical support, go to EMC online support and select Support.
On the Support page, you will see several options, including one to create a service
request. Note that to open a service request, you must have a valid support agreement.
Contact your EMC sales representative for details about obtaining a valid support
agreement or with questions about your account.
Online communities — Visit EMC Community Network at https://community.emc.com for
peer contacts, conversations, and content on product support and solution. Interactively
engage online with customers, partners, and certified professionals for all EMC products.

13
Preface

Your comments
Your suggestions will help us continue to improve the accuracy, organization, and overall
quality of the user publications. Send your opinions of this document to:
DPAD.Doc.Feedback@emc.com

14 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
REVISION HISTORY

The following table lists the revision history of this document.

Revision Date Description of added or changed sections

06 November 03, 2014 This release of the document is updated with:

• Technical feedback in “Overview of striped backups” on page 134.
• A note in Chapter 4, “Federated Backup,” on unsupported scenarios.

05 July 22, 2014 Fifth release of this document. Incorporated technical feedback in “Providing access
privileges for backup and recovery” on page 29.

04 July 15, 2014 Fourth release of this document. Incorporated technical feedback in “SQL Server
recovery” on page 36 and Chapter 8, “Command Line Interface.”

03 February 07, 2014 Third release of this document. Incorporated technical feedback.

02 December 23 2013 Second release of this document. The updates in this revision are as following:
• The list of documents in the NMM documentation set has been updated. “Related
documentation” on page 11 provides the list.
• Incorporated technical feedback.

01 November 14, 2013 First release of this document for EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0
SP1.

Revision History 15
Revision History

16 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 1
Overview of SQL Server VDI

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Introduction to using NMM with Virtual Device Interface .......................................... 18
◆ Microsoft SQL Server VDI environment .................................................................... 18
◆ Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment ..................................................................... 23
◆ Providing access privileges for backup and recovery................................................ 29
◆ SQL Server backups ................................................................................................ 31
◆ SQL Server recovery ................................................................................................ 36
◆ Error logs for backup and recovery........................................................................... 40
◆ Prerequisites........................................................................................................... 41

Overview of SQL Server VDI 17

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Introduction to using NMM with Virtual Device Interface

You can use the EMC® NetWorker® Module for Microsoft (NMM) release 3.0 SP1 software
to backup and recover SQL Server data. NMM utilizes Virtual Device Interface (VDI), an API
provided by Microsoft SQL Server, to integrate with the SQL Server and enable the
NetWorker software to back up and recover SQL Server data.
The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide provides
an introduction to the VDI technology and the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI using
which you can perform the backup and recovery tasks.



If you are migrating from NetWorker Module for SQL Server (NMSQL) to NMM, ensure to
perform a full backup of the SQL Server data by using NMM because the SQL snapshot
data backed up by using NMSQL cannot be recovered by NMM.

Microsoft SQL Server VDI environment

This section provides the following information:
◆ “Backup environments” on page 18
◆ “Recovery environments” on page 21
◆ “Cluster environments” on page 22

Backup environments
This section provides details about the various NMM environments for SQL Server
backups using VDI.

18 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Overview of SQL Server VDI

Non-federated backup environment (traditional backup)

The following figure describes an overview of the process interactions between the
NetWorker client (NMM), the NetWorker server, and the SQL Server during a non-federated
or traditional backup.

Figure 1 Traditional backup command and data flow

The following process occurs in a non-federated or traditional backup:

1. The nsrd program starts the backup on the NetWorker server.
2. The savegrp program executes the NMM backup command (nsrsqlsv) on the client
instead of performing a standard NetWorker save.
3. The nsrsqlsv program passes the backup data from SQL Server to the NetWorker
server through an X-Open Backup Services application programming interface (XBSA).
The NetWorker server software performs all scheduling and storage management tasks.
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides information about the NetWorker
services and operations.

Federated backup environment

Federated backups are only available for SQL Server 2012.
The following figure describes an overview of the process interactions between the
NetWorker client (NMM), the NetWorker server, and the SQL Server during a federated
backup.

Microsoft SQL Server VDI environment 19

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Figure 2 Federated backup command and data flow

During a federated backup, the save group command starts and creates the process in the
active node of the Windows cluster. When the backup is started from the NetWorker
server, a process called the master/co-ordination process calculates and detects the
Backup Preference and priority from the Availability group, and starts the slave backup
process in detected preferred node.

20 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Overview of SQL Server VDI

Recovery environments
The following figure describes the functional relationship between the NetWorker client
(NMM), the NetWorker server, and the SQL Server during a traditional recovery operation.

Figure 3 Traditional recovery command and data flow

The following process occurs in a traditional recovery operation:

1. The nsrsqlrc command starts the recovery.
2. The NetWorker XBSA API translates the object names requested by NMM into a format
NetWorker understands, and forwards the translated object names to the NetWorker
server nsrd service.
3. The media service, nsrmmd, starts the nsrmmdbd command to search the NetWorker
server’s media database for the volumes that contain the objects requested.
4. After the media is mounted, the nsrmmd program sends the data through the
NetWorker XBSA API to nsrsqlrc, which recovers the data to the SQL Server directories.

Microsoft SQL Server VDI environment 21

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Cluster environments
NMM can back up or recover data exported by a SQL Server that is running as a virtual
server in an WSFC cluster.
NMM uses the virtual server name to perform the following tasks:
◆ Connect to the appropriate SQL Server instance.
◆ Initialize the SQL Server VDI to accept data from or deliver data to the appropriate SQL
Server in the cluster.
◆ Create entries in the NetWorker client file index.
The NetWorker media database or client file index is indexed according to the client that
performs a particular backup. NMM creates index entries under the virtual server name in
the NetWorker client file index.



Backup and recovery of SQL Server data in a cluster by using NMM requires Cluster Client
Connection licenses on the NetWorker server host. A separate Cluster Client Connection
license is required for each node in the cluster.

The NetWorker Power Edition includes two cluster client licenses of the same platform
type. When a cluster contains more than two nodes, additional Cluster Client Connection
licenses are required. The NetWorker Workgroup Edition and the NetWorker NetWork
Edition can back up cluster nodes only if Cluster Client Connection licenses have been
added to the NetWorker server.

How NMM detects SQL Server instances

NMM automatically detects all the SQL Servers in a WSFC cluster, including the virtual
servers but only on the active nodes, whenever:
◆ The NetWorker User for SQL Server program is started.
◆ The Select SQL Instance option is selected.
◆ A backup or recovery is started.

Named instances in failover cluster configurations

NMM provides failover cluster support by using the multiple instance features provided in
the SQL Server. In a failover configuration, the virtual servers run as either default
instances or as named instances. One default instance of a virtual server may be installed.
Additional virtual servers may be installed as named instances, where each instance
name must be unique within the cluster.
Multiple named instances are supported as virtual servers in a cluster configuration. The
number of instances supported depends on the SQL Server version being used in your
setup. The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Installation Guide and
Microsoft SQL Server documentation provide more information.

22 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Overview of SQL Server VDI

Each named instance virtual server has the following qualities:

◆ A unique IP address, network name, and instance name.
◆ Data files installed on a clustered drive that belongs to the same cluster group as the
virtual server.

Active and passive cluster configurations

When the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI is started on the active node, NMM
automatically uses the cluster virtual server as the client name for reading or writing to the
NetWorker media database and client file index.
If the SQL Server fails over to the secondary cluster node and the NetWorker User for SQL
Server program is started on the secondary node, NMM automatically uses the virtual
server name.
If there is one virtual server running on each physical node in the cluster, an active or
active cluster configuration exists, and the following occurs:
◆ NMM automatically communicates with the virtual server running on the same
physical node if no failover has occurred and each virtual server is running on a
different physical node.
◆ The Select SQL Instance option from the Operation menu is disabled.
However, if one of the physical cluster nodes goes offline (for example, if a failover occurs)
and both SQL Server virtual servers are running on the same physical cluster node when
the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI is started, the Select SQL Instance dialog box
appears. The Select SQL Instance dialog box lists the SQL Server instances. After selecting
an instance from the Select SQL Instance dialog box, NMM attempts to validate the
instance as a NetWorker client.

Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment

This section provides the following information:
◆ “Supported Windows Server versions and SQL Server versions” on page 24
◆ “Migrating from VSS solution to VDI solution for SQL Server data protection” on
page 24
◆ “AlwaysOn Availability Group feature of Microsoft SQL Server 2012” on page 24
◆ “SQL Client Direct to Data Domain devices or Advanced File Type Device” on page 25
◆ “Microsoft SQL Server named log marks” on page 25
◆ “SQL Server master database maintenance” on page 26
◆ “Named and default instances of SQL Server” on page 27
◆ “NMM recovery interactions with SQL Server” on page 28
◆ “Multi-stream Data Domain Boost” on page 29

Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment 23

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Supported Windows Server versions and SQL Server versions



You are recommended to download a copy of the EMC NetWorker Software Compatibility
Guide from EMC Online Support (http://support.emc.com). The EMC NetWorker Software
Compatibility Guide contains the most up-to-date information about supported Windows
Server versions.

The following Windows Server versions are supported:

◆ Windows Server 2012 R2
◆ Windows Server 2012
◆ Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
◆ Windows Server 2008 SP2
◆ Windows Server 2003 SP2
The following SQL Server versions (Standard, Enterprise, Express, Datacenter, Web,
Workgroup, Developer editions) are supported:
◆ SQL 2012 SP1
◆ SQL Server 2008 R2 SP1
◆ SQL Server 2008 SP3
◆ SQL Server 2005

Migrating from VSS solution to VDI solution for SQL Server data protection
If you are using an earlier NMM version to recover SQL Server data with VSS technology,
and would now like to use NMM 3.0 SP1 to back up and recover SQL Server data with VDI
technology, ensure that you have taken care of the following tasks:
◆ Clear the Snapshot option under Backup Group Properties.
◆ Specify the Backup Command as nsrsqlsv. For SQL virtual server in a cluster
environment, specify nsrsqlsv -A SQL virtual server.
◆ Keep the Application Information field blank.
◆ Change the save set to MSSQL: for SQL default instance level backup or
MSSQL:dbname for database level backup on a SQL default instance.

AlwaysOn Availability Group feature of Microsoft SQL Server 2012

NMM supports the SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn feature, which allows multiple replicas of a
database. Each set of availability database is hosted by an availability replica.
Two types of availability replicas exist:
◆ A single primary replica, which hosts the primary databases.
◆ One to four secondary replicas, each of which hosts a set of secondary databases and
serves as a potential failover targets for the availability group.
The secondary replicas can be configured to be in either synchronous or asynchronous
mode.

24 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Overview of SQL Server VDI



To perform backups of secondary replicas by using NMM 3.0 SP1, set the Readable
Secondary option of SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn configuration to “Yes.” Enable this option
for the primary and the secondary replicas, because during failover of an availability
group, the secondary replicas become primary and vice versa.

NMM supports the Availability Group functionality that SQL Server 2012 has introduced
with AlwaysOn. An availability Group is a logical group of databases that have the
AlwaysOn capability. The Availability Group is failed over to other nodes as a group, that
is, all the databases that are part of the Availability group are failed over together during
failure or manual failover.
The Microsoft website describes the AlwaysOn Availability Group functionality in SQL
Server 2012, and provides detailed information about how to configure your setup to
utilize this support.
When using SQL Server 2012 databases that are configured with AlwaysOn, break the
replication before recovering the databases. You can use either the Microsoft SQL Server
Management Studio GUI or the query window for this task.

SQL Client Direct to Data Domain devices or Advanced File Type Device
The NetWorker 8.1 client software enables clients with network access to Advanced File
Type Device (AFTD) or Data Domain devices to send their backup data directly to the
devices, bypassing the NetWorker storage node.
The Client Direct feature is enabled by default, but can be disabled on each client by
clearing the Client Direct attribute. When a Client Direct backup is not performed, a
traditional storage node backup is performed instead.
The nsrsqlsv.raw backup log displays details about the Client Direct activity for the SQL
Server.
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides information about the Client Direct to
Data Domain or AFTD devices.

Microsoft SQL Server named log marks

Microsoft SQL Server enables enhanced point-in-time restore operations by allowing
named log marks to be specified during transaction creation. Database applications
create named log marks when transactions are performed. The marks enable access to
specific transaction points in a database transaction log backup. NMM restores to the
beginning or end of a named log mark during a database restore. Restoring data by using
named log marks is an improvement over point-in-time restore. The time associated with
restoring to a specific transaction can be more accurately determined.
When a named log mark is created in the SQL Server database, the log mark time is saved
to the millisecond. However, NetWorker’s time format, which is used to specify
point-in-time restore, only supports granularity to the second. If named log marks with
duplicate names are created within a second of each other, NMM restores to the most
recently named log mark.

Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment 25

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Transaction log maintenance

NMM provides implicit and explicit methods for managing SQL Server database
transaction logs:
◆ Implicit management uses log backups to manage log space. This management can
occur when:
• A backup schedule is implemented that includes incremental (transaction log
level) backups.
• You run the nsrsqlsv command with the -l incr option.
◆ Explicit management specifies the nsrsqlsv command on the command line, with or
without the -T option (Truncate Only) for SQL Server 2005 or the -G option (No Log).
Both the -T and -G command options are compatible with level full and level 1
(differential) backups.
If the -T or -G command options are specified, then the SQL Server truncates the
transaction log before the backup completes.
The transaction log truncation after the backup takes place when NMM determines
that the database does not support transaction log backups. The SQL Server
databases that use the simple recovery model do not use transaction log backups.

Prevent log overflow

In Windows, prevent database logs from overflowing available log space by creating an
alert in the SQL Server Performance Monitor that forces an incremental backup when the
database’s log space reaches a certain capacity (for example, 80% full). An alert is a
user-defined response to a SQL Server event. An incremental (transaction log) backup
truncates the logs and clears disk space.

SQL Server master database maintenance

The master database contains information about all SQL Server databases on the SQL
Server host. The master database can be recovered by restoring the data for the master
database and other SQL Server databases from the NetWorker server.

Checking database consistency

Use the -j option with the nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc commands to request that the SQL Server
runs a comprehensive database consistency check (DBCC) before a backup or after a
recovery. The DBCC includes the following automatic checks:
◆ DBCC CHECKDB database_name
◆ DBCC CHECKALLOC database_name
◆ DBCC TEXTALL database_name
◆ DBCC CHECKCATALOG database_name
For the entire DBCC to complete successfully, each of these tests must succeed.



By default, the option to run a DBCC is disabled. “Performing a database consistency
check” on page 27 provides information about how to trigger a DBCC before a scheduled
save is initiated.

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If this option is enabled and the DBCC is completed successfully, NMM proceeds with a
backup of the specified databases.
If the DBCC does not complete successfully, the backup is terminated and NMM displays a
message to indicate the DBCC success or failure.
Database consistency on a restored database can also be checked by initiating a restore
from the command line on the restore host by using the -j command line option with the
nsrsqlrc command. This command invokes the DBCC on the database after the restore
operation finishes.
Data consistency check can not be configured using NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI for
backup or recovery.

Performing a database consistency check

You must complete the required steps to perform a DBCC from the NetWorker Management
Console (NMC) > NetWorker Administration GUI before a scheduled backup:
1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, click Clients.
4. In the right-side pane, right-click the client you want, and select Properties.
5. In the Apps & Modules tab of the Properties dialog box, in the Backup Command
attribute, enter nsrsqlsv -j.
6. Click OK.
To perform a DBCC from the Windows command prompt before a manual backup:
1. Log in to the client host with administrator privilege.
2. Enter nsrsqlsv -j at a Windows command prompt.
For large databases, the running of a database consistency check can take several hours.
For production systems, the -j option should be used with discretion.

Named and default instances of SQL Server

NMM supports backup and recovery of named and default instances.
NMM supports recovery from the default instance or named instances of SQL Server, using
a copy restore to any instance of a SQL Server. This includes recovery operations when the
destination server is different from the source.
Each named instance has a unique instance name in the following format:
computerName\instanceName

where:
◆ computerName is the network name of the computer.
◆ instanceName is the logical name of the named instance.

Using NMM in a SQL VDI environment 27

Overview of SQL Server VDI



When naming a SQL database or an instance, select names that are unique. Examples of
poor database name choices are: the name SQL Server uses to identify itself (MSSQL:)
and names of installed SQL instances you have installed.

The syntax for specifying a SQL standalone named instance of SQL Server at a command
prompt is as follows:
MSSQL$Standalone_Named_Instance:[dbName ...][.fgName ...][.fileName
...]

An entry of MSSQL: for the Save Set attribute in the Client resource yields a backup of all
databases on the SQL Server host.
When running multiple instances, the nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc commands only support
specification of one instance at a time. If save sets for more than one instance are
specified, the backup or restore operation fails.
Index entries for stand-alone named instances are created by using the local host on
which the instance is running. Index entries for clustered named instances are created
with the SQL server virtual name. To differentiate backups for the default instance and
named instances, the index name has been extended to logically partition the index for a
client.
All running named instances are maintained in the client file index directory, excluding
clustered instances and the default instance. This named instance directory is created at
the end of each traditional backup. Running nsrinfo after backups verifies the existence of
this directory, for example:
%SystemDrive% nsrinfo -V -L -n mssql <client name>

NMM recovery interactions with SQL Server

NMM stops and starts the SQL Server and dependent services when a restore takes place.
When restoring the SQL Server system database like master and msdb, the nsrsqlrc
program automatically stops and restarts the SQL Server services appropriately, as
follows:
1. Before the recovery process begins, NMM stops the SQL Server and other dependent
services.



When Analysis Services is running, it may use the only database connection if SQL
Server is in single user mode. Analysis Services must be stopped before restoring the
master database.

2. NMM starts the SQL Server in single-user mode.

3. NMM performs the recovery.
4. After the recovery process finishes, NMM waits for the SQL Server to shut down.
5. For a stand-alone and cluster environment, NMM restarts the SQL Server services.

28 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
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When recovering a master database, there can be timing issues related to stopping and
starting of services. Manually stop all SQL Server services, except for SQL Server itself,
before initiating the recovery.

Multi-stream Data Domain Boost

NMM 3.0 SP1 supports multi-stream backups for a SQL Server to a Data Domain device.
This support leverages the Data Domain Boost feature. SQL Server multi-stream backups
over Data Domain Boost enhances the performance by running the backups three times
faster.

Providing access privileges for backup and recovery

Ensure that the following privileges are taken care of before performing backup and
recovery:
◆ Grant the Windows logon account that the NMM backup process uses to connect to
SQL Server the following roles:
• SQL Server system administrator (sysadmin) role to issue the T-SQL BACKUP query.
• SQL Server sysadmin role to open a shared memory handle when initializing the
VDI.
◆ Ensure that the NMM administrator is a member of the:
• Local backup operators group.
• Local administrators group.
◆ Windows Server 2008 introduced User Access Control, which causes processes to run
as a standard user even if part of the administrator’s group. NMM processes account
for this change.
◆ Before performing a SQL Server 2012 VDI backup, ensure that for Windows Server
2008 R2 the User Account Control is disabled for administrators.
Perform these steps:
a. Open the Local Security Policy (secpol.msc) on the Windows 2008 R2 client.
b. Go to Local Policies > Security Options.
c. Change User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators
in Admin Approval Mode to Elevate without prompting.
d. Disable User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
e. Restart the machine.
The esg114125 on the EMC Online Support (http://support.emc.com) provides
details.

Providing access privileges for backup and recovery 29

Overview of SQL Server VDI

◆ (For only SQL Server 2012 and later) In the SQL Management Studio > Security > Login >
Login Properties page, grant the SQL Server system dbcreator, public, and sysadmin
permissions to the Windows logon account, as shown in the following figure. Provide
these permissions to the NTAUTHORITY\SYSTEM user.

Figure 4 Granting permissions to view subcomponents in the SQL Management Studio

◆ When installing NMM, you are required to log in with Administrator privileges.
However, if you are logged in as a Domain User, provide the “Run as Administrator”
privilege before using NMM.

30 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
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SQL Server backups

This section provides an introduction about backups of SQL Server by using NMM:
◆ “Types of supported backups” on page 31
◆ “Backup levels” on page 32
◆ “Setting backup levels” on page 33

Types of supported backups

NMM 3.0 SP1 supports manual, scheduled, and federated backups of the SQL Server.
◆ Manual or traditional backup—NMM provides support for traditional backups.
Traditional backups are often referred to as manual backups. A traditional backup of
SQL data can be performed at any time and is independent of any scheduled backup.
NMM supports traditional backup of:
• Database
• File
• Filegroup
• Filestream
• Transaction log
In addition to creating full backups of file or filegroup, the SQL Server supports the
creation of filegroup differential and file differential backups.
A filegroup differential backup may actually reduce both media requirements and
recovery time. The data can be stored across more than one disk or disk partition, and
recovery time may be reduced. A differential can substitute for any log backups
performed between the full and differential backups. A full backup must be performed
first.
Chapter 2, “Manual Backups,” provides details.



A full backup of SQL Server data (including files and filegroups) created by using
NMSQL can be recovered by using NMM 3.0 SP1. However, NMM 3.0 SP1 cannot
recover snapshot (PowerSnap based) backup created by using NMSQL.

◆ Scheduled backup—The most reliable way of protecting SQL data is to ensure that
backups of the SQL Server are run at regular intervals, that is, setting up scheduled
backups. Scheduled backups ensure that all SQL Server data is automatically saved,
including the NetWorker server’s client indexes and bootstrap file. The client indexes
and bootstrap file are vital for restoring data to the SQL Server in the event of a
disaster.
Chapter 3, “Scheduled Backup,” provides details.
◆ Federated backup—NMM provides support for SQL Server 2012 Federated backup
functionality for SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn databases.
Chapter 4, “Federated Backup,” provides details.

SQL Server backups 31

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Backup levels
The following table describes the SQL Server VDI backup levels. NMM supports three
levels of backup.

Table 2 Backup levels in NMM for SQL VDI backups

Backup levels Description

Full Entire database backup, including all filegroups or files in the database.

Incremental An incremental backup, corresponds to a SQL Server transaction log

backup. A log file backup by itself cannot be used to recover a database.
A log file backup is used after a database recovery to restore the
database to the point of the original failure.

Differential A differential backup, specified as any level from 1 to 9, is done from

the command line, and makes a copy of all the pages in a database
modified after the last full database backup.

The following table shows how the terminology for backup levels used in the SQL Server
product differs from the terminology used for NMM.

Table 3 Terminology

Corresponding SQL
NMM term Function Server term

Full Backs up an entire file, filegroup, filestream, or File, filegroup or

database. filestream, or database
backup

Incremental Backs up all transaction log changes since the Transaction log
most recent full, differential, or transaction log (also called xlog) backup
backup.

Differential Backs up all database changes since the last full Differential backup
backup.

The following table summarizes where backup procedures can be initiated and which
backup levels are supported for each interface.

Table 4 Where to initiate backup operations

Backup levels available

Backup type Backup initiated from Full Incr Diff

Scheduled The NetWorker Administration GUI on the Yes Yes Yes

NetWorker server

Manual Command line on the SQL Server, which is the Yes Yes Yes
client

NMM client initiated GUI (adhoc backup) Yes Yes Yes

NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin Yes Yes Yes

32 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Overview of SQL Server VDI

Setting backup levels

NMM enables you to specify backup levels in addition to database full, database
differential, and database incremental. The availability of a backup level depends on the
type of data selected for backup and any SQL Server settings on those objects, as listed in
the following table.

Table 5 Backup levels for SQL Server data

Supported SQL Server versions

SQL Server data objects full diff incr

All databases of SQL default or named yes yes yes

instances

Specified databases yes yes yes

All filegroups in specified databases yes yes N/A

Filestream data in specified databases yes yes yes

Specified filegroups in specified database yes yes N/A

Specified files in filegroups in specified yes yes N/A

databases

For SQL Server data objects for which incremental backup can be performed, ensure that
the SQL Server database options are properly configured. The Microsoft SQL Server
documentation provides more information. Individual items are subject to promotion.

Example strategies for backing up SQL Server data

If the SQL Server manages a significant amount of data, schedule a backup of the
databases every one to two weeks, as shown in the following table.

Table 6 Full backup every one to two weeks

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

full incr incr incr incr diff incr

incr incr incr diff incr incr incr

full Repeat

Another backup strategy is to schedule incremental backups on several successive days

immediately following the previous full backup, as shown in the following table. This
schedule backs up all data that has changed since the previous incremental backup.

Table 7 Incremental backup after a full backup

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

full incr incr incr diff incr incr

Repeat

A level 1 differential backup can also be scheduled after several days of incremental
backups. This schedule backs up all data since the previous full backup.

SQL Server backups 33

Overview of SQL Server VDI



If a database has been made read-only, a full backup of the database should be made. A
read-only database cannot be restored from a transaction log backup that may already
exist.

Differences between backup levels

Because it may not be practical or efficient to run full backups every day, other backup
levels can be specified for automatic, scheduled backups. Limiting the frequency of full
backups can decrease server load while ensuring data is protected.
The following table outlines the differences between the backup levels.

Table 8 Backup level advantages and disadvantages

Backup level Advantages Disadvantages

Full • Fastest restore time. • Slow backup.

• Increases load on client, server, and
network.
• Uses the most volume space.

Incremental • Faster than a full backup. • Slow restore.

(transaction log) • Decreases the load on server • Data can spread across multiple
and Uses the least volume volumes.
space. • Multiple transaction logs can spread
• Enables point-in-time across multiple volumes.
restore.

Differential • Faster than a full backup. • Generally more time-consuming than a

• Captures all changes since incremental backup (depending on
last full. the backup schedule strategy).

Combining data objects to create backup levels

NMM enables the selection of SQL Server data objects in various combinations to create
scheduled backups of different levels, as shown in the following table.

Table 9 Creating additional backup levels with data objects

Backup level Database objects

Full database Select one or more databases to create a level full database backup of the
selected databases and their transaction log files.

Full file or filegroup Select one or more files or one or more filegroups to create a level full file
or filegroup backup of the selected files or filegroup, but not their
transaction logs.

Database Select one or more databases to create a database incremental level

incremental backup of only the incremental for the selected databases.
The SQL database must be previously configured to enable incremental
backups.

Database differential Select one or more databases to create a database level differential
(level 1) backup of only the changes made to the selected databases since the last
full level backup was created.

File or filegroup Select one or more files, or one or more filegroups to create a file or
differential filegroup level differential backup of only the changes made to the
selected files or filegroups since the last full level backup was created.

34 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
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Promoting backup levels

Guidelines for Microsoft SQL Server best practices indicate that a full database backup
should be the first step in implementing a recovery strategy for a database. In adhering to
these guidelines, the NMM supports backup level promotion. The following table explains
what prompts a promotion.

Table 10 Backup level promotion process

Requested Level of
Item level promoted Reason

Database Differential Full Database full backup does not exist.

Database Incremental Full • Database full backup does not exist.

• Transaction log backup types are not
supported for simple recovery model
databases.
• Database is currently in emergency mode.1

File/Filegroup Full Database full Full backup of the entire database does not
exist.2

File/Filegroup Differential Database full Full backup of the entire database does not
exist.

File/Filegroup Incremental Full File or filegroup incremental backups are not

supported.
1. Refer to the Microsoft SQL Server Books Online for more information.
2. Databases consist of files and groups that contain files. The default configuration is a primary filegroup with
the main data file. Elaborate database configurations can contain more filegroups; each with more files. If a
filegroup or file level backup is specified, and a full database backup is not on record, the filegroup or file
backup is promoted to a database full backup.

SQL Server backups 35

Overview of SQL Server VDI

SQL Server recovery

This section provides an introduction about recovery of SQL Server by using NMM:
◆ “Types of supported recovery” on page 36
◆ “Recovery modes” on page 38
◆ “Recovery time” on page 38
◆ “Recovery window restrictions” on page 39
◆ “The recovery process” on page 39

Types of supported recovery



NMM supports recovery of a SQL Sever 2012 database only after the AlwaysOn replication
has been removed for the corresponding database.

36 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
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The following table lists the types of recovery for SQL Server VDI in NMM.

Table 11 Types of recovery for SQL Server VDI

Type of recovery When used Description

Traditional recovery For data that was backed Data recovery from a traditional backup can
up by traditional backup, be performed:
NMM supports traditional • At any time by using NMM.
recovery. • By running NMM recover command
(nsrsqlrc) from the command prompt.
Traditional recovery operations recover files,
filegroups, databases, and transaction log
backups. Chapter 2, “Manual Backups,”
provides additional information about
traditional recovery operations.

Normal recovery NMM uses the normal The normal restore type restores:
restore type as the default. • The entire set of data associated with one
or more SQL Server backups, including full,
incremental, and differential backups.
• A file, filegroup, or a database to the
database originally backed up.
• Level full, level 1 (differential), and level
incremental backups in the order required
by SQL Server.
NMM can back up and restore specified
files and filegroups. In addition, a single
filegroup, or multiple filegroups or files,
can be restored from a full database
backup.

Copy recovery A copy restore is an The copy recovery type creates a copy of a
operation in which data is database by restoring a SQL Server database
recovered to a SQL Server to a new location, or to a new database name.
host other than the one The copy recovery type makes it easy to
from which it was backed duplicate a database that was previously
up. Note that copy restore backed up. You can only mark a single item
from and to the same SQL for this operation. In addition, you can copy a
Server instance can also be system database, but you cannot overwrite it.
done.
Note: NMM does not support copy recovery of
filestream databases.

SQL Server recovery 37

Overview of SQL Server VDI

Recovery modes
To recover a database, you must specify a recovery mode. A recovery mode instructs the
SQL Server how to interact with the database after the recovery operation completes. For
instance, recovery modes can leave the database in an intermediate state, so that
additional transaction logs can be applied. The following table shows how the recovery
modes correspond to SQL Server database restore options.

Table 12 Recovery modes

Types of recovery mode Description

Normal The normal restore mode instructs SQL Server to leave the database
in an operational state after the restore completes. This then
enables database reads and writes. The normal restore mode is the
default mode NMM uses when restoring a database.

No-recovery The no-recovery restore mode activates the SQL Server NORECOVERY
database restore option for the last stage restored. The no-recovery
restore mode places the database in a state that cannot be loaded
after the restore, but is still able to process additional transaction
log restore operations.

Standby The standby restore mode activates the SQL Server STANDBY
database restore option for the last stage restored, which forces the
database to be in a read-only state between transaction log restore
operations. The standby restore mode provides an undo file for SQL
Server to use when rolling back the transactions.

Online SQL Server provides the ability to perform a restore operation while a
SQL Server database is active. The database is completely offline
only while the primary filegroup is being restored. Once the primary
filegroup is restored, the database can be brought online while the
rest of the filegroups are being restored, and then only the data that
is being restored is unavailable. The rest of the database remains
available during this type of restore. Earlier versions of SQL Server
require that you bring a database offline before you restore the
database.

Recovery time
Backups can be recovered to a specific time. The recovery time controls which backup
data should be reinstated when a database is recovered. The recovery time may also
control which portions of an incremental level backup are to be recovered when NMM is
instructed to discard transactions performed after a given time.
The default or current recovery time for each database comes from the create time of the
marked item. By default, the most recent backup is recovered. If the most recent backup is
incremental level or 1, dependent backups are recovered first. User-specified recovery
times can restore older backup versions or perform point-in-time recovery operations. For
instance, a point-in-time recovery may be specified by using a recovery time that is earlier
than the create time of the transaction log backup, but later than the create time of the
previous backup.

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NMM provides three methods for recovering to a specific time:

◆ Database backup versions
◆ Point-in-time recovery of a transaction log (level incremental) backup
◆ Recovering to a named log mark

Recovery window restrictions

In the Recovery window, the rules for marking an item are based on the selected restore
type. The normal restore type does not restrict marking in any way. All restorable objects
(file, filegroup, filestream data, database) can be marked. When the copy restore type is
chosen, only one database object can be marked. Marking the root SQL Server item is not
permitted, the filegroups and files of the selected database are automatically marked and
restored as part of the full database restore.

The recovery process

A recovery uses the following process:
1. NMM recovers the most recent full backup, and then recovers the most recent
differential (level 1) backup (if any).
If a full database backup is removed from the NetWorker server, and an incremental
backup is attempted, the recovery fails. NMM checks the SQL Server instance to
determine if a full database backup was performed, but does not verify if a full backup
still exists on the NetWorker server.
2. NMM recovers all the transaction log backups that ran after the most recent
differential backup (or that ran after the last full backup, if there was no differential
backup). To correctly recover uncommitted transactions, the SQL Server NORECOVERY
mode is specified for all intermediate transaction logs.
The recovery of the final transaction log specifies the restore mode if STANDBY or
NORECOVERY is selected. The default selection is Normal.
For example, if you selected a restore mode of NORECOVERY, that specification
appears in the output for a database restore as follows:
C:> nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name my_database
nsrsqlrc: Restoring database my_database...
nsrsqlrc: RESTORE database my_database FROM
virtual_device='BSMSQL' WITH norecovery, stats
nsrsqlrc: RESTORE database my_database from
virtual_device='BSMSQL' WITH norecovery (differential)
nsrsqlrc: RESTORE transaction my_database FROM
virtual_device='BSMSQL' WITH norecovery
nsrsqlrc: RESTORE transaction my_database FROM
virtual_device='BSMSQL' WITH norecovery
Received 1.0 MB 4 files from NSR server.

SQL Server recovery 39

Overview of SQL Server VDI

NMM imposes the following restrictions on database file relocation:

◆ Only database backups can be relocated. Individual file and filegroup backups cannot
be relocated without relocating the database that contains those files.
◆ If the configuration of a database has changed since the most recent, level full
database back up was created, you cannot relocate the database. Configuration
changes include the deletion or addition of files, filegroups, or transaction log files.
◆ A system database might not be the destination database of a relocation.
◆ The relocation fails if the destination does not have sufficient space to create a new
database.

Error logs for backup and recovery

To help you diagnose problems, the following types of information are written to an
application-specific log file during backup and restore operations:
◆ Software configuration information
◆ Operation parameters
◆ Operation status and error messages
Application logs are generated for the nsrsqlsv.exe and nsrsqlrc.exe programs, and are
created in the nsr\applogs folder on the SQL Server host. NMM logs are cumulative and
are appended each time the nsrsqlsv.exe or nsrsqlrc.exe program runs. A log is truncated
when disk space is exhausted. The following table cross-references the program and log
file names.

Table 13 Program and log file names

Program Log file

nsrsqlsv.exe nsrsqlsv.raw

nsrsqlrc.exe nsrsqlrc.raw

XBSA library code xbsa.messages

The logging capabilities of nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc are not cluster-aware. For both clustered
and nonclustered configurations, the logs are stored on a local disk. The xbsa.messages
file collects messages from the X-Open Backup Services application programming
interface.

40 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
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Prerequisites
When installing NMM 3.0 SP1, you have the option of running the System Configuration
Checker from the installer. It is recommended that you run the System Configuration
Checker to ensure that your setup is properly configured for backup and recovery.
The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Installation Guide provides
details.
In addition, ensure that the following prerequisites are taken care of before performing
backup and recovery procedures:
◆ Scheduled backup—“Prerequisites” on page 57
◆ Data recovery—“Prerequisites” on page 86
◆ Cluster backup and recovery—“Prerequisites” on page 124

Prerequisites 41
Overview of SQL Server VDI

42 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 2
Manual Backups

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Overview of manual backups .................................................................................. 44
◆ Performing manual backups.................................................................................... 44

Manual Backups 43
Manual Backups

Overview of manual backups

You can initiate a manual backup of SQL data at any time. A manual (unscheduled) backup
can be started immediately.
The following combinations of data objects can be backed up by using NMM:
◆ The entire SQL Server storage hierarchy
◆ One or more entire databases
◆ One or more filegroups
◆ One or more files in a filegroup
◆ A heterogeneous collection of files, filegroups, and databases
◆ Transaction log backups



Filestream data, stored in SQL Server 2008 or later databases, is displayed in the backup
window as a single filegroup folder with no subordinate objects.

The storage hierarchy is defined as the database storage components exposed to

third-party backup vendors by the SQL Server Storage Engine. The storage components
include files, filegroups, databases, and transaction logs.
You must log into an account on the NetWorker client host that has SQL Server
administrative privileges.

Performing manual backups

You can perform a manual backup by using any of the following GUIs:
◆ The NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin—You can install this plugin during the NMM
installation. There are no separate requirements or considerations for this feature.
The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Installation Guide provides
details.
After the installation, a new tab called the EMC NetWorker Backup appears in the
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio GUI and enables you to perform manual
backups without having to navigate between the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI
and the Microsoft SQL Management Studio GUI. This is especially useful for SQL
database administrators who prefer using native SQL tools for all activities, including
data protection. “NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin” on page 45 provides details.



NMM provides the NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin support for SQL Server 2008
or later. This support is not available for SQL Server 2005 versions.

44 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Manual Backups

◆ The NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI—You can start a manual backup from the
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI. “NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI of NMM” on
page 49 provides details.
◆ The nsrsqlsv command from the command prompt—Chapter 8, “Command Line
Interface,” provides command syntax.
When performing a manual full level backup of a file or filegroup, also perform a
database incremental level backup to maintain the validity of the transaction log.



For maximum data protection, perform scheduled NetWorker backups of SQL Server
databases at regular intervals. Chapter 3, “Scheduled Backup,” provides details on
running scheduled backups. Manual backups are generally performed under special
circumstances, such as during setting up of NMM. Due to the complexity of configuring
scheduled backups, you should first either perform a manual backup or use the Client
Configuration Wizard to configure a basic scheduled backup.

NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plugin

In the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio GUI, select the SQL Server instance for
which manual backup must be performed and then click the EMC NetWorker Backup tab.
The EMC NetWorker backup for SQL databases page appears.
The EMC NetWorker backup for SQL databases page provides the following views:
◆ General
◆ Options
◆ Monitor
The following figure displays the General view.

Performing manual backups 45

Manual Backups

Figure 5 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - General View

In the General view, provide the required details:

1. SQL Server Instance—Select the SQL Server instance that you want to back up from the
menu list. The SQL Server instance selected in the Microsoft SQL Server Management
Studio GUI is displayed by default.
You can select the option to select all the databases in that instance for backup or
select the particular database that you want to back up in that instance.
2. Databases—Select the particular database that you want to back up from the selected
SQL Server instance.
3. Recovery model—This is a read-only field.
4. Backup type—Select the backup type from the menu list:
• Full
• Transaction Log
• Differential
5. NetWorker server—The NetWorker server that was selected during the NMM
installation appears in the NetWorker field. You can select a different NetWorker server
from the list that is available. Use Update to update the list of available NetWorker
servers.

46 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Manual Backups

The NetWorker SQL Adhoc Backup Plug-in for SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
backup plugin does not detect NetWorker server automatically when started.
6. Debug level—Select the level of debug information to be sent to the backup status
window during the backup operation. Levels range from 0-9, with 0 representing no
information and 1 representing the least amount of information.
7. Click Ok.
The following figure displays the Options view.

Figure 6 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - Options View

In the Options view, provide the required details:

1. Reliability—Select Perform checksum before writing to media to perform a checksum
operation with the backup and save the information to the backup media. Another
checksum is performed before a restore to ensure that it matches the backup.
A checksum is used to detect a partial backup or restore state. The SQL Server verifies
the checksum by calculating a local result and comparing it with the stored value. If
the values do not match, you can choose to continue the backup or restore operation.
Select the Continue on checksum error option to back up and restore if errors are
detected.

Performing manual backups 47

Manual Backups

2. Stripes—Select the Create a striped backup option to enable the SQL Striped feature.
If this attribute is checked, the Stripes list is enabled. To select the number of stripes
for backup, select a number from the Stripes list.
The maximum number of stripes NMM supports is 32. However, the maximum number
of stripes cannot be more than the value set for NetWorker client parallelism.
Chapter 7, “Striped Backup and Recovery,” provides more information about striping.
3. Pool—Select the Select backup pool option. If this attribute is checked, the Full
backup pool menu is enabled. Select the type of pool you want to backup to from the
Full backup pool menu. This option allows you to select the pool where this adhoc
backup can be stored. The pools in the menu are picked from the NetWorker server.
4. Deduplication—Select the Deduplication option and then either Data Domain or
Avamar. From the Select node menu, select the node details according to your setup.
5. Others—Select the appropriate fields:
a. Use encryption—Specifies that data is backed up with AES encryption. Data is
encrypted with the default or current pass phrase provided by the NetWorker
Server. If the NetWorker Server has a different pass phrase at recovery time, you
must specify the pass phrase used at the time of backup. The EMC NetWorker
Administration Guide provides complete information about AES encryption, and
setting the pass phrase.
b. Compress the backup content using NetWorker—Applies XBSA compression to all
marked databases before writing the backup data to the storage device. In the
same manual backup, certain databases cannot be backed up with compression
and others without.
Compressing data for a backup generates less network traffic and uses less
backup media space, but it consumes additional CPU resources. Most tape devices
perform compression, which makes software compression unnecessary.
c. Compress the backup content using SQL Server—Compress the backup content
(using SQL Server). The Microsoft SQL Server product documentation provides
more information.
d. Click Ok to run the backup.
The following figure displays the Monitor view, which is similar to the Monitor view of the
NetWorker User for Microsoft GUI. Use the Monitor view for the backup information.

48 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Manual Backups

Figure 7 EMC NetWorker Backup for SQL Databases page - Monitor View

NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI of NMM

The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide provides
an introduction to the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI through which you can perform
manual backups.
The Backup window of the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI displays data that is
available for backup based on the SQL Server database settings. The SQL database items
that cannot be backed up are not displayed in the Backup window.
The SQL database items include, but is not limited to databases in the following states:
◆ Standby
◆ Recovering
◆ Suspect
◆ Offline
◆ Not recovered
◆ Loading
◆ Pre-recovery
◆ Restoring
◆ Recovery Pending
◆ Single user with active user connections

Performing manual backups 49

Manual Backups

You must complete the required steps to perform a manual backup.

1. From the Start menu, select Programs > EMC NetWorker > NetWorker User for SQL
Server.
If multiple instances of SQL Server are active on the computer, the Select SQL Instance
dialog box appears.
2. Select the SQL Server instance for NMM backup, and click OK.
The NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI connects to the selected SQL Server instance
and the main window appears.
3. (Optional) Perform the following steps to select a NetWorker server other than the
server that was specified during the NMM installation:
a. Click the Select NetWorker Server button on the toolbar.
The Change Server dialog box appears.
b. Select a NetWorker server from the list, and click OK.
4. To select the SQL Server data to back up, select Backup from the Operation menu.
The Backup window displays a hierarchical list of SQL Server data objects available for
backup, as shown in the following figure. The NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI
always performs a full backup for the SQL Server data.

Figure 8 Backup window

5. To expand an object, click the plus sign (+) beside the object name in the left pane.
The descendants of the object are listed in the right pane.
6. Mark one or more objects for backup. Some SQL Server data items are visible in the
Backup window, but cannot be marked. If certain database options are set, the SQL
Server prohibits a file or filegroup backup. These unavailable objects appear grayed
out to distinguish them from those that are available to back up.

50 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Manual Backups

7. Select the required attributes in the Backup Options dialog box, as shown in the
following figure, before starting the backup.

Figure 9 Backup Options for SQL page

The selected fields apply to each marked object for all backup operations performed
until the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI is closed. Selected pools, however, are
stored in the registry and persist from one session to another. If a field is not selected,
then the default option is used.
8. On the General tab, select the appropriate attributes:
• Compress the backup content (using NetWorker)—Applies XBSA compression to all
marked databases before writing the backup data to the storage device. In the
same manual backup, certain databases cannot be backed up with compression
and others without.
Compressing data for a backup generates less network traffic and uses less
backup media space, but it consumes additional CPU resources. Most tape devices
perform compression, which makes software compression unnecessary.
• Create a striped backup—Creates a striped backup by using the SQL Striped
feature. If this attribute is checked, the Stripes list is enabled. Chapter 7, “Striped
Backup and Recovery,” provides more information about striping.
To select the number of stripes for backup, select a number from the list box.
The maximum number of stripes the NMM software supports is 32. However, the
maximum number of stripes cannot be more than the value set for NetWorker
client parallelism.

Performing manual backups 51

Manual Backups

• Use pools for media management—Lists media volume pools for storing the
backup contents. This attribute applies only to manual backup operations
performed from the NetWorker User for SQL Server program or from a command
prompt. If this attribute is checked, the Full Backup Pool and the Log File Pool lists
are enabled.
To select volume pools:
a. Check the Use pools for media management attribute.
b. Select a pool from the Full backup pool list to store full SQL Server backups,
including databases and filegroups.
c. Select a pool from the Log file pool list to store transaction log or differential
(level 1) SQL Server backups.



The pool names in the Full backup pool or Log file pool lists are initially created by
using NMC and are stored in the operating system registry.

• Select debug level—Defines the level of debug information to be sent to the

backup status window during the backup operation. Levels range from 1-9, with 1
representing the least amount of information.
• Use encryption—Specifies that data is backed up with AES encryption. Data is
encrypted with the default or current pass phrase provided by the NetWorker
Server. If the NetWorker Server has a different pass phrase at recovery time, you
must specify the pass phrase used at the time of backup. The EMC NetWorker
Administration Guide provides complete information about AES encryption, and
setting the pass phrase.
• Deduplication—Specify either of the following:
– To enable client-side Data Domain Boost deduplication backups, select the
Data Domain backup option.
– To enable Avamar deduplication backups, select the Avamar deduplication
backup option and from the Avamar deduplication node menu, choose the
deduplication node to which this client's backup data will be sent.
This Avamar node should be the same deduplication node specified for the
NetWorker client resource for this SQL Server host. Also, ensure that the
Avamar node is available to receive the backed up data, and that the license for
that node has not expired.

9. Click OK to close the Backup Options window.

10. Set backup properties for each marked database before starting the backup
operation. If a property is not specified, the default is used. After the backup
operation is complete, and the Backup window is closed, the property values revert
back to the defaults options.

52 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Manual Backups

To set the backup properties for each marked database,

a. Mark one or more databases in the Backup Options window, and then right-click
each marked database and select Properties from the shortcut menu.
The Properties dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 10 Properties dialog box

b. Select the appropriate options:

– Truncate content before performing backup—Truncates the transaction logs
before backup.
– Perform checksum before writing to media—Performs a checksum operation
with the backup and saves the information to the backup media. Another
checksum is performed before a restore to ensure that it matches the backup.
A checksum is used to detect a piecemeal backup or restore state. NMM verifies
the checksum by calculating a local result and comparing it with the stored
value. If the values do not match, you can choose to continue the backup or
restore operation.
– Select the Continue on checksum error option—To back up and restore if errors
are detected.



This option is available with SQL Server 2005 or later instances.

c. Click OK.

Performing manual backups 53

Manual Backups

11. Before starting a backup, ensure that a labeled media volume is mounted in the
backup device because otherwise a backup cannot run. The volume should be
labeled for the volume pool where the backup is to be directed. If there is no volume
in the backup device when a backup is started, no messages appear in the Backup
Status window and the backup waits for operator intervention.
To start the backup:
a. Select Start Backup from the File menu.
b. Monitor the backup messages in the Backup Status window or from NMC.
After the backup is finished, a Backup Completed message appears.



The amount of time required to back up a database depends on database size,
network traffic, server load, and tape positioning.

c. Close the Backup Status window.

To cancel a backup, select End Backup from the File menu.
Performing a manual backup of SQL Server data does not automatically back up the client
indexes and bootstrap file. To back up client indexes and a bootstrap file:
1. Log in as administrator on a Windows NetWorker server.
2. Type the following command from the command line:
savegrp -O -l full -P printer_name -c NetWorker_client

where:
• printer_name is the name of the printer where the bootstrap information is printed
at the end of the bootstrap backup.
• NetWorker_client is the hostname of the SQL Server.

54 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 3
Scheduled Backup

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Overview of scheduled backup................................................................................ 56
◆ Prerequisites........................................................................................................... 57
◆ Configuring scheduled backups .............................................................................. 57

Scheduled Backup 55
Scheduled Backup

Overview of scheduled backup

The most reliable way to protect Microsoft SQL data is to schedule backups of the SQL
Server to run at regular intervals. Scheduled backups ensure that all SQL Server data is
automatically saved.
On the NetWorker server, appropriate attribute values must be set for various resources,
such as Policy, Group, and client resources. This is done by an administrator with a
working knowledge of the NetWorker software through the NMC. Scheduled backups can
be configured to run at any time and use backup levels full, incremental, and differential
(level 1-9).
Backups can also be scheduled by using the Client Configuration Wizard. The wizard
integrates with NMM by prompting users for information, such as:
◆ Backup type
◆ Objects to back up
◆ Recovery level
◆ Schedule preferences
◆ Microsoft SQL administrator account information
You can use the Client Configuration Wizard to edit client resources that are already
created.

Backing up unavailable databases

The group containing a scheduled backup of a SQL stand-alone server by using the
MSSQL: save set to back up all databases fails if any database is unavailable. This does
not mean complete failure, but rather that one or more databases were not backed up
successfully. A database that is in any of the following states causes a scheduled backup
to fail incase the database is part of a previously configured backup:
◆ Standby
◆ Recovering
◆ Restoring
◆ Recovery Pending
◆ Suspect
◆ Offline
◆ Not recovered
◆ Loading
◆ Prerecovery



For nonscheduled manual backups that are initiated from NMM on the client computer,
unavailable databases are silently skipped.

Limitations of the savegrp program reporting and savegrp log file may make failure
identification and the specific unavailable databases difficult to isolate. The savegrp
information is displayed alphabetically, leaving some early information suppressed, and
the success or failure information combined.

56 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

Definitive results are available in the daemon.raw file, located on the NetWorker server
and in the nsrsqlsv.raw file on the client computer. After the completion of a backup, the
following types of error messages may be listed in the daemon.log file:
◆ Database 'Acme' cannot be opened because it is offline.
◆ Processing Acme failed, the item will be skipped.
◆ Database 'Acme' is in warm-standby state (set by executing RESTORE WITH STANDBY)
and cannot be backed up until the entire load sequence is completed.
◆ Processing Acme failed, the item will be skipped.
To include or exclude databases that are not in a state to be backed up for the instance
level save set backup, use the Application Information variable
NSR_SKIP_NON_BACKUPABLE_STATE_DB when configuring the client resource for
scheduled backup. The list of databases states that cannot be backed up and can be
skipped during backup are:
◆ Mirror copy
◆ Standby
◆ Recovery Pending
◆ Offline
◆ Loading
◆ Prerecovery

Prerequisites
Before performing scheduled backups, ensure that you have taken care of the following
requirements:
◆ The NetWorker interface is configured to display hidden attributes. For NetWorker 7.6
SP 3 and later servers, hidden attributes are called diagnostic attributes. To display
diagnostic attributes in the Administration window, select Diagnostic Mode from the
View menu.
◆ When backing up filestream data, select the Allow Remote Clients Access to Filestream
Data option in the Properties page of the SQL Server instance in the SQL Server
Configuration Manager. This is a requirement for the backups to be successful. The
SQL Server documentation provides details about the SQL Server Configuration
Manager.

Configuring scheduled backups

To configure a SQL Server VDI backup, perform the tasks outlined in the following table.

Prerequisites 57
Scheduled Backup



All the procedures described in this section must be performed on a NetWorker server by
using the NetWorker Administration GUI. Click the question mark icon at the bottom
left of each page for details about each field in the page. Review the EMC NetWorker
Administration Guide for details.

Table 14 Tasks for SQL Server VDI backups

Tasks Considerations

“Setting up backup levels” on page 58 Specify backup levels in addition to database full, database differential, and
database incremental. The availability of a backup level depends on the type of data
selected for backup and any SQL Server settings on those objects.

“Setting up a pool to sort backup data” on Use the criteria defined in the NMC to create, modify, or remove a pool resource for
page 61 scheduled backups. Pool settings specified in the Backup Options dialog box of the
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI apply only to manual backups.

“Configuring a backup schedule” on Set up a consistent schedule of full farm level backups. Configure a backup schedule
page 62 so that a farm is backed up automatically at a regular interval, and the farm data is
later recovered successfully. You must configure only full backups of SharePoint and
SQL writers.
If backing up individual content databases, schedule these in between the full farm
level backups.
The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide
provides details about this task.

“Configuring a NetWorker backup group” Create a backup group. Backup groups enable you to balance backup loads to reduce
on page 62 the impact on your storage and network resources.
• Put all the client resources in the same NetWorker group to avoid inconsistencies in
SQL data.
• Do not put more than one instance of a client resource in the same group.
The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide
provides details about this task.

“Configuring a client resource” on page 63 You can use either of the following methods to configure the client resource:
• Use the Client Configuration Wizard
• Use the NetWorker Administrator Program

Setting up backup levels

You can specify backup levels in addition to database full, database differential, and
database incremental. The availability of a backup level depends on the type of data
selected for backup and any SQL Server settings on those objects, as listed in the
following table.

Table 15 Backup levels for SQL Server data (page 1 of 2)

Supported SQL Server versions

SQL Server data objects full diff incr

All databases of SQL default or named instances yes yes yes

Specified databases yes yes yes

All filegroups in specified databases yes yes N/A

58 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

Table 15 Backup levels for SQL Server data (page 2 of 2)

Supported SQL Server versions

SQL Server data objects full diff incr

Filestream data in specified databases yes yes yes

Specified filegroups in specified database yes yes N/A

Specified files in filegroups in specified databases yes yes N/A

For SQL Server data objects for which incremental backup can be performed, ensure that
the SQL Server database options are properly configured. The Microsoft SQL Server
documentation provides more information. Individual items are subject to promotion.

Example strategies for backing up SQL Server data

If the SQL Server manages a significant amount of data, schedule a backup of the
databases every one to two weeks, as shown in the following table.

Table 16 Full backup every one to two weeks

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

full incr incr incr incr diff incr

incr incr incr diff incr incr incr

full Repeat

Another backup strategy is to schedule incremental backups on several successive days

immediately following the previous full backup, as shown in the following table. This
schedule backs up all data that has changed since the previous incremental backup.

Table 17 Incremental backup after a full backup

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs

full incr incr incr diff incr incr

Repeat

A level 1 differential backup can also be scheduled after several days of incremental
backups. This schedule backs up all data since the previous full backup.



If a database has been made read-only, a full backup of the database should be made. A
read-only database cannot be restored from a transaction log backup that may already
exist.

Differences between backup levels

Because it may not be practical or efficient to run full backups every day, other backup
levels can be specified for automatic, scheduled backups. Limiting the frequency of full
backups can decrease server load while ensuring data is protected.

Configuring scheduled backups 59

Scheduled Backup

The following table outlines the differences between the backup levels.

Table 18 Backup level advantages and disadvantages

Backup level Advantages Disadvantages

Full • Fastest restore time. • Slow backup.

• Increases load on client, server, and
network.
• Uses the most volume space.

Incremental • Faster than a full backup. • Slow restore.

(transaction log) • Decreases the load on server • Data can spread across multiple
and Uses the least volume volumes.
space. • Multiple transaction logs can spread
• Enables point-in-time across multiple volumes.
restore.

Differential • Faster than a full backup. • Generally more time-consuming than a

• Captures all changes since incremental backup (depending on
last full. the backup schedule strategy).

Combining data objects to create backup levels

NMM enables the selection of SQL Server data objects in various combinations to create
scheduled backups of different levels, as shown in the following table.

Table 19 Creating additional backup levels with data objects

Backup level Database objects

Full database Select one or more databases to create a level full database backup of the
selected databases and their transaction log files.

Full file or filegroup Select one or more files or one or more filegroups to create a level full file
or filegroup backup of the selected files or filegroup, but not their
transaction logs.

Database Select one or more databases to create a database incremental level

incremental backup of only the incremental for the selected databases.
The SQL database must be previously configured to enable incremental
backups.

Database differential Select one or more databases to create a database level differential
(level 1) backup of only the changes made to the selected databases since the last
full level backup was created.

File or filegroup For SQL Server 2005 only, select one or more files, or one or more
differential filegroups to create a file or filegroup level differential backup of only the
changes made to the selected files or filegroups since the last full level
backup was created.

60 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

Promoting backup levels

Guidelines for Microsoft SQL Server best practices indicate that a full database backup
should be the first step in implementing a recovery strategy for a database. In adhering to
these guidelines, NMM supports backup level promotion. The following table explains
what prompts a promotion.

Table 20 Backup level promotion process

Requested Level of
Item level promoted Reason

Database Differential Full Database full backup does not exist.

Database Incremental Full • Database full backup does not exist.

• Transaction log backup types are not
supported for simple recovery model
databases.
• Database is currently in emergency mode.1

File/Filegroup Full Full Full backup of the entire database does not
(Database) exist.2

File/Filegroup Differential Full Full backup of the entire database does not
(Database) exist.

File/Filegroup Incremental Full File or filegroup incremental backups are not

(Database) supported.
1. Refer to the Microsoft SQL Server Books Online for more information.
2. Databases consist of files and groups that contain files. The default configuration is a primary filegroup with
the main data file. Elaborate database configurations can contain more filegroups; each with more files. If a
filegroup or file level backup is specified, and a full database backup is not on record, the filegroup or file
backup is promoted to a database full backup.

Setting up a pool to sort backup data

Configuring a backup pool is a four-part process:
◆ Configuring a device—Configure a media device, such as tape, file, or advanced file
type device.
◆ Configuring a label template—Labels identify the kind of data that is stored on the
volumes in a backup pool. Label templates define a naming convention for labels.
Create a label template for volumes that are used to contain metadata.
◆ Configuring a backup pool—Backup data is sorted onto backup media volumes by
using media pools and volume labels. A media pool is a specific collection of volumes
to which the NetWorker server writes data. The server uses media pools to sort and
store data. A volume is identified with a unique label based on configurable label
templates.

Configuring scheduled backups 61

Scheduled Backup

Media pools act as filters that tell the server which backup volumes should receive
specific data. The NetWorker server uses media pools in conjunction with label
templates (if the Match Bar Code Labels attribute is not used for the library resource)
to keep track of what data is on which specific volume. Using label templates provides
more information on label templates.
◆ Labeling the device—Before a device can be used for backups, it must be labeled by
using the pool that you created in the previous step.
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides details.

Configuring a backup schedule

Backup schedules determine the days on which full backups are run. Full backups include
all of the data specified in an NMM client resource save set.
Schedules enable you to specify the day of the week or month that the backup occurs, as
well as the level of backup (full, incremental, synthetic full or level 1-9). For probe-based
backups the probe interval and backup window are used to schedule group probes with
clients, and clients with groups. The execution of the probes determines if the backup of
the group will proceed.
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides more information.
You must complete the required steps to create a schedule for backups:
1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, select Schedules.
4. From the File menu, select New.
5. In the Name attribute, type a name for the schedule.

Configuring a NetWorker backup group

Backup groups enable you to balance backup loads to reduce the impact on your storage
and network resources. To associate a backup group with a pool resource created in “
Setting up a pool to sort backup data” on page 61, go back to the pool resource, right-click
and select Properties. Now select the newly created group listed under Basic > Data Source
> Groups. Use a backup group to assign the following attributes to a set of client resources:
◆ Backup start times
◆ Backup pools
◆ Schedules
Review the following information when creating a group resource:
◆ Do not create multiple instances of the same client in one backup group when
configuring a backup. Two backups on one client in parallel cannot be performed.
◆ When creating a backup group, it is important to keep in mind the NMM and group
resources impact on browse and retention policies. For example, if client resource A
has save set X, and client A belongs to two groups: group_1 for full backup and
group_2 for incremental backup, the full backup of save set X expires before the
incremental backup of save set X. This is because the client resource client A and save

62 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

set belong two different groups. You are recommended to create only one group
resource for one client resource even when both full and incremental level backups
are performed.
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides more information.
You must complete the required steps to create a group:
1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, select Groups.
4. From the File menu, select New.
5. In the Name field, type a name for the group.
6. In the Comment field, type a description of the group.
7. For the Start Time field, type the time when you want the first VDI backup to begin.
8. For the Autostart field, select Enabled.
9. For SQL Server VDI-based backups, leave the Snapshot field clear.
10. Do not select any value in the Snapshot Policy attribute or a Snapshot Pool field.
11. Go to Media-Media Pools and double-click on the media pool previously created.
Then, in the Groups field, select the newly created group.
12. Click OK to create the backup group.

Configuring a client resource

Each SQL Server host to be backed up must be configured as a NetWorker client resource
in the NetWorker Administration GUI. In addition, multiple SQL Server databases that exist
on the same SQL Server host can be configured as separate NetWorker client resources.
To create a client resource, you can use either of the following methods from the
NetWorker Management Console:
◆ “By using the Client Configuration Wizard” on page 64
◆ “By using the NetWorker Administrator program” on page 69



For SQL Server 2012, for SQL VDI backups to be successful ensure the following:
— The SQL Server 2012 service runs as a domain account.
— nsrexecd service runs as system account.

By default, the system account which is the service account of the nsrexecd service does
not have the sysadmin role for the SQL server. When configuring the client resource, you
must set the username and password of an Windows account with the sysadmin role on
the SQL server and administrator role on the client in the Remote user name and Password
fields of NMC.

Configuring scheduled backups 63

Scheduled Backup

By using the Client Configuration Wizard

You must complete the required steps to use the Client Configuration Wizard option from
the NetWorker Administration GUI:
◆ NetWorker server 8.1 or later
◆ NMC server 8.1 or later
◆ NetWorker client 8.1.1
You must complete the required steps to configure a client resource using the Client
Configuration Wizard:
1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Click Configuration and perform either of the following steps:
• Select Configuration > New Client Wizard.
• Right-click the client and from the menu that appears, click Client Backup
Configuration > New Client Wizard.
3. In the Specify the Client Name and Type page that appears:
a. Type the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the NetWorker client computer in
the Client name field.
b. Select the Traditional NetWorker Client option.
c. Click Next.
The Select the Backup Configuration Type page appears.
4. In the Select the Backup Configuration Type page:
a. The client operating system and the NetWorker version being used in the
configuration setup are automatically displayed in the Client Operating System
field and NetWorker Version field respectively.
b. Select the SQL Server option.
c. Click Next.
The Specify the Client Backup Options page appears. This page displays the SQL
Server version and the list of all the available components.
5. In the Specify the Client Backup Options page:
a. The Client Direct option is selected by default. The Client Direct support provided
by NetWorker 8.1.1 is available in NMM. The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft
Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide and EMC NetWorker Administration Guide
provide details about this feature.
b. Leave the Target Pool field blank so that no client is associated to any pool.
c. Select one of the following options under Deduplication:
– None—If you have not set up data deduplication.
– Data Domain backup—If you are using a Data Domain device for data
deduplication.

64 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

– Avamar deduplication backup—If you are using Avamar device for data
deduplication. After selecting this option, choose the Avamar node from the
available list.
d. Click Next.
The Select the Backup Objects page appears, containing a list of all instances and
their components.
6. In the Select the Backup Objects page, select the SQL Server instance at root level or
individual databases for backup. The following figure shows the Select the Backup
Objects page for all other SQL Server backups.
Ensure not to select databases from two separate instances for backup. All databases
that are selected must be from the same instance. Also, databases that are in offline,
restoring, or loading state are unavailable for selection.
Click Next.

Figure 11 Select the Backup Objects page (default page) for non-federated backup

The page that appears next depends on your application setup:

• If a client resource is being configured for SQL virtual server or SQL Server 2012
backups, the Client Configuration Wizard displays the Specify the Virtual Server
Credentials page. Continue with step 7 .
• If a client resource is being configured for other SQL Server version backups, the
Client Configuration Wizard displays the Specify the Backup Options. Continue
with step 8 .

Configuring scheduled backups 65

Scheduled Backup

7. For SQL virtual server or SQL Server 2012 backups, in the Specify the Virtual Server
Credentials page:
a. Enter the Remote user name and Password.
b. Click Next.



The Specify the Virtual Server Credentials page is not displayed when other SQL
Server versions are used.

Before performing this step, ensure that for Windows Server 2008 R2 the User Account
Control is disabled for administrators. Chapter 1, “Overview of SQL Server VDI” and
esg114125 on the EMC Online Support (http://support.emc.com) provide details.
8. In the Specify the Backup Options page, as shown in the following figure, select the
required options and click Next.

Figure 12 Specify the Backup Options page

The options are:

a. Compression/Encryption Options > NetWorker compression or 256-bit AES
software encryption—Select if using 256-bit AES software encryption.
b. SQL Compression Option—Select if using a SQL server 2008 and later versions.
c. Checksum Option—Select if using a SQL server 2005 supported versions.
d. Do not Truncate Log—Select when backing up transaction logs for a SQL server
2005.

66 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

e. Skip simple recovery model databases during incremental backup—Select when

performing instance level backup. If this option is not selected when performing
database level backup, the database is not skipped and the simple recovery model
database is promoted to full backup.



The simple database is skipped when the NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental
variable is set to TRUE in client Application Information. Otherwise, the
incremental backup request is promoted to full.

f. Specify the number of stripes to backup the specified data items—Select when
using stripes during backup.
The Select the NetWorker Client Properties page appears.
9. In the Select the NetWorker Client Properties page:
a. Select the browse policy, retention policy, and backup schedule for the backup.
b. Type a comment for the client in the Client Comment field.
c. Leave the Remote Access field blank.
d. Click Next.
The Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page appears.
10. In the Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page, you can select either of the following
options and click Next:
• Add to existing group—Select a group from the existing list. Only groups without
snapshot policies are available for selection.
• Create a new group—To create a new group, select this option:
– Type the a group name.
– Select the client retries.
– Choose the schedule backup time in the Schedule Backup Start Time.
– Select the Automatically start backup at the scheduled time to start the backup
automatically at the designated time.
If a storage node is being used in your configuration setup, the Specify the Storage
Node Options page appears.



Ensure that the newly created group is associated with a backup pool (and associated
backup device) of your choice.

To associate a backup group with a pool resource, go back to the pool resource,
right-click and select Properties. Now select the newly created group listed under
Basic > Data Source > Groups. This step can be performed only after exiting the Client
Configuration Wizard.

Configuring scheduled backups 67

Scheduled Backup

11. In the Specify the Storage Node Options page, under Backup Storage Nodes, select
either of the following options and click Next:
• Backup to the NetWorker server only—When a NetWorker storage node is not being
used.
• Backup to the following storage nodes—To select the NetWorker storage node
name and other details.
The Backup Configuration Summary page appears.
12. Check the details in the Backup Configuration Summary page, and select Back revisit
the previous pages, or select Create to configure the client resources. The following
figure provides a sample Backup Configuration Summary page.

Figure 13 Backup Configuration Summary page

The Client Configuration Results page appears with details about the client resources
that have been created for a required SQL Server.
13. Click Finish.
14. To verify the details for the client, select the client, right-click and view the Client
Properties page in the NetWorker Management Console.



To make changes to the configuration that was created earlier, right-click on that client
resource and select Client Backup Configuration > Modify.

68 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

By using the NetWorker Administrator program

You must complete the required steps to create a SQL VDI client resource:
1. Open the NetWorker Administrator GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, select Clients.
4. From the File menu, select New.
5. In the General tab, complete the following fields:
a. In the Name field, type the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the SQL Server’s
hostname. If you create multiple client resources for the same SQL Server, use the
same name for each.
b. In the Comment field, type a description.
If you are creating multiple client resources for the same NetWorker client host
computer, use this attribute to differentiate the purpose of each resource.
c. From the Browse Policy field, select a browse policy from the list.
The browse policy determines the time period during which the rolled-over data is
available for quick access.
d. For the Retention Policy field, select a retention policy from the list.
The retention policy determines the time period during which the rolled-over data
is available, although not necessarily quickly.
e. Select the Scheduled Backups field.
f. In the Save Set field, specify the components to be backed up. The following table
provides the list.



The All save set appears in the Save Set attribute field by default. Delete the All save
set.

Table 21 SQL VDI save set syntax

Type of data to back up on standalone hosts Save set syntax

Entering only MSSQL: yields a backup of all databases MSSQL:

on the SQL Server host or SQL default instance.

Specifying the database names along with MSSQL: MSSQL:dbName1 [MSSQL:dbName2

yields a backup of the specified databases from SQL MSSQL:dbName3 ...]
default instance.

g. For the Group field, select the backup group to which this client resource will be
added.
If client resources for the same NMM host are added to different backup groups,
ensure that the Start Time attribute for each backup group is spaced such that the
backups for the host’s client resources do not overlap.
h. For the Schedule field, select a backup schedule.

Configuring scheduled backups 69

Scheduled Backup

6. Click the Apps & Modules tab, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 14 Apps & Modules tab

a. In the Remote user and Password fields respectively:

a. For SQL Server 2012, type the Remote User Name and Password.



In the Remote User field, to enable NMM to back up the SQL Server virtual server
and/or a mirrored server, enter the username for a Windows user account that has
SQL Server administrator privileges.

b. For other SQL Server versions, leave the fields empty.

b. In the Backup command field, type the backup command nsrsqlsv command and
any necessary command options.
Chapter 8, “Command Line Interface,” provides information about nsrsqlsv
options.
c. For Application Information field, type the required value.



The flag NSR_SKIP_NON_BACKUPABLE_STATE_DB is applicable only to SQL
instance level backups and does not affect database level backups.

The simple database is skipped when the NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental

variable is set to TRUE on the client to skip the backup for simple databases.
Otherwise, the incremental backup request is promoted to full.
When the NSR_SKIP_NON_BACKUPABLE_STATE_DB variable is set to TRUE, the
databases that are not in a state to be backed up are skipped and the savegroup
reports success for the SQL instance level backups. When the
NSR_SKIP_NON_BACKUPABLE_STATE_DB variable is set to FALSE or is not
mentioned, the back up of the databases fails and the savegroup reports failure of
the SQL instance level backups.

70 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Scheduled Backup

d. Under Deduplication, select either of the following:

– Data Domain backup—For data deduplication by using a Data Domain device.
– Avamar deduplication backup—For data deduplication by using a Avamar
device.
– Avamar deduplication node—Select the Avamar deduplication node from the
choices provided, if you are using Avamar for deduplication. The Avamar node
is previously configured and appears in the choices.
Ensure that the Avamar deduplication backup option is selected in the
NetWorker client resource for successful Avamar deduplication backups.
7. Click the Globals (1 of 2) tab:
a. Click OK. The alias names are listed automatically in the Aliases field.
b. Complete other fields, as required.
8. In the Globals (2 of 2) tab, the Remote Access field, enter the user IDs or hostnames of
other clients for the Remote Access field. This grants to those hosts copy restore type
permission, which enables the named hosts to access the NetWorker server and
receive directed recover data. If this field is left empty, only administrators and users
logged on to the SQL Server host have access.
For mirroring, this should be the same user account and password that were used to
set up the mirroring relationship. If multiple accounts have been set up, only one
needs to be specified. According to Microsoft SQL documentation, a domain account
must be used to set up the mirroring relationship.
9. Click OK.

Configuring scheduled backups 71

Scheduled Backup

72 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 4
Federated Backup

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Overview of federated backup ................................................................................. 74
◆ Performing federated backups ................................................................................ 75

Federated Backup 73
Federated Backup

Overview of federated backup

Federated backups are only support for SQL Server 2012.
By using the AlwaysOn Availability Group feature of SQL Server 2012, users can keep their
databases under an Availability Group (AG) for the high availability. The SQL Server 2012
uses Windows Failover Cluster to provide the high availability. Additionally, the database
administrator can set the backup priority for the AG or a database in the AG and nominate
a particular replica for the backup. This improves backup performance.
NMM provides support for federated backups, during which NMM detects the SQL Server
preferred backup setting for the AG and performs the backup at the preferred node.
The user can decide whether to perform scheduled backup or federated backup by
providing the appropriate save set when creating the client resource for the backup.



Federated backups of SQL Server are not supported when an Availability Group is
configured with SQL virtual server instances. For example, when the Availability Group is
configured with two SQL virtual server configurations, or when an Availability Group is
created between two SQL virtual instances where the primary replica node is a virtual SQL
Server instance and the secondary node is a virtual SQL Server instance.

In such scenarios, to be able to perform a federated backup successfully, ensure that there
is a standalone node (secondary replica) that can be set as the preferred replica.

Backup settings
The SQL Server backup preference for the Availability Group can be configured by using
the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio or using Transact-SQL.
SQL Server 2012 provides the following settings options that determine where the
backups are run for the given AG replica:
◆ AUTOMATED_BACKUP_PREFERENCE—Specify any one of the following:
• PRIMARY—Specifies that the backups should always occur on the primary replica.
This option is useful if you need backup features, such as creating differential
backups that are not supported when backup is run on a secondary replica.
• SECONDARY_ONLY—Specifies that backups should never be performed on the
primary replica. If the primary replica is the only replica online, the backup should
not occur.
• SECONDARY (Prefer Secondary)—Specifies that backups should occur on a
secondary replica except when the primary replica is the only replica online. In that
case, the backup should occur on the primary replica. This is the default option.
• NONE (Any replica)—Specifies that you prefer that backup jobs ignore the role of
the availability replicas when choosing the replica to perform backups. Note
backup jobs might evaluate other factors such as backup priority of each
availability replica in combination with its operational state and connected state.

74 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Federated Backup

◆ BACKUP_PRIORITY =n—Specifies your priority for performing backups on this replica

relative to the other replicas in the same availability group. The value is an integer in
the range of 0...100. These values have the following meanings: 1...100 indicate that
the availability replica could be chosen for performing backups.1 indicates the lowest
priority, and 100 indicate the highest priority. If BACKUP_PRIORITY = 1, the availability
replica would be chosen for performing backups only if no higher priority availability
replicas are currently available. 0 indicates that this availability replica will never be
chosen for performing backups. This is useful, for example, for a remote availability
replica to which you never want backups to fail over.
Follow the procedures provided in the article “Configure Backup on Availability Replicas
(SQL Server)” on the Microsoft MSDN website
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh710053.aspx to decide which replica the
backups will be run on.



Backup fails if the secondary copy has Readable Secondary field set to NO for SQL Server
VDI federated backups. All the primary and secondary replicas participating in the
Availability Group must have Readable Secondary field set to Yes. Under Availability Group
properties > General tab, set the Readable Secondary field set to Yes.

This is required for SQL Server VDI to run the Copy Only full backups from the secondary
replica and full backups from the primary replica.

Performing federated backups

To perform federated backups using NMM, you must create a client resource for the
Windows cluster name from which backup is performed, and dummy client resources for
the other participating nodes in the cluster.
To create a client resource, you can use either of the following methods from the
NetWorker Management Console:
◆ “By using the Client Configuration Wizard” on page 75
◆ “By using the NetWorker Management Console” on page 80

By using the Client Configuration Wizard

To use the Client Configuration Wizard option from the NetWorker Administrator GUI, you
must install:
◆ NetWorker server 8.1 or later
◆ NMC server 8.1 or later
◆ NetWorker client 8.1.1
The Client Configuration Wizard simplifies the configuration of client resources for
scheduled backup for SQL Server 2012 backups in a Windows cluster environment. This
wizard guides you through the creation of a client resource and save group. The Client
Configuration Wizard creates dummy client resources for participating cluster nodes.

Performing federated backups 75

Federated Backup



To use the Client Configuration Wizard in a federated environment, ensure that the active
node of the Windows cluster contains a SQL Server 2012 instance.

You must complete the required steps to configure a client resource using the Client
Configuration Wizard:
1. Open the NetWorker Administrator GUI.
2. Click Configuration and perform either of the following tasks:
• Select Client Backup Configuration > New.
• Right-click the client and from the menu that appears, click Client Backup
Configuration > New.
3. In the Specify the Client Name and Type page that appears, for SQL Sever 2012
federated backups:
a. Type the Windows cluster name in the Client name field.
b. Click Next.
The wizard automatically detects the applications that are installed on the client
specified in the Specify the Client Name and Type page, and displays the list from
which you can select the backup type. Because a supported SQL Server version is
installed, the backup option SQL Server appears in Select the Backup Configuration
Type page.
4. In the Select the Backup Configuration Type page:
a. The client operating system and the NetWorker version being used in the
configuration setup are automatically displayed in the Client Operating System
field and NetWorker Version field respectively.
b. Select the SQL Server option.
c. Click Next.
The Select the Client Backup Options page appears. This page displays the SQL Server
version and the list of all the available components.
5. In the Specify the Client Backup Options page:
a. The Client Direct option is selected by default. The Client Direct support provided
by NetWorker 8.1.1 is available in NMM. The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft
Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide and EMC NetWorker Administration Guide
provide details about this feature.
b. Select a NetWorker volume pool or another target pool of your choice. If the Target
Pool field is left blank, the client is not associated to any pool.
c. Select one of the following options:
– None—If you have not set up data deduplication.
– Data Domain backup—If you are using a Data Domain device for data
deduplication.

76 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Federated Backup

– Avamar deduplication backup—If you are using Avamar device for data
deduplication. After selecting this option, choose the Avamar node from the
available list.
d. Click Next.
The Select the Backup Objects page appears, containing a list of all instances and
their components.
6. In the Select the Backup Objects page, for SQL Server 2012 federated backup, by
default the entire cluster is selected for backup, as shown in the following figure. You
can perform either of the following steps:
• Clear the selection at the instance level and just select the individual databases
that you would like to back up. If there are duplicate databases, ensure to select
only one database for each AG even if it belongs to a different instance. Otherwise,
an error message appears. For example, select one DB007 option and one DB008
option even if multiple nodes are present under AG004. Click Next.
• Click Next to continue to the next page of the wizard.

Figure 15 Select the Backup Objects page (default page) for federated backup

The Specify the Backup Options appears.

Performing federated backups 77

Federated Backup

7. In the Specify the Backup Options page, as shown in the following figure, select the
required options and click Next.

Figure 16 Specify the Backup Options page

The options are:

a. Compression/Encryption Options > NetWorker compression or 256-bit AES
software encryption—Select if using 256-bit AES software encryption.
b. SQL Compression Option—Select if using SQL server 2008 and later versions.
c. Checksum Option—Do not select for SQL Server 2012.
d. Do not Truncate Log—Do not select for SQL Server 2012.
e. Skip simple recovery model databases during incremental backup—Select when
performing instance level backup. If this option is not selected when performing
database level backup, the database is not skipped and the simple recovery model
database is promoted to full backup.



The simple database is skipped when the NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental
variable is set to TRUE in client application information. Otherwise, the incremental
backup request is promoted to full.

78 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Federated Backup

f. Specify the number of stripes to backup the specified data items—Select when
using stripes during backup.
The Select the NetWorker Client Properties page appears.
8. In the Select the NetWorker Client Properties page:
a. Select the browse policy, retention policy, and backup schedule for the backup.
b. Type a comment for the client in the Client Comment field.
c. Leave the Remote Access field blank.
d. Click Next.
The Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page appears.
9. In the Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page, you can select either of the following
options and click Next:
• Add to existing group—Select a group from the existing list. Only groups without
snapshot policies are available for selection.
• Create a new group—To create a new group, select this option:
– Type the a group name.
– Select the client retries.
– Choose the schedule backup time in the Schedule Backup Start Time.
– Select the Automatically start backup at the scheduled time to start the backup
automatically at the designated time.
If a storage node is being used in your configuration setup, the Specify the Storage
Node Options page appears.



To associate a backup group with a pool resource, go back to the pool resource,
right-click and select Properties. Now select the newly created group listed under
Basic > Data Source > Groups.

10. In the Specify the Storage Node Options page, under Backup Storage Nodes, select
either of the following options and click Next:
• Backup to the NetWorker server only—When a NetWorker storage node is not being
used.
• Backup to the following storage nodes—To select the NetWorker storage node
name and other details.
The Backup Configuration Summary page appears.

Performing federated backups 79

Federated Backup

11. Check the details in the Backup Configuration Summary page, and select Back revisit
the previous pages, or select Create to configure the client resources. The following
figure provides a sample Backup Configuration Summary page.

Figure 17 Backup Configuration Summary page

The Client Configuration Results page appears with details about the client resources
that have been created for a required SQL Server.
12. Click Finish.
13. To verify the details for the client, select the client, right-click and view the Client
Properties page in the NetWorker Management Console.



To make changes to the configuration that was created earlier, right-click on that client
resource and select Client Backup Configuration > Modify.

By using the NetWorker Management Console

When creating client resources manually, ensure that a client resource is created for
Windows cluster name, and dummy client resources for the other participating nodes in
the cluster. Do not assign a group for the dummy clients. Not creating dummy clients will
cause the backup to fail.

80 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Federated Backup

In the procedure provided in this section for creating a client resource, the AG name is
AG1. AG1 is created out of the default instance using Windows Cluster named
MSCSALWAYSON.nmmdev.com. The cluster nodes for AG1 are named MW2K8X64SQL1
and MW2K8X64SQL2.
You must complete the required steps to create a SQL VDI client resource:
1. Open the NetWorker Administrator GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, select Clients.
4. From the File menu, select New.
5. Click the General tab:
a. In the Name field, the Windows Server cluster name appears.
b. In the Comment field, type a description.
If you are creating multiple client resources for the same NetWorker client host
computer, use this field to differentiate the purpose of each resource.
c. In the Browse Policy field, select a browse policy from the list.
The browse policy determines the time period during which the rolled-over data is
available for quick access.
d. In the Retention Policy field, select a retention policy from the list.
The retention policy determines the time period during which the rolled-over data
is available, although not necessarily quickly.
e. Select the Scheduled Backups field.
f. In the Save Set field, specify the components to be backed up. The following table
provides the list.

Table 22 SQL VDI save set syntax

Type of data to back up Save set syntax

AlwaysOn Group referring SQL default MSSQL#AG1

instance
AlwaysOn Group referring SQL default MSSQL#AG1:Database1
instance
AlwaysOn Group referring SQL named MSSQL$NamedInstance#AG2
instance
AlwaysOn Group referring SQL named MSSQL$NamedInstance#AG2:Database2
instance

g. For the Group field, select the backup group to which this client resource will be
added.
If client resources for the same NMM host are added to different backup groups,
ensure that the Start Time field for each backup group is spaced such that the
backups for the host’s client resources do not overlap.
h. For the Schedule field, select a backup schedule.

Performing federated backups 81

Federated Backup

6. Click the Apps & Modules tab, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 18 Apps & Modules tab

7. Type the remote user name and password in the Remote user and Password fields
respectively.
8. In the Backup command field, type the following command:
nsrsqlsv.exe
where server name is the Windows cluster name and for which Netbios name or FQDN
must be used.
9. In the Application Information field, type the required value.
The simple database is skipped when the NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental
variable is set to TRUE on the client to skip the backup for simple databases.
Otherwise, the incremental backup request is promoted to full.
10. Under Deduplication, select either of the following:
• Data Domain backup—For data deduplication by using a Data Domain device.
• Avamar deduplication backup—For data deduplication by using a Avamar device.
• Avamar deduplication node—Select the Avamar deduplication node from the
choices provided, if you are using Avamar for deduplication. The Avamar node is
previously configured and appears in the choices.
Ensure that the Avamar deduplication backup option is selected in the NetWorker
client resource for successful Avamar deduplication backups.
11. Click the Globals (1 of 2) tab.
12. In the Remote Access field, enter the user IDs or hostnames of other clients for the
Remote Access field. This grants copy restore type permission to the hosts, which
enables the named hosts to access the NetWorker server and receive directed recover
data. If this field is left empty, only administrators and users logged on to the SQL
Server host have access.

82 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Federated Backup

13. In the Aliases field, type all known aliases for the SQL Server host in the Aliases field
on the Preference tab, as in the following example:
mars
mars.emc.com

Include both the DNS short name and long name for the SQL Server host.
14. Click OK.
15. Run the backup from the save group.

Performing federated backups 83

Federated Backup

84 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 5
Data Recovery

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Prerequisites........................................................................................................... 86
◆ Performing recoveries ............................................................................................. 87
◆ Performing recovery of federated backups............................................................. 119
◆ Performing SQL Server 2012 recovery.................................................................... 121

Data Recovery 85
Data Recovery

Prerequisites
The Restore window displays the database objects available for restoring. Based on the
restore type selected, restore windows restrict the marking of database objects:
◆ For normal restore type, the marking of database objects is not restricted for restore.
◆ For copy restore type, only database objects can be marked for restore.
To restore SQL Server data, use the NetWorker User for SQL Server program or the nsrsqlrc
command. You cannot restore SQL Server data by using the NetWorker Management
Console, or restore data that was backed up by third-party vendors.
To rebuild system databases for SQL Servers by using the Command Prompt, refer to the
information provided at the following link:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx
Read the SQL Server product documentation to understand the limitations associated
with recover types on the various SQL Server versions.
Before starting a restore, complete the following prerequisites:
◆ Ensure that the NetWorker server software is running on the appropriate host and the
NetWorker Remote Exec Service is started on the SQL Server host.
◆ Restoring the SQL master database requires a restart of the SQL instance in single user
mode followed by logging on to that instance. Single user mode only allows one
administrator to log on. Ensure that no other applications or services are waiting for or
attempting to log on to the SQL instance.
◆ If a backup of a database is in progress, wait for it to finish. SQL Server will not restore
a database while another database backup is in progress.
◆ If a SQL Server startup is in progress, wait for it to finish before starting a restore
operation.
◆ Review the ERRORLOG file to determine if a database is currently being recovered or
search the ERRORLOG file for the “Recovery complete” string.
If the nsrsqlrc program is started while the SQL Server is recovering databases, the
following error message appears:
Could not find database ID. Database may not be activated yet or may
be in transition.
◆ Ensure that all database users are logged off the database. A restore fails if other
users try to use the database during the restore operation.



For the supported SQL Server versions, if the primary filegroup is not under restore,
then the online (piecemeal) restore functionality allows user access to a database
while backup or restore is in progress.

◆ Restoring filestream data of SQL Server 2008 or later, requires that the SQL Server
filestream feature be enabled on the recovery instance.

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Piecemeal restore prerequisites

SQL Server Enterprise Edition databases consisting of multiple filegroups can be restored
in stages with piecemeal restore.
With piecemeal restore, the primary filegroup must be part of each piecemeal restore. The
database remains offline during the restore process.
Piecemeal restore is a multistage process that restores a database to itself or to another
location. The initial stage must include the primary filegroup and optionally other
filegroups. Once the primary filegroup is restored, you can bring the database online and
continue restoring the remaining filegroups in subsequent stages.

Performing recoveries
To recover SQL Server data from a backup, perform the following tasks:
◆ “Setting up the restore” on page 88
◆ “Specifying the browse time” on page 104
◆ “Viewing the required volumes” on page 106
◆ “Setting the restore properties” on page 106
◆ “Starting the recovery” on page 119



The SQL Server databases must be restored in the correct order. Chapter 8, “Command
Line Interface,” provides examples.

The amount of time that it takes to restore a database depends on the following variables:
◆ The amount of data
◆ Network traffic
◆ Server load
◆ Backup volume availability
◆ Tape positioning
If the backup volume with the databases is loaded at a storage node (backup device) local
to the NetWorker server, the restore proceeds. If the restore does not begin, it is possible
that either the wrong volume or no volume is mounted in the backup device.
When restoring an incompatible database by using the name of an existing database, or
when restoring from a media failure where one or more database files were lost, the
Overwrite the Existing Database field must be selected under the Files tab.
After recovery is complete, the completion time appears in the Restore Status window.

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Setting up the restore

You must complete the required steps to set up the restore.
1. Open the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI.
If multiple SQL Server instances are active on the computer, the Select SQL Instance
dialog box opens before the main window.
2. Select the SQL Server for recovery, then click OK.
3. To select a NetWorker server other than the default server:
a. Click the Select NetWorker Server button on the toolbar. The Change Server dialog
box opens.
b. Select a NetWorker server from the list, then click OK.
4. In the main window of the NetWorker User for SQL Server interface, click the Restore
button on the toolbar.
The Restore Operation dialog box appears.



You can also select Restore from the Operation menu, and then select Normal or Copy
(if running SQL Server Enterprise Edition).

5. Follow the procedures provided in:

• “Configuring a normal recovery” on page 88
• “Configuring a copy recovery” on page 98
• “Configuring a named instance recovery” on page 101
• “Configuring a verify-only restore” on page 102
• “Configuring a piecemeal restore” on page 102

Configuring a normal recovery

You must complete the required steps to configure a normal recovery.
1. Select the Normal recovery type from the Restore Operation dialog box and click
Continue.
The Restore window lists the databases that can be restored, as in the following figure.

Figure 19 Normal Restore window

2. Select one or more databases to recover.

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3. Right-click each marked database and select Properties to configure additional

settings.
The Properties dialog box opens, as in the following table.

Figure 20 Properties dialog box

Options and actions that are available are dependant upon the version of SQL Server
that is to be restored and the type of recovery selected.
4. Specify the following in the General tab:
• Back up the active portion of the transaction log before restoring the
database—This option backs up the active portion of the transaction log before
performing the recovery.
This option is selected by default for a Normal restore, and NMM attempts the
transaction log backup by using the NO_TRUNCATE and NORECOVERY SQL
keywords. The recovery operation proceeds regardless of whether the transaction
log backup succeeds or fails.
There is no log backup in Simple mode. If the option to back up the log is selected,
a full backup of the log is performed on a database that is set to be recovered.

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The most common reason for recovering databases is to restore from operator
errors, which are recorded in the transaction log. If you recover the database
without applying the transaction log you lose the information since the last
backup. If you apply the entire transaction log you re-corrupt the database.
Point-in-time recovery data can be recovered to the time of the error minus
approximately one second. This assumes that the database is functional enough
to complete the final transaction log backup. If the Specify a Restore Time box
under the Restore Time tab is checked, the backup proceeds, but the latest
transactions captured in the active transaction log backup are not restored.

• Perform the restore using this recovery mode—Select the mode for recovery:
– Normal mode—Instructs SQL Server to leave the database in operational state
after the restore. This is the default mode.
– No Recovery mode—Activates the SQL Server NORECOVERY database restore
option for the last stage restored. This mode places the database in a state that
cannot be loaded after the restore. However, the database can still process
additional transaction log restore operations.
– Standby mode—Specifies an undo file for SQL Server to use when rolling back
the transactions. By default, this field displays a default filename and path:
%DriveLetter:\default_path\default_dbName undo.ldf
where:
default_path is the default SQL Server backup path obtained from the SQL
Server registry.
default_dbName is the name of the database backup selected for the restore.
To specify another name and path for this file, enter a valid name and path, or click
the ellipses button.
The Specify the Standby Undo File dialog box appears, as in the following figure.

Figure 21 Standby Undo File dialog box

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In the Specify the Standby Undo File dialog box, specify the following values:
Type a path in the File Location text box, or browse the file system tree and
highlight a file.
Type the filename in the File Name text box, or browse the file system tree and
highlight an existing file.
• Perform checksum before reading from media—This option (in the Properties
dialog box) performs a checksum operation before a restore to ensure that it
matches the backup.
The NMM verifies the checksum by calculating a local result and comparing it with
the stored value. If the values do not match, you can choose to continue the
restore operation by selecting the Continue on checksum error option.
5. Select the Files tab, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 22 Properties dialog box

Configure the following settings:

• Database to restore—Displays the database selected for the restore. This field
cannot be modified.
• Name for restored database—Specifies the name for the restored database. For a
normal restore, this text box displays the name of the database selected for
backup and cannot be modified.
• Overwrite the existing database—Instructs SQL Server to create the specified
database and its related files, even if another database already exists with the
same name. In such a case, the existing database is deleted.

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This field includes the WITH REPLACE SQL keyword in the restore sequence. The
WITH REPLACE keyword restores files over existing files of the same name and
location. Microsoft SQL Server Books Online provides more information.

• Mark the filegroups to restore—Defines the files and filegroups to restore. If

performing a normal, copy, or verify restore, the filegroups of the database
selected cannot be changed.



The set of filegroups marked in this field is copied into the list of the Modify the
destination for the files in field.

• Modify the destination for the files in—Displays a set of views for the database
files to be restored, and enables filtering of files that are visible in the File and
destination table. The following table identifies the supported views:

Table 23 Views displayed by the Modify the destination for the files in field

This view Displays

All files All of the files for the database, including transaction log files.

All log files Only the transaction log files.

All data files Only data files.

Filegroup name Only data files for a specific filegroup.

Drive letter All files located on a given drive at the time the backup occurred, even if
those files have since been relocated to a different drive.

• File and destination table—Lists the SQL Server logical filenames and locations.
The files listed in this table are associated to the marked database to be restored.
When performing a normal restore, this table displays the current name and
destination based on the SQL Server physical filename and logical location for the
restored file.



Filestream data is displayed as a folder with no subordinate objects.

To modify the destination, perform one of the following:

– Double-click a file in the list to display the Specify the file destination dialog
box.

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– Click a file in the list, and then click Destination to display the Specify the file
destination dialog box, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 23 Specify the File Destination dialog box

Configure the fields listed in the following table.

Table 24 List of fields that can be configured

This view Displays

Source file name The file currently selected in the File and Destination lists. This text cannot be modified. When multiple files
are selected, this text box is empty.

Source location The location and the file selected in the File and destination list. This information cannot be modified. When
multiple files are selected, the location of the first selected file in the list is displayed.

Destination The file system location for the restored file. When multiple files are selected, the default SQL data path is
location opened, but not selected.
Enter a pathname, or browse the file system tree and highlight a directory or file to change the location.

Destination file The name of the file currently selected in the File and Destination table. When multiple files are selected, the
name field is empty.
Enter a new name or browse the file system tree and highlight a file to change the name.

6. Click OK to return to the Files tab.

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7. Click the Restore Time tab to configure a restore schedule, as shown in the following
figure.

Figure 24 Properties dialog box, Restore Time tab

This tab enables you to select a backup version and modify the restore date and time.
The default selection for the restore is listed in the Backup Version table. When a
point-in-time restore is performed, the restore procedure reinstates only transactions
from the backup version that occurred before the specified restore date and time.
You can change the backup version or transaction time.
8. To perform a point-in-time restore, specify the following in the Restore Time tab:
• Select the Specify a Restore Time check box to schedule the restore.
If the Backup the active portion of the transaction log before restoring the
database check box on the General tab is selected, and you choose this option but
do not specify the point-in-time in the transaction log, the latest transactions
captured in the active transaction log backup are not restored.
The latest transactions captured in the active transaction log backup will be
restored to the specified point-in-time only if it was specified in the transaction
log.
• Specify a time to perform a point-in-time restore.
The restore time indicates what data from the marked backup version is reinstated
during the restore, and when to stop restoring transactions. This text box can be
modified by clicking the Point-in-Time button.

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• When the incremental backup, or the latest backup (regardless of whether it is full,
level incremental or level differential) is marked in the Backup Versions table, the
Point-in-time button is enabled for setting the time for a point-in-time backup. If a
full or differential backup is marked but is not the latest backup, this button
displays an error message.
• The Specify a Time text box displays the date and time for the backup that is
currently marked. Only one backup version can be selected and marked.
• Perform the restore by using a named log mark. This field is only enabled when log
marks exist for the selected database backup. When this field is selected, the
Restore to the End of the Log Mark and the Restore to the Beginning of the Log
Mark buttons are enabled.
Specify which type of named log mark restore to perform by selecting one of the
following:
– To restore the backup and stop immediately after the named log mark, select
Restore to the End of the Log Mark. This type of restore includes the named
transaction in the restore.
– To restore the backup and stop immediately before the named log mark, select
Restore to the Beginning of the Log Mark. This type of restore excludes the
named transaction.
• Use the Log Mark table field to specify a log mark to use for the restore.
Double-click a log mark or select a log mark in the list and click the Mark button.
9. When finished, click OK.
There are additional restore options that you can define.
10. Select Restore Options from the Options menu.

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The Restore Options dialog box is displayed, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 25 Restore Options dialog box, General tab

11. From the General tab, select the following fields:

• Select the Automatically overwrite any database marked for restore field to
overwrite the marked databases. This restores the database by using the
WITH_OVERWRITE SQL keyword.
• Select the Detect available tape sessions prior to restoring a striped backup field
to restore SQL data that was originally backed up as a striped backup. If this field is
selected, NMM determines the number of tape sessions needed to restore a
striped backup.



This field is selected by default. It is controlled by the Windows registry entry
NSR_DETECT_TAPES, which can be modified. Regardless of whether this field is
selected, it retains its setting from one session to the next.

If you do not have adequate permissions, this check box is disabled.

• Selecting a debug level issues the command line –D n option, where n is an integer
value between 1 and 9. When the debug level is selected, the debug information
appears in the Backup or Restore status window, and also in the log files. This
information can be useful in diagnosing problems.

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If you specify debug level logging, watch the size of the NMM log files. The files are
located at:
installpath\nsr\applogs
where installpath is typically C:\Program Files\EMC NetWorker and can grow very
large. Log files with debug output can be deleted (or archived).
• The Disable log mark display option disables the potentially time-consuming
retrieval of log mark information. This option can be selected when log marks will
not be used for most restore operations, particularly if the client file index is large.
This setting persists across multiple invocations of the user interface. When log
mark display is disabled, the log mark in the backup will not be displayed in the
Restore Time tab.
When this option is selected, the log mark information is not displayed in the
Restore Time tab of the Restore Properties dialog box. When it is not selected, the
information is displayed.
• With supported SQL Servers, transaction log backups are required prior to
restoring databases. This ensures that the database can be restored to the most
recent point-in-time possible. This option is selected by default.
When the Transaction log backup before restore option is not selected, the Back
Up the Active Portion of the Transaction Log Before Restoring the Database option
(selected by default) is enabled in the Properties dialog. Choosing not to back up
the active portion of the transaction log and not overwriting the existing database
as shown in the following figure.

Figure 26 Review Options message

You can choose not to back up the transaction log by selecting No for Restore with
overwrite in the precautionary message box. This will replace the existing database
by using the T-SQL option WITHREPLACE. This will improve performance in cases
where the database is too damaged to perform the transaction log backup or it is
known that the transaction log is not of interest.
• The Alternate decryption pass phrase option specifies a pass phrase for AES
encryption other than the default or current phrase used by the NetWorker server.
If data was backed up using AES encryption and an alternate pass phrase, (and the
original pass phrase is no longer current), that phrase must be specified to decrypt
data during the restore. If multiple pass phrases are required, they must be
specified at the command line. The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides
complete information about AES encryption, and setting the pass phrase.

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12. Click OK.

13. Click the play button in the toolbar of the restore dialog box to start the restore.
Monitor the status of the restore in the Restore Status window.

Configuring a copy recovery

When performing copy restore to a folder in a new location of databases in an SQL
instance, where the databases are running without Domain Admin credentials, ensure to
add “Everyone” in the security settings of the folder, and provide all permissions to the
folder. This must be done even when the user who is performing the copy restore has
logged in with Domain Admin credentials.

You must complete the required steps to configure a copy recovery.

1. Select the Copy recovery type from the Restore Operation dialog box and click
Continue.
The Select the SQL Server dialog box is displayed, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 27 Select the SQL Server dialog box

2. Specify the NetWorker client from which SQL Server backups are imported for restore
to the local SQL Server by selecting one of the following fields:
• The current SQL Server Instance field displays the name of the current NetWorker
client host. Select this field to use a database backup from the SQL Server
currently connected to the NMM client.
• By default, the A [different] NetWorker SQL Server client field is disabled and the
text box displays the name of a NetWorker client host. Select this field to select a
different SQL Server host from which to obtain the existing database backup.



In order to select other client machines as the source of a copy restore, the
destination machine and an appropriate user account or group must be specified
in the list of NetWorker administrators on the NetWorker server (or remote access).

A new dialog box is displayed if the following applies to the selected NetWorker
client:
– A backup exists.
– A named instance directory in the index.

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This dialog box enables the selection of the source from default and named
instances.
3. Select either the SQL Server default instance or an SQL Server named instance, and
click Continue. After choosing a SQL instance, all database backups are listed.



A CopyOf prefix is added in front of the database (and database file) names only if a
database by the same name already exists on the target system. This may not be the
case for copy restore between systems or between instances of SQL Server (or if the
original database has been removed). In these cases the default database and
filenames will be the same as the original names.

If backups for the SQL default or other named instance were not performed, or are no
longer available, the message shown in the following figure appears.

Figure 28 NetWorker User for SQL Server message

4. After you select a SQL instance, the Restore window, shown in the following figure,
lists the databases that can be restored.

Figure 29 Restore (Copy) window

5. Select one database to recover.



If the copy restore type is selected, only one database object can be marked. Files and
filegroups of the selected database are not visible in the browse window since they
require a database backup. The files and filegroups can be viewed and configured in
the Files tab of the Properties dialog box.

6. Right-click the marked database and select Properties.



If you select copy restore type, you must specify the restore properties before starting
the restore. Otherwise, the restore fails to start.

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The Properties dialog box appears and the General tab is displayed, as shown in the
following figure.

Figure 30 Sample Properties dialog box

7. In the Properties dialog box, click the Files tab.

When restoring a copy of a database, you can overwrite an existing database or create
a new one.
• To create a new database, enter a name in the Name for restored database text
box. The default is CopyOfSelectedDB.
• If you want to overwrite an existing database, select a name from the Name for
restored database text box and select Overwrite the existing database.



Check the generated filenames. If you change the name of the database from
CopyOfAcme Sales back to Acme Sales, by using overwrite, then you may remove
the CopyOf prefix from the associated filenames as well. Default names are
generated when the dialog box is first displayed. Any database name edits are not
propagated to the database filenames. These changes must be made manually.

8. In the Properties dialog box, click the Restore Time tab.

9. When properties are configured, click OK.
These settings are maintained until the restore is started.
10. Click the play button in the toolbar of the Restore dialog box to start the restore.



You can monitor the status of the restore in the Restore Status window.

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Configuring a named instance recovery

If a default instance and a named instance are available on a client computer, once a
backup is performed by using NMM, a copy restore is available for all three instances.
If default instance is uninstalled for some reason, a copy restore from the default instance
is still available, because the instance is still listed in the client file index for the most
recently named instance directory. Should a more recent backup be performed for any of
the instances, after the default instance is uninstalled, a recovery will not be possible. A
new named instance directory is created with default instance excluded.
The remedy for this is to reinstall the removed named instance and run another backup.
This restores the directory information for default instance and complete functionality, as
in the following figure.

Figure 31 Restore window

Perform the following to view and select restore items:

1. To view a list of data items available for restoring, expand any item in the left pane of
the Restore window.
The descendants of the item are displayed in the right pane.
2. In the Restore window, select the item to restore by clicking the check box.



If the copy restore type is selected, only one database object can be marked. Files and
filegroups of the selected database are not visible in the browse window, and require
a database backup. The files and filegroups are available in the Properties dialog box.

3. Once the restore is set up, start the operation. “Starting the recovery” on page 119
provides more information.

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Configuring a verify-only restore

The verify-only option enables you to verify that data for a database can be restored and
the media that holds the data being marked for verify-only operation.
To configure a verify only restore:
1. Select the Verify Only restore type from the Restore Operation dialog box and click
Continue.
The Restore window lists the databases that can be restored, as shown in the
following figure.

Figure 32 Verify Only Restore window

2. Select one or more databases from the list.

3. (Optional) Right-click the parent server to open the Restore Options dialog box.
4. Click OK.
5. Click the play button in the toolbar of the Restore dialog box to start the restore.
You can monitor the status of the restore in the Restore Status window.

Configuring a piecemeal restore

If restoring SQL Server databases (Enterprise Edition), select the piecemeal restore option.
“Types of supported recovery” on page 36 provides detailed descriptions.
You must complete the required steps to configure a piecemeal restore.
1. Select the Piecemeal restore type from the Restore Operation dialog box and click
Continue.

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The Restore window appears, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 33 Piecemeal Restore window

2. Select a database from the list.



Only one database object can be marked for piecemeal restore. Files and filegroups of
the selected database are not visible in the browse window. These operations require
a database backup. The files and filegroups can be viewed and configured in the Files
tab of the Properties dialog box.

3. (Optional) Right-click the parent server to open the Restore Options dialog box.
4. Click OK.
5. Right-click the database and select Properties.



In piecemeal restore operations, you must specify the restore properties before
starting the restore. Otherwise, the restore fails to start.

The Properties dialog box is displayed.

In the General tab, piecemeal restores overwrite a database when restoring to the
same location. To overwrite an existing database, select a name from the Name for
restored database text box and select Overwrite the existing database.
6. In the Properties dialog box, click the Restore Time tab.
7. When finished configuring properties, click OK.
For piecemeal restore, certain settings in the Properties dialog box are reset if you
redisplay the Properties dialog box before starting the restore process. The selections
that will be reset are:
• Marked files and filegroups of the selected database.
• Name for restored database option (on the Files tab).
• Backup the active portion of the transaction log before restoring the database
check box (on the General tab).

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If you do return to the Properties dialog box, the message shown in the following
figure, appears.

Figure 34 Restore Options message

8. Click the Play button in the toolbar of the Restore dialog box to start the restore.



Piecemeal restore is iterative. You can continue to restore additional filegroups in
subsequent operations. Previously restored filegroups will not be available for selection
unless you specify New Piecemeal.

Configuring Always On database recovery (for federated backup)

NMM supports full recovery of a SQL Sever 2012 database. For databases that are
configured with AlwaysOn configuration, the replication must be broken to recover the
database.
Once the replication is broken, follow the required recovery procedures:
◆ “Configuring a normal recovery” on page 88
◆ “Configuring a copy recovery” on page 98
◆ “Configuring a named instance recovery” on page 101
◆ “Configuring a verify-only restore” on page 102
◆ “Configuring a piecemeal restore” on page 102

Specifying the browse time

In the NetWorker User for SQL Server Restore window, you can browse the online index
and mark a database backup version to restore.
The browse time controls which backup data is viewable in the Restore window. You can
modify the browse time to display backup versions for a different restore time by selecting
Change Browse Time from the View menu. However, the browse time cannot change to a
point:
◆ Earlier than the first backup.
◆ Later than the most recent backup.
An invalid time entry results in an error message.

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You must complete the required steps to specify a browse time.

1. From the View menu, select Change Browse Time.
The Change Browse Time dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 35 Change Browse Time dialog box

2. Select one of the following fields to change the browse time:

• By default, the Specify a browse time field displays the current browse time. Select
this field to enable the Browse Time button:
a. Click the Browse Time button to open the Specify Browse Time dialog box, as
shown in the following figure.

Figure 36 Specify Browse Time dialog box

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b. Select a date and time from the Date and Time lists.
c. Click OK.
The dialog box closes and the Specify a browse time field in the Change Browse
Time dialog box appears with the new date and time. The backup version list is
also updated.
• By default, the Select a backup version to change browse time field marks the
current browse time in the backup version list. Select this field to enable the
backup version list and Mark button. The backup version list displays the known
backup version times, which correspond to save times of the root browse directory.
The root browse directory is created anytime a SQL Server backup is performed.
To select a new browse time, do one of the following:
– Double-click a backup time in the list, and then click OK.
– Select a backup time in the list, click Mark, and then click OK.
The Specify a Browse Time field is updated to reflect the new setting.



When you change the browse time, previous selections in the Restore window are
discarded. Any file, filegroup, or database property settings are lost.

Viewing the required volumes

After you select the databases to restore, you can check which backup volumes contain
the databases you need by doing one of the following:
◆ Selecting Required Volumes from the View menu.
◆ Selecting the Required Volumes button from the toolbar.
Checking the required volumes helps to ensure that the necessary backup volumes are
mounted in the NetWorker server's storage device.
If a required backup volume is not mounted, do one of the following:
◆ Contact the NetWorker administrator and request that the volume be mounted.
◆ Wait for the NetWorker software to prompt the administrator to mount the volume.

Setting the restore properties

You must complete the required steps to set the restore properties for a select file,
filegroup, or database.
1. Right-click the database item, and select Properties.
2. Complete the Properties dialog box.
3. Click OK.

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See these sections for additional information:

◆ “Setting database restore properties” on page 107 provides information about setting
restore properties for a database.
◆ “Selecting filegroups to restore” on page 111 provides information about setting
restore properties for a file or filegroup.
All of the properties are context-sensitive, based on the version of SQL Server that is
running and the restore type that was chosen.
Preferences specified for these properties are used for the current restore operation. When
a preference is not set, the default is used. After the restore is complete, and the Restore
window is closed, the property settings revert back to the NetWorker User for SQL Server
defaults.



If you select copy restore type, you must specify the restore properties before starting the
restore. Otherwise, the restore fails to start.

Setting database restore properties

The information in this section applies to norma and copy restore types.
You must complete the required steps to set database restore properties.
1. In the Restore window, select a database.
2. Right-click the database and select Properties.
The Properties dialog box is displayed, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 37 Properties dialog box

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3. In the General tab, indicate whether to back up the active portion of the transaction.
When selected, a transaction log backup starts by using the NORECOVERY keyword.
The restore operation proceeds regardless of whether the transaction log backup
succeeds or fails.
Specify a point-in-time restore to any time within the transaction log backup. This
option applies to all SQL Server restores, and addresses database failure if that occurs
after the last scheduled incremental backup.
By backing up the active portion the active portion of the log prior to the restore, users
can specify a restore for time of failure.
4. To specify a point-in-time restore, select the Restore Time tab, and make entries as
appropriate.
Point-in-time restore can use either a full, level incremental, or level deferential
backup, as long as the selected backup is an incremental and/or the latest backup.
5. Specify a recovery mode to use for the restore:
• Normal mode—Instructs SQL Server to leave the database in operational state
after the restore. This is the default mode.
• No Recovery mode—Activates the SQL Server NORECOVERY database restore
option for the last stage restored. This mode places the database in a state that
cannot be loaded after the restore. However, the database can still process
additional transaction log restore operations.
• Standby mode—Enables the Standby Undo File Name which specifies an undo file
for SQL Server to use when rolling back the transactions. By default, this field
displays a default filename and path as follows:
%DriveLetter:\<default_path>\<default_dbName>undo.ldf
where:
– default_path is the default SQL Server backup path obtained from the SQL
Server registry.
– default_dbName is the name of the database backup selected for the restore.
6. Select Checksum and Continue with error.
If checksums are not calculated for the backup specifying them for the restore causes
the restore operation to fail.

Specifying an undo filename

You must complete the required steps to specify the undo filename.
1. Enter a valid name and path in the text box.
Click the ellipses button to display a dialog box similar to that shown in the following
figure.
2. Select a file from the file system tree.

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The file location and name are listed in the text boxes.

Figure 38 Specify the Standby Undo File dialog box

3. Select a file from the file system tree. The file location and name appear in the text
boxes.
4. Specify the required values for the following fields:
• The File Location field—Displays the path for the standby undo file. Type a path in
the File Location field, or browse the file system tree and highlight a file. When a
file in the browse tree is highlighted, the file’s path is listed in the File Location
field.
• The File Name field—Specifies the standby undo filename. Type the filename in the
File Name field, or browse the file system tree and highlight an existing file. When a
file is highlighted, the filename is listed in the File Name text box.
5. Click OK.

View file or filegroup restore properties

The file and filegroup restore properties in the Properties dialog box are provided for
informational purposes only. SQL Server dictates the settings for these properties. They
cannot be configured.
The properties in these dialog boxes apply to one selected or a filegroup for a normal
restore type operation.



These file and filegroup restore properties are not available for copy restore type
operation.

You must complete the required steps to view the restore properties for a file or filegroup.
1. From either pane of the Restore window, right-click a selected file or filegroup.
2. Select Properties.

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The Properties dialog box is displayed. Properties differ depending on the version of
SQL Server that is run.
The following figure displays the properties for a filegroup.

Figure 39 Filegroup Restore Properties dialog box

The following fields appear in the Properties dialog box:

• When the Backup the active portion of the transaction log file field is selected the
active portion of the transaction log is backed up before performing a restore. That
way, the log can be applied to the filegroup or file to make it consistent with the
rest of the database. The SQL Server requires the transaction log when restoring
damaged or lost data files.
NetWorker User for SQL Server attempts a transaction log backup for SQL Server
non-Enterprise Editions or Primary filegroup, the backup uses the NO_TRUNCATE
and NO_RECOVERY SQL keywords.
For files belonging to secondary filegroup and secondary filegroups restore for SQL
Server Enterprise Editions, the restore workflow requires you to first restore the
filegroup and then take a backup of the active portion of the transaction log. The
transaction log backup must be applied to the file or filegroup restore to ensure
that the file or filegroup is consistent with the rest of the database.
If a file or filegroup is restored with the NetWorker User for SQL Server program,
these transaction log backups occur automatically. It is recommended that you use
the NetWorker User for SQL Server for this type of restore.
• The Overwrite the existing filegroup/file with the restored file field forces SQL
Server to ignore errors due to nonexistent files which result from media failure. If
there is a media failure, then the files cease to exist. The NetWorker User for SQL

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Server specifies the WITH REPLACE SQL keyword in the restore sequence. The file
or filegroup is restored to the exact location (drive and pathname) as the location
on the source host from which the data was backed up.
• The Backup versions table lists the date and time of all the backups available for
the restore operation.

Selecting filegroups to restore

Use the Properties dialog box to select a filegroup to restore. For normal and copy restore,
the tab is labeled Files.
You must complete the required steps to select filegroups to restore.
1. Select the Files tab, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 40 The Files tab of the Properties dialog box

2. Specify the following fields:



If the text boxes in this dialog box are empty, review the file configuration information.
“Specifying Read File Configuration properties” on page 114 provides details.

• The Database to restore field displays the name of the database (on secondary
storage) selected for the restore. This field is informational only and cannot be
modified.
• The Name for restored database field specifies the name for the restored
database:
– If performing a normal restore, this text box displays the name of the selected
database is disabled.

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– If performing a copy restore, CopyOf is appended to the source database name

and all associated data files and log files.
To specify a different name, enter a new name in the text box or select a name
from the list. The name must comply with SQL Server naming conventions.



If you specify a different name, the data and log files retain the default name, as
shown in the File and Destination table. For example, if copy restore is selected
when restoring a database named Project to a database named Test, and the data
and log filenames retain the values of CopyOfProject_Data.MDF or
CopyOfProject_Log.LDF. The data and log filenames must be changed.

When the Name for restored database field is set to the name of an existing
database, the Overwrite the existing database field is enabled when you click
Apply or OK. These two values can then be used together. The name of the existing
database is then used for the restored database when the two databases are
incompatible.
• The Overwrite the existing database field Instructs the SQL Server to create the
specified database and its related files, even if another database already exists
with the same name. In such a case, the existing database is deleted.



This field causes the WITH REPLACE SQL keyword to be included in the restore
sequence. The WITH REPLACE keyword restores files over existing files of the same
name and location.

• Select or clear the filegroups to restore. If performing a normal or copy restore this
field displays the filegroups of the database selected. The set of filegroups marked
in this field is copied into the Modify the Destination for the files in list.
• The Modify the destination for the files in lists a set of different views for the
database files to be restored, and enables filtering of files that are visible in the
File and Destination table.
• The File and Destination table’s File column lists SQL Server logical filenames. The
Destination column lists physical filename and locations. The files listed in this
table are associated to the marked database to be restored.
– If performing a normal restore, this table displays the current name and
destination based on the SQL Server physical filename and logical location for
the restored file.
– If performing a copy restore, this table displays a default name and destination
based on the SQL Server physical filename and logical location for the restored
file.



The default location for the data files and log files is in the data path of the default
SQL Server installation directory. If this directory is on the system drive, provide
enough disk space for the database files, or specify another location that does.

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You cannot edit the File and Destination table. You can, however, modify the
destination location.
To modify the destination, do one of the following:
– Double-click a file to display the Specify the file destination dialog box. Then
follow the instructions in the next section.
– Click a file, and then click the Destination button to display the Specify the file
destination dialog box. Then follow the instructions in the next section.

Specify the restored file’s destination and filename

Specify the destination locations for the restored files in the Specify the File Destination
dialog box, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 41 Specify the File Destination dialog box

Specify the fields as follows:

◆ The Source file name field displays the file currently selected in the File and
Destination lists. The Source File Name text box is informational only and cannot be
modified.When multiple files are selected, this text box is empty.
◆ The Source location field displays the file system location and the file currently
selected in the File and Destination lists. The Source Location text box is informational
only and cannot be modified. When multiple files are selected, this text box contains
the file system location of the first selected file in the File and Destination lists.
◆ The Destination location field displays the file system location for the restored file.
When multiple files are selected, the default SQL data path is opened, but not
selected.
To modify this field enter a pathname, or browse the file system tree and highlight a
directory or file. When a directory is highlighted, that path appears in the Destination
Location text box. If a file is highlighted, the directory for the highlighted file is
displayed.

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◆ The Destination file name field, by default, lists the name of the file currently selected
in the File and Destination table. When multiple files are selected, the field is empty.
To modify this field, enter a new name in the Destination File Name text box or browse
the file system tree and highlight a file. When a file is highlighted, the filename
appears in the Destination File Name text box.



Default filenames are generated when the dialog box is first displayed. Verify that the
filenames are correct. This is particularly important after changes to the database
name.

Specifying Read File Configuration properties

Some of the data used to populate the fields on the Files tab of the Properties dialog box
is obtained from new file-configuration metadata objects created in the client file index.
You must complete the required steps to specify Read File Configuration properties.
1. Open the Properties dialog box for a marked database item that has no
file-configuration metadata in the client file index. You may load this information from
the save set media.
The Read File Configuration dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 42 Read File Configuration dialog box

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2. Specify the following fields:

• Select the Read the file configuration from save set media option. A message
appears. The save set media is read in the background. When this process
finishes, the Properties dialog box appears, and the Filegroup and Destination
table display valid data.
To cancel the reading process, select the Cancel button. If you cancel from the
Reading dialog box, the Properties dialog box appears, but the File and
Destination table is empty.
• If you select the Skip reading the file configuration field, the Properties dialog box
appears, but the File and Destination table is empty.

Setting Restore Time properties

The Restore Time properties support selection of a backup version and modification of the
restore date and time. When a point-in-time restore is performed, the restore procedure
reinstates transactions only from the backup version that occurred before the specified
restore date and time.
You must complete the required steps to set restore time properties.
1. In the Properties dialog box, select the Restore Time tab, as shown in the following
figure.

Figure 43 The Restore Time tab in the Properties dialog box



If the back up the active portion of the transaction log check box on the General tab is
selected, and you select the Specify a Restore Time field, not all of the transactions in
the transaction log backup will be present in the restored database. Only data up to

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the point-in-time restored appear. You can specify a point-in-time restore between the
last scheduled full, incremental, or differential backup and the current time. The
transaction log will be backed up as the initial portion of the restore operation and, if
the transaction log backup is successful, the log is also restored.

2. Select Specify a Restore Time to enable the following restore time controls:
• Using a specific backup version—When this field is selected, the following options
are enabled.
– The Specify a time to perform a point-in-time restore field indicates what data
from the marked backup version is reinstated during the restore, and the time
to stop restoring transactions. This text box can be modified for a backups
selected in the Backup Versions table if a backup is the latest or an incremental
backup.
– If an incremental backup is selected in the Backup Versions table, that text box
can be modified by clicking the Point-in-Time button. The Point-in-Time button
is also enabled for any latest backup (full, incremental, or differential) for which
the Backup the active portion of the transaction log before restoring the
database check box is checked on the General tab. If the backup that is marked
is not the latest backup, this button displays an error message.
• The Backup Versions table contains the four columns identified in the following
table.

Table 25 Backup Versions table columns

This column Displays

Size The size of the backup.

Type The backup type, including “full” for level full backups, “incr” for level
incremental backups, and “1” for level differential backups.

Method The Traditional Recover method is used to create the backup that is to be
restored.

Backup Time The date and time, in seconds, when the backup was created.

• Perform the restore by using a named log mark. If log marks are not used, then
display of this information can be disabled.
This field has the following characteristics:
– Can use a maximum of 1024 log marks.
– Is enabled only when log marks exist for the selected database backup. When
this field is selected, the Restore to the End of the Log Mark and the Restore to
the Beginning of the Log Mark buttons are enabled.
Specify which type of named log mark restore to perform by selecting one of the
following:
To restore the backup and stop it immediately after the named log mark, select
Restore to the End of the Log Mark. This type of restore includes the named
transaction in the restore.

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To restore the backup and stop it immediately before the named log mark,
select Restore to the Beginning of the Log Mark. This type of restore excludes
the named transaction.
• Use the Log Mark table field to specify the log mark to use for the restore. Only one
log mark may be selected. The following table shows the columns in the Log Mark
table.

Table 26 Log Mark table columns

This column Displays

Log mark The name of the transaction log mark.

Date Modified The date and time, in granularity of milliseconds, on which the named
transaction log mark was created.

Description The any information about the log mark that was entered when the transaction
was performed.

To select a log mark do one of the following:

– Double-click any log mark in the table.
– Click any log mark in the list, then click the Mark button.
A check mark appears next to the log mark name. Only one can be marked at
one time.

Setting point-in-time restore properties

Specify a date and time for the SQL point-in-time restore in the Point-in-Time Restore
dialog box. Be sure that the date and time are within a timeframe spanned by the
transaction log backup that was marked in the Backup Versions table. The create time of
the transaction log backup defines the upper limit of the time frame. No date and time
greater than this upper limit can be specified for copy restore. For normal restore, if a
transaction log backup has been specified as part of the restore, then the upper limit is
the current time. The lower limit of the time frame is the create time of the first full backup
of the database.
You must complete the required steps to set point-in-time restore properties.
1. On the Restore Time tab:
a. Select the Specify a restore time check box.
b. Click Using a specific backup version button.
c. Select the Point-in-time button.

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The Point-in-time restore dialog box appears, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 44 Point-in-Time Restore dialog box

2. Specify the following fields:

• In the Date field, specify the restore time date for the marked backup version. The
syntax for this text box is mm/dd/yyyy.
To modify the date, enter a date by using the appropriate syntax or click the arrow
to display the Calendar. In the Calendar, click a date. Use the Previous Month and
Next Month buttons to change from the current month.
The restore time date must be within the range of transaction dates included in the
selected backup version. If a transaction log backup has been specified as part of
the normal restore operation then the upper limit is today's date.
• In the Time field, specify the restore time for the marked backup version. The
syntax for this text box is hh:mm:ss.
To modify the time, enter a time by using the appropriate syntax or use the scroll
arrow buttons to change the time.
The restore time must be within the range of transaction times included in the
marked backup version. If a transaction log backup has been specified as part of
the restore operation then the upper limit is the current time.



A point-in-time restore is successful only when the time of the NetWorker server and NMM
client is synchronized.

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Starting the recovery

While the restore is in progress, the Restore Status window displays messages for each
restored database to monitor the progress of the restore.
If the backup volume containing the databases is loaded at a storage node (backup
device) local to the NetWorker server, the restore proceeds. If the restore does not begin, it
is possible that either the wrong volume or no volume is mounted in the backup device.
When restoring an incompatible database by using the name of an existing database, or
when restoring from a media failure where one or more database files were lost, the
Overwrite the Existing Database field must be selected under the Files tab.
To display the Files tab, right-click the database item and select Properties.
After the restore is finished, the restore completion time is listed in the Restore Status
window.

Performing recovery of federated backups

You must complete the required steps to recover federated backups.
1. On the primary replica server, break the AlwaysOn replication for the AlwaysOn
database using the following command in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
query window:
ALTER AVAILABILITY GROUP [group_name] REMOVE DATABASE
[database_name]

2. In the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI, select the Operation > Select NetWorker SQL
Server Client option, as shown in the following figure.

Figure 45 Select NetWorker SQL Server Client option

The Select the SQL Server dialog box appears.

3. Select the Windows cluster name from the drop down menu in Select the SQL Server
dialog box, as shown in the following table and click Continue.

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Figure 46 Select the SQL Server dialog box

The Select the SQL Server Instance dialog box appears.

4. Select the instance (default or named) where the Availability Group databases are
created in the Select the SQL Server Instance dialog box, as shown in the following
table., and click Continue.

Figure 47 Select the SQL Server Instance option

5. Browse the backed up Availability Group databases, as shown in the following table.

Figure 48 Browse the backed up Availability Group databases

6. Select the Availability Group database and perform a recovery.

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A full backup is performed as part of the recovery process when SQL VDI federated
recovery is started. In the dialog box that appears when federated recovery is
performed, as shown in the following table, click Yes to run a full backup or click No to
restore the database with replace.

Figure 49 Full backup for federated backup

Performing SQL Server 2012 recovery

For SQL Server 2012 instance level and database level recovery, ensure to:
1. Perform a full backup of the instance or AlwaysOn database.
2. On the primary replica server, break the AlwaysOn replication for the AlwaysOn
database using the following command in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
query window:
ALTER AVAILABILITY GROUP [group_name] REMOVE DATABASE
[database_name]

3. On the secondary replica server, delete the AlwaysOn database, which is in restoring
mode.
You must complete the required steps to perform instance level recovery.
1. On the primary replica server:
a. Recover all the system databases.

Note: For database level restores for AlwaysOn, skip this step.

b. Recover all the user databases or just AlwaysOn database, as the need may be.
2. On secondary replica server, recover the same AlwaysOn database using the No
Recovery option in Normal Restore under database properties.
3. On the primary replica server, to rejoin the AlwaysOn database to the Availability
Group.
a. Right-click the Availability Group and select Add Database.
b. In the dialog box that appears, select the database and click Next.
c. In the dialog box that appears, specify the shared location and click Next.
d. Connect to the instance and click Finish.

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4. On secondary replica server, to rejoin the AlwaysOn database to the Availability

Group:
a. In the Microsoft SQL server Management Studio, locate and expand Availability
Group to view the AlwaysOn database.
b. Right-click AlwaysOn database and select Join Availability Group.
5. Ensure that both primary and secondary copies of AlwaysOn database are online.



Do not create a client resource using the AlwaysOn Availability Group virtual name when
performing a backup. Otherwise the backup will fail.

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CHAPTER 6
Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Prerequisites......................................................................................................... 124
◆ Configuring scheduled backups for SQL Server clusters......................................... 124
◆ Performing manual backups and recovery ............................................................. 130

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Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery

Prerequisites
There are several prerequisites for performing scheduled database backups with a SQL
virtual server in a cluster environment:
◆ A NetWorker client, configured for database backups, must be created for each SQL
virtual server to be protected.
◆ Configure the NetWorker client to either:
• Back up all databases by using MSSQL:.
• Back up specific databases by using MSSQL:User Database.
Additional databases may be added to an existing NetWorker client or a new
database client may be created.
◆ The command argument to specify virtual servers is –A SQL_virtual_server. Use the
fully qualified domain name for the client configuration and the –A option to specify
the SQL virtual server, as in the following example:
nsrsqlsv -s servername -A SQL_virtual_server

Configuring scheduled backups for SQL Server clusters

To perform a scheduled backup for a SQL Server cluster by using NMM, you must create
client resources for the participating nodes in the cluster.
You can use either of the following methods to create the client resources:
◆ “By using Client Configuration Wizard” on page 124
◆ “By using NMC” on page 128

By using Client Configuration Wizard

To be able to use the Client Configuration Wizard from the NetWorker Administrator GUI,
you must install the following NetWorker components:
◆ NetWorker server 8.1 or later
◆ NetWorker Management Console (NMC) server 8.1 or later
◆ NetWorker client 8.1.1
When using the Client Configuration Wizard to configure a scheduled backup, ensure not
to use a short name alias for a virtual server node that is not registered on the NetWorker
server with a fully qualified domain client name.
You are complete the required steps to configure a client resource using the Client
Configuration Wizard for a SQL Server cluster.
1. Open the NetWorker Administrator GUI.
2. In the Configuration window, perform either of the following steps:
• Select Configuration > New Client Wizard.
• Right-click the client and on the menu that appears, click Client Backup
Configuration > New Client Wizard.

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3. In the Specify the Client Name and Type page that appears:
a. Type the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the SQL virtual server in the Client
name field.
b. Click Next.
The wizard automatically detects the cluster instances that are installed on the client
specified in the Specify the Client Name and Type page, and displays the list from
which you can select the backup type. Because a supported SQL Server version is
installed, the backup option SQL Server appears in Select the Backup Configuration
Type page.
4. In the Select the Backup Configuration Type page:
a. The client operating system and the NetWorker version being used in the
configuration setup are automatically displayed in the Client Operating System
field and NetWorker Version field respectively.
b. Select the SQL Server option.
c. Click Next.
The Specify the Client Backup Options page appears. This page displays the SQL
Server version and the list of all the available components.
5. In the Specify the Client Backup Options page:
a. The Client Direct option is selected by default. The Client Direct support provided
by NetWorker 8.1.1 is available in NMM. The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft
Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide and NetWorker Release Administration
Guide provide details about this feature.
b. Leave the Target Pool field blank so that no client is associated to any pool.
c. Select one of the following options under Deduplication:
– None— If you have not set up data deduplication.
– Data Domain backup—If you are using a Data Domain device for data
deduplication.
– Avamar deduplication backup—If you are using Avamar device for data
deduplication. After selecting this option, choose the Avamar node from the
available list.
d. Click Next.
The Select the Backup Objects page appears, containing a list of all instances and
their components.
6. In the Select the Backup Objects page, select the SQL Server cluster instance or
individual databases for backup.

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The following figure shows the Select the Backup Objects page for all other SQL Server
backups.

Figure 50 Select the Backup Objects page

Ensure not to select databases from two separate instances for backup. All databases
that are selected must be from the same instance. Also, databases that are in offline,
restoring, or loading state are unavailable for selection.
Click Next.
7. On the Specify the Virtual Server Credentials page:
a. Enter the Remote user name and Password.
b. Click Next.

Figure 51 Specify the Virtual Server Credentials page

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Before performing this step, ensure that for Windows Server 2008 R2 the User
Account Control is disabled for administrators. Chapter 1, “Overview of SQL Server
VDI” and esg114125 on the EMC Online Support (https://support.emc.com) provide
details.

8. In the Specify the Backup Options page, select the required options and click Next.
The options are:
a. Under Compression/Encryption Options > NetWorker compression or 256-bit AES
software encryption—Select if using 256-bit AES software encryption.
b. SQL Compression Option—Select if using SQL server 2008 and later versions.
c. Checksum Option—Select if using SQL server 2005 supported versions.
d. Do not Truncate Log—Select when backing up transaction logs for SQL server 2005.
e. Skip simple recovery model databases during incremental backup—Select when
performing instance level backup. If this option is not selected when performing
database level backup, the database is not skipped and the simple recovery model
database is promoted to full backup.
The simple database is skipped when the NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental
variable is set to TRUE in client Application Information. Otherwise, the
incremental backup request is promoted to full.
f. Specify the number of stripes to backup the specified data items—Select when
using stripes during backup.
The Select the NetWorker Client Properties page appears.
9. In the Select the NetWorker Client Properties page:
a. Select the browse policy, retention policy, and backup schedule for the backup.
b. Type a comment for the client in the Client Comment field.
c. Leave the Remote Access field blank.
d. Click Next.
The Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page appears.
10. In the Specify the NetWorker Backup Group page, you can select either of the following
options and click Next:
• Add to existing group - Select a group from the existing list. Only groups without
snapshot policies are available for selection.
• Create a new group - To create a new group, select this option:
– Type the a group name.
– Select the client retries.
– Choose the schedule backup time in the Schedule Backup Start Time.
– Select the Automatically start backup at the scheduled time to start the backup
automatically at the designated time.

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If a storage node is being used in your configuration setup, the Specify the Storage
Node Options page appears.



Ensure that the newly created group is associated with a backup pool (and associated
backup device) of your choice.

To associate a backup group with a pool resource, go back to the pool resource,
right-click and select Properties. Now select the newly created group listed under
Basic > Data Source > Groups. This step can be performed only after exiting the Client
Configuration Wizard.
11. In the Specify the Storage Node Options page, under Backup Storage Nodes, select
either of the following options and click Next:
• Backup to the NetWorker server only - When a NetWorker storage node is not being
used.
• Backup to the following storage nodes - To select the NetWorker storage node
name and other details.
The Backup Configuration Summary page appears.
12. Check the details in the Backup Configuration Summary page, and select Back revisit
the previous pages, or select Create to configure the client resources.
The Client Configuration Results page appears with details about the client resources
that have been created for a required SQL Server.
13. Click Finish.
14. To verify the details for the client, select the client, right-click and view the Client
Properties page in the NetWorker Administration GUI.
The SQL virtual server client and the client resources for the physical nodes get
created after completing the Wizard.

By using NMC
You must complete the required steps to configure scheduled backups by using the
NetWorker Administration GUI.
◆ “Creating group resources for the cluster” on page 128
◆ “Create client resources for each cluster node” on page 129
◆ “Create client resources for a virtual server” on page 129
The EMC NetWorker Administration Guide provides detailed instructions on configuring
NetWorker server resources.

Creating group resources for the cluster

The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Release 3.0 SP1 Administration Guide provides
instructions on creating a Group resource.
Modify groups so that all clients that run the Client Configuration Wizard have Modify
NetWorker administrator rights.

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You must complete the required steps to edit a user group.

1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Under Enterprise, select the computer to update.
3. Double-click NetWorker.
4. Select User Groups in the left pane, and double-click Administrators in the right-pane.
5. Edit the values for the group:
• For the Administrators group, change the Comment or the Users field. The
Privileges field cannot be changed.
• For the Users group, all values can be changed.
6. Click OK.

Create client resources for each cluster node

To create client resources, edit the client resource for each physical node of the cluster. In
the NetWorker Administration GUI, you can select Clients in the left pane, and the
right-click in the right pane to create a new resource.
In the General tab, for the Name field, list the fully qualified domain name for the cluster
node name. For example:
wash-2k.belred.emc.com

Create client resources for a virtual server

You must complete the required steps to create client resources.
1. Create the client resource for each virtual server in the cluster. Provide values for the
following fields:
a. On the General tab, in the Name field of the client resource, list the short name for
the SQL virtual server, and omit the domain specification. This should be the name
of the virtual server, and not a node name.
b. In the Backup command field on the Apps & Modules tab (for NetWorker), enter the
nsrsqlsv command with the necessary options. Chapter 8, “Command Line
Interface” provides more information on the nsrsqlsv command syntax.
For virtual server backups, the -A SQL_virtual_server_name command option is
required.
c. On the Globals (2 of 2) tab, grant access to all physical nodes in the cluster by
adding entries similar to the following in the Remote Access field:
Remote access: RemoteUser@physicalnode_hostname
Remote user: RemoteUser
Password: ********
where:
– RemoteUser is the account under which the backup will be run.
– physicalnode_hostname is the fully qualified domain name.

Configuring scheduled backups for SQL Server clusters 129

Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery

The Remote Access field enables the NMM server to access the cluster node to
authenticate the computer (on which the virtual server is running) as a NMM client
before any backup or restore operation begins. Follow this step for each virtual
server Client resource in the cluster.
d. On the Apps & Modules tab, for the User Name and Password fields, add the
username and password, respectively, for a Windows user account that has both
SQL Server administrator privileges and Windows administrator privileges. The
User Name and Password fields enable NMM to back up the SQL Server virtual
server. Follow these steps for each virtual server Client resource in the cluster.
2. Use the NMC to start the backup group manually, or wait for the next scheduled
backup to occur.

Performing manual backups and recovery

A manual backup or restore operation can be run from any active host in the cluster,
regardless of whether a failover has occurred, by using either the NetWorker User for SQL
Server GUI or the command prompt.

NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI

You must complete the required steps to start a manual backup or restore operation in a
Microsoft cluster.
1. Open the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI.
The Select SQL Instance dialog box appears.
2. Select the SQL Server instance for a backup or restore operation.
3. Configure and run the backup or restore just as you would on a stand-alone server. For
instructions, see the following:
• “Performing manual backups” on page 44
• “Performing recoveries” on page 87

The command prompt

To back up or restore a SQL Server virtual server, the Windows account that is used to
execute the nsrsqlsv or nsrsqlrc commands must be an WSFC administrator. To determine
which accounts have WSFC administrator privileges, refer to the WSFC online help. If the
Windows account does not have WSFC administrator privileges, NMM cannot
communicate with WSFC and the various WSFC cluster resources, including the SQL
Server virtual servers.
To start a manual backup or restore, enter one of the following at the prompt:
◆ To back up data, enter the nsrsqlsv command.
◆ To restore data, enter the nsrsqlrc command.

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For example, to back up a SQL virtual server database, enter the following:
nsrsqlsv -A SQL_virtual_server_name -c SQL_virtual_server_name -s
NetWorker_server_name MSSQL:dbName

where:
◆ SQL_virtual_server_name is virtual server name when SQL Server is configured to run
in an WSFC cluster.
◆ NetWorker_server_name is the NetWorker server to use for the backup.
◆ dbName is name of the SQL Server database to be backed up.
Specifying -A SQL_virtual_server_name initiates the following:
◆ Contact the SQL virtual server.
◆ Create save set entries under SQL_virtual_server_name in the NetWorker client index.
Chapter 8, “Command Line Interface” provides more information.

Performing manual backups and recovery 131

Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery

132 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 7
Striped Backup and Recovery

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Overview of striped backups ................................................................................. 134
◆ Performance considerations.................................................................................. 135
◆ Performing striped backups .................................................................................. 136
◆ Performing striped recovery .................................................................................. 136

Striped Backup and Recovery 133

Striped Backup and Recovery

Overview of striped backups

NMM supports the use of multiple stripes for backing up and restoring SQL Server data.
Stripes are one or more data streams that may be extracted in parallel from a database,
and written in parallel to multiple media devices, such as tape drives. With NMM, striping
can yield a significant performance advantage when a large amount of data is backed up
and recovered by using multiple tape drives.
Although the SQL Server supports 64 stripes, NMM supports only 32 stripes. This
restriction is applicable to the NetWorker User for SQL Server program, and the nsrsqlsv
and nsrsqlrc commands.
Before a striped backup begins, the Parallelism value in the Set Up Server dialog box in
NMC must be set to at least one more than the number of stripes being used. For example,
if you want to use three stripes, specify a value of four or greater for the parallelism.
The total number of save streams (SS), which is the data and save set information being
written to a storage volume during a backup, is actually a product of client parallelism (P)
and stripes (S), that is SS = P X S.
If you are using an Avamar device for data deduplication and stripes together for backup,
ensure that the save stream value is less than or equal to four for successful SQL Server
VDI backup and recovery by using NMM.
NMM supports interleaving for backing up multiple clients to a single backup device.
Interleaving is the process of writing multiple stripes to the same volume. Recovering
interleaved backups, however, can require substantial recovery time. When restoring an
entire interleaved backup, one stripe at a time is recovered. This requires multiple passes
over the same areas on the backup medium. When recovering an interleaved backup,
recover each client’s backup separately.

Specifying striping
You can specify striping from one of the following:
◆ From the Backup Options dialog box in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI.
◆ From the NetWorker Administration GUI for a scheduled backup.
◆ From the Windows command prompt on the client host.
Append -Sn to the nsrsqlsv command, for example:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -S3 db_name

where n is the number of stripes to use.

Use the lowercase -s to specify the NetWorker server name and the uppercase -S to specify
the number of stripes to use. Chapter 8, “Command Line Interface,” provides more
information about using the nsrsqlsv command.

Changing Windows registry entry for striped backup

Installation of NMM sets a Windows registry entry. By default, this entry enables the
Detect Available Tape Sessions option in the Restore Options dialog box.

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 Striped Backup and Recovery

To change the default setting, clear the Detect Available Tape Sessions Prior to Restoring a
Striped Backup field in the Restore Options dialog box. The current setting persists from
session to session.
You can also use the regedit command at the command line to change the default setting.
Modify the NSR_DETECT_TAPES entry in the following registry path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Legato\BSMSQL\Environment\

Performance considerations
For improved striped backup performance, follow these suggestions:
◆ In the Create Device or Edit Device dialog box in the NetWorker Administration GUI,
configure target sessions for the NetWorker devices that are performing the striped
backup.
Always specify one session per device when using striping. This yields the best
backup performance on the client host by eliminating interleaving.
◆ Allot a separate backup device (such as a tape drive) for each stripe in the backup or
recovery operation with the following criteria:
• Use a different NetWorker server for the backup and the recovery operations not
related to the SQL Server.
• Use a dedicate a storage node exclusively to the striped backups.
◆ NMM automatically recovers data by using the same number of stripes that were
specified for the backup.
For best recovery performance, ensure that the same number of devices used for the
backup are also available at recovery time.
◆ Configure the computer to run the following:
• NetWorker client as a NetWorker storage node
• NMM
• SQL Server



The NetWorker server cannot be installed on the same host where NMM is installed.

Performance considerations 135

Striped Backup and Recovery

Performing striped backups

NMM supports manual and scheduled backup striping.
You must complete the required steps to perform a manual striped backup from the SQL
Server host, which is a NetWorker client.
◆ From the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI:
a. From the Operation menu, select Backup.
b. Select an item to back up.
c. From the Options menu, select Backup Options.
d. In the Backup Options dialog box, check Create a Striped Backup.
e. Select the number of stripes from the Stripes list.
◆ From the Windows command prompt, specify the -S option with the nsrsqlsv
command. For example:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -Sn db_name

where n specifies the number of stripes you want to use, for example, -S3.
◆ From the NetWorker Administration GUI:
a. Click Configuration.
b. In the expanded left pane, click Clients.
c. In the right pane, right-click the client, and select Properties.
d. In the Apps & Modules tab of the Properties dialog box, append -Sn to the nsrsqlsv
command, where n is the number of stripes to use.
e. Click OK.

Performing striped recovery

NMM performs striped recovery optimizations so that striped recoveries proceed as
quickly as possible. This feature represents a fundamental change in the striped recovery
strategy and impacts the capability to restore a striped backup under certain situations.
This section contains the following information:
◆ “Optimal striped recovery versus fail-safe striped recovery” on page 136
◆ “Performing an optimal striped recovery” on page 137
◆ “Performing a fail-safe striped recovery” on page 137

Optimal striped recovery versus fail-safe striped recovery

NMM assumes a best-case scenario for striped recovery. The worst-case scenario cited in
“Performing a fail-safe striped recovery” on page 137 causes the striped recovery to stop
responding by default. The recovery process is unresponsive because the SQL Server is
waiting for the NetWorker server to mount a volume. However, the NetWorker server has
no tape sessions available.

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When a striped recovery is performed along with interleaving, NMM stops responding and
the recovery hangs forever. As a workaround, enable the failsafe option and then perform
the recovery.
The following table provides guidelines for determining when to activate the fail-safe
striped recovery algorithm.

Table 27 Guidelines for fail-safe striped recovery

If Then

The backup was Use NMC to determine if a second mount request has occurred for a volume
interleaved that is already assigned tape sessions.

Fewer devices are Use NMC to determine if a device has been deactivated, or is busy
available performing an operation for another client.

Performing an optimal striped recovery

In a best-case scenario, striped recovery assumes, by default, that enough NetWorker tape
sessions are available to enable the striped recovery to proceed without blocking. NMM
then assumes the following:
◆ Each stripe was written to a different volume during backup. Interleaving was not used
during the striped backup.
◆ The same number of devices that are used during backup are available during restore.
No device failures have occurred since the backup.
◆ All devices that are used for backup are currently available. No other client sessions
are currently assigned to the devices.
If the configuration does not meet these requirements, see “Performing a fail-safe striped
recovery” on page 137.
If the configuration does meet all of these requirements, then NMM optimally restores the
striped recovery. Backup data is delivered to the SQL Server as soon as each tape session
is established. This method provides the highest performance and lowest restore time.

Performing a fail-safe striped recovery

If a striped backup is interleaved, or if fewer tape sessions are available at recovery time
(because of a failed or busy device), then a fail-safe striped recovery is necessary.
NMM determines the number of tape sessions available before starting striped recovery
by contacting the NetWorker server with a list of striped save sets. If the number of tape
sessions is smaller than the number of striped save sets, NMM uses a fail-safe striped
recovery algorithm. The algorithm selected depends on the SQL Server version.

Performing striped recovery 137

Striped Backup and Recovery

About fail-safe striped recovery

When enabling a fail-safe striped recovery for a SQL Server client, additional configuration
settings are recommended to enable the recovery to proceed at maximum throughput.
NMM takes advantage of the SQL Server VDI feature called removable pipes. This feature
allows third-party backup vendors to recover a striped backup from fewer devices.
However, there is currently no way for NMM to accurately determine how many tape
sessions the NetWorker server can assign. The NetWorker server does not support striped
recoveries by default. Therefore, only one tape session is available to recover the striped
save sets before the detection phase.
The SQL Server VDI removable pipes function allows a third-party backup vendor to start
only as many stripe recovery threads as there are tape sessions available. Otherwise, the
recovery stops responding.
Because of the removable pipes requirements and the NetWorker server limitation, NMM
by default recovers one stripe save set at a time for the SQL Server when the Detect
Available Tape Sessions Prior to Restoring a Striped Backup option is enabled. Therefore,
if data is backed up with two stripes, the recovery process takes twice as long. You can,
however, temporarily enable striped recoveries on the NetWorker server to achieve
maximum performance during a recovery process of SQL Server striped backups.



Because enabling striped recoveries on the NetWorker server may cause file system
recoveries to fail, do not use this recovery method as a permanent solution.

Performing fail-safe striped recovery

The following procedure applies to normal and copy restore types.
You must complete the required steps to enable a fail-safe striped recovery.
1. Open the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI.
2. In the Restore page, mark the root item in the left pane.
3. From the Options menu, select Restore Options.
4. Select the Detect available tape sessions prior to restoring a striped backup field.
This field is selected by default and is controlled by the Windows registry entry
NSR_DETECT_TAPES, which can be modified by either checking or clearing this field.
However, if the Detect available tape sessions prior to restoring a striped backup field
is selected, this field retains its setting from one session to the next. “Changing
Windows registry entry for striped backup” on page 134 provides more information on
this keyword.

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 Striped Backup and Recovery

5. (Optional) Enable striped recoveries on the NetWorker server by creating the file
striped_recovery in the \nsr\debug directory on the NetWorker server.



You do not need to restart the NetWorker services to activate this setting.

6. Start the recovery process from the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI or from the
command line.
7. If the volumes with the striped recovery are not managed by an autochanger, then
monitor events in NMC.
When a media wait event occurs, load the appropriate volume.

Performing striped recovery 139

Striped Backup and Recovery

8. After recovery, clear the option for the Detect Available Tape Sessions Prior to
Restoring a Striped Backup field in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI.
Because this setting is maintained in the Windows registry, disabling the option
allows the next striped recovery to proceed at maximum performance.

140 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 8
Command Line Interface

This chapter includes the following topics:

◆ Overview of command line interface...................................................................... 142
◆ Using the nsrsqlsv command ................................................................................ 142
◆ Using the nsrsqlrc command ................................................................................. 146
◆ Using the nwmssql command ............................................................................... 152
◆ Backup and recovery command syntax for SQL Server data ................................... 152

Command Line Interface 141

Command Line Interface

Overview of command line interface

The following commands are used to perform backup and recovery:
◆ nsrsqlsv backs up the specified SQL Server data objects.
◆ nsrsqlrc recovers the specified SQL Server data objects.
◆ nwmssql starts the GUI.
Before initiating the backup and recovery commands, review the following requirements:
◆ Case is very important when specifying command-line flags. Each command option is
either lowercase or uppercase and, frequently both the cases of a letter are included
in the set of command options.
For example, -c specifies the NetWorker client name, while -C specifies compression of
the backup data.
◆ Depending on the command option, the space separator between an option and its
corresponding argument can be optional, required, or not allowed.
For example, both the following expressions are valid:
-l backup_level
-lbackup_level

While the following expression is invalid because a space is not allowed between the
+ argument and log_mark_name:
-M + log_mark_name

◆ Brackets ([ ]) are used to denote the optional portions of a command. For example,
command options and corresponding arguments, if any. When initiating an actual
backup or recovery operation, do not include brackets.
◆ Data items must follow all other command options, and parameters on the command
line.



When using the nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc commands, the Windows logon account must be
granted the SQL Server sysadmin role.

Using the nsrsqlsv command

The nsrsqlsv command is used to back up SQL Server data objects, which consist of files,
filegroups, and databases.
To start a backup, specify the nsrsqlsv command and its options in the Backup Command
field in the NetWorker Administration GUI or from a Windows command prompt.
You must complete the required steps to modify the Backup Command field.
1. Open the NetWorker Administration GUI.
2. Click Configuration.
3. In the expanded left pane, click Clients.

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 Command Line Interface

4. In the right-side pane, right-click the client, and select Properties.

5. In the Apps & Modules tab of the Properties dialog box, enter the nsrsqlsv command
and any required options in the Backup Command field.
6. Click OK.



The -b and -l command options are valid only for manual backups started from a Windows
command prompt on a client host. Do not use either of these options when configuring a
scheduled backup in the NetWorker Administration GUI.

Command syntax for nsrsqlsv

The nsrsqlsv command syntax is:
nsrsqlsv [-CGjqRTvkuHXZ] [-s server] [-N name] [-b pool] [-g group]
[-S count] [-l level] [-m masquerade] [-U user [-P passwd]]
[[-A virtual-server] | [-c client]]
[-f aes] [-w browse] [-y retention]
[[-A virtual-server] | [-c client]] [-a Deduplication
backup=yes]
[-a Deduplication node=<Avamar Node Name>]
[-a Deduplication client name=<client>]
[-a Device interface=data domain]
[-f aes] [-w browse] [-y retention]

Using the nsrsqlsv command 143

Command Line Interface

Command options for nsrsqlsv

The following table lists the nsrsqlsv command options.

Table 28 Command options for nsrsqlsv (page 1 of 3)

Command
options Descriptions

-a Specifies whether data deduplication should be set with Data Domain or Avamar.

-A Specifies the virtual server name when a SQL Server is configured to run in an MSCS cluster. Chapter 6, “Cluster
Servers Backup and Recovery,” provides more information.

-b Assigns a destination pool for a save set. Specifying -b pool_name overrides all other pool-selection criteria either
provided by the NetWorker client, or specified in the Backup Options dialog box of the NetWorker User for SQL
Server GUI. The pool must be created with a corresponding label template before running a command that includes
the -b option.

-c Specifies the NetWorker client name for which the SQL Server data is to be backed up.

-C Specifies compression of the backup data before the NetWorker client sends the data to the NetWorker server.

-f aes Enables the NetWorker server to back up data using AES encryption.

-g Specifies the save group. The NetWorker server and the savegrp command use the group parameter to select the
media pool.

-G Specifies a NO_LOG transaction log backup before backing up the database. This command option is valid only for
level full backups.

Note: This flag is deprecated in SQL Server 2008 or later.

-h Excludes a database from the backup.

For example:
nsrsqlsv -s bv-customer.belred.emc.com -h master -h model MSSQL:

-H Uses the NORECOVERY option when backing up transaction logs. It leaves the database in Restoring state.

-I Specifies a text file that lists multiple SQL Server save sets. The -I option may also be specified with the nsrsqlsv
command for the Backup Command field in the NetWorker Administration GUI.

-j Performs a database consistency check before initiating the backup.

-k Perform checksum before writing to media.

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Table 28 Command options for nsrsqlsv (page 2 of 3)

Command
options Descriptions

-l Specifies the backup level. Valid values are as follows:

• Full
• Level 1
• Incr

Note: “Combining data objects to create backup levels” on page 60 provides more information about which backup
levels are supported for various SQL Server data objects.
The -l option is valid only for manual backups initiated from a Windows command prompt on a client host. For
scheduled backups, set the backup level in the Set Level dialog box of the schedule resource in the NetWorker
Administration GUI. Do not use the -l option when starting a backup in the NetWorker Administration GUI.

Sample outputs for each of the three different levels of backup follow:
• Full backup of the database to a specified NetWorker server:
nsrsqlsv -s server -c client -b poolname -l full dbname
nsrsqlsv -s swraj -c SQL2012RC1Named -b Sub9VDI -l full 5
43708:(pid 6004):Start time: Sat Jan 28 09:07:42 2012
43621:(pid 6004):Computer Name: SQL2012-NODE3 User Name: Administrator
NSR_BACKUP_LEVEL: full;
NSR_CLIENT: SQL2012RC1Named.joy.com;
NSR_DATA_VOLUME_POOL: Sub9VDI;
NSR_LOG_VOLUME_POOL: Sub9VDI;
NSR_SAVESET_NAME: "MSSQL:5";
NSR_SERVER: Swraj.joy.com;
37994:(pid 6004):Backing up 5...
4690:(pid 6004):BACKUP database [5] TO
virtual_device='EMC#4018d580-f511-4457-abc3-a62c4c3f0ff9' WITH
name=N'EMCNWMSQL'
53085:(pid 6004):Backing up of 5 succeeded.
nsrsqlsv: MSSQL:5 level=full, 2261 KB 00:00:02 1 file(s)
43709:(pid 6004):Stop time: Sat Jan 28 09:07:49 2012

• Differential backup:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -l diff my_database
nsrsqlsv: Backing up my_database...
nsrsqlsv: BACKUP database my_database TO virtual_device='BSMSQL' WITH
differential, stats
nsrsqlsv: my_database level=diff, 719 KB 00:00:05 1 file(s)

• Incremental backup:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -l incr my_database
nsrsqlsv: Backing up my_database...
nsrsqlsv: BACKUP log my_database TO virtual_device =’BSMSQL’
nsrsqlsv: my_database level=incr, 61 MB 00:00:05 1 file(s)
At least one SQL Server data item (file, filegroup, or database) must be specified, and the data items and list of data
objects must follow all other command options and parameters on the command line.

-N Specifies the symbolic name of the save set. By default, the most common prefix of the path arguments is used as
the save set name.

Using the nsrsqlsv command 145

Command Line Interface

Table 28 Command options for nsrsqlsv (page 3 of 3)

Command
options Descriptions

-P Specifies the SQL Server user password. When the -U username command option is specified, the password
command option must also be provided, as follows:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -U username
-P password MSSQL:
Use the SQL Server username and password to log onto SQL Server by using SQL Server integrated security.

-q Displays nsrsqlsv messages in quiet mode; only summary information and error messages appear.

-R Uses the NO_TRUNCATE option when backing up transaction logs.

-s Specifies the NetWorker server to use for the backup operation.

-S Backs up the specified data items using n stripes.

To use backup and recovery striping successfully, see the striping configuration described in Chapter 7, “Striped
Backup and Recovery.”

-T Performs a TRUNCATE_ONLY transaction log backup before backing up the database and is valid for only full
backups.

Note: This flag is deprecated in SQL Server 2008 or later.

-u Continues the backup even in the event of a checksum error.

-U Specifies the SQL Server username. When this command option is specified, the -P password command option
must also be provided, as follows:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -U username -P password MSSQL:
Use the SQL Server username and password to log onto SQL Server using SQL Server integrated security.

-v Displays nsrsqlsv messages in verbose mode, providing detailed information about the progress of the backup
operation.

-X Indicates that SQL Server internal backup compression is used.

-Z Applies to the backup of up databases for a SQL Server 2005, and is usually used in the online recovery scenario
from the command line. The -Z option specifies that the incremental (transaction log) backup after recovery is not
promoted to full backup. Without the -Z option, the backup is promoted to full.

Using the nsrsqlrc command

The nsrsqlrc command recovers specified SQL Server data (files, filegroups, and
databases) from the NetWorker server. To start a recovery operation, specify the nsrsqlrc
command and any of its options at a Windows command prompt.

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 Command Line Interface

Command syntax for nsrsqlrc

The nsrsqlrc command syntax is as follows:
nsrsqlrc [-fjqVku] [-$ instance_name]
[-A virtual_server_name]
[-c client_name]{[-d MSSQL:destination_dbName]
[-e pass_phrase]
[-C file=path,file2=path2,...]}[-M [+|-]log_mark_name]
[-R fgName1,fgName2,...] [-t date]
[-s NetWorker_server_name]
[-S normal|standby:undo_file|norecover][[-U username]
[-P password]][-z]
[MSSQL: dbname dbname.fgName dbName.fgName.filename ...]

Command options for nsrsqlrc

The following table lists the nsrsqlrc command options.

Table 29 Command options for nsrqlrc (page 1 of 5)

Command
options Descriptions

-$ Specifies a named SQL Server instance as the source of the copy recovery. The syntax is:
-$ MSSQL$instance_name:
where:
-$ specifies to use a named instance instead of the default instance as the source for the copy recovery.
$instance_name is the name of the instance to use.
The following example copies the database Sales from the SQL Server prod-sql, instance Venus, to the SQL Server
test-sql, instance Mars:
nsrsqlrc -s nw_server.company.com
-c prod-sql. company.com
-$ MSSQL$VENUS:
-d “MSSQL$MARS:Sales”
-C” ‘Sales ‘=’D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL
Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data\Sales.mdf',
'Sales_log'='D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL
Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\Data\Sales_log.ldf'"
-t "Fri Dec 01 08:01:19 2006"
"MSSQL$VENUS:Sales"
If the -$ switch is used, and no instance is named, for example "-$ MSSQL:", or the -$ switch is omitted, the default
instance is used.

-A Specifies the virtual server name when the SQL Server is configured to run as a clustered service in an MSCS
cluster. Chapter 6, “Cluster Servers Backup and Recovery,” provides more information.

-c Specifies the NetWorker client name from which the SQL Server data is to be recovered.

Using the nsrsqlrc command 147

Command Line Interface

Table 29 Command options for nsrqlrc (page 2 of 5)

Command
options Descriptions

-C Copies the database being restored to either the same SQL Server or a different SQL Server. It can be used for
normal, copy, and partial restores. Use the relocation list to specify new locations for recovered database files. The
relocation list is composed of pairs of logical database filenames and fully qualified domain database filename
relocation paths. Specify the relocation list only when restoring a database. Each filename and relocation path is
joined by the equal sign (=), and pairs are delimited in the list by commas.
The syntax is:
["][’] file[’]=[’]path[’],[’] file2[’]=[’]path2[’],...["]

For example, to copy a database named Project from a client host named ClientHost1 to a different location on
ClientHost1, specify the relocation list for the database files, but do not include the client host name command
option:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-d MSSQL:CopyOfProject
-C Project_Data=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Data.mdF,
Project_Data2=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Data2.ndF,...,
Project_Log=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Log.ldF MSSQL:Project

The relocation list may be enclosed by double quotes to allow for spaces in the relocation elements and
pathnames. A logical filename or relocation path may be enclosed by single quotes to also allow for spaces. If a
filename or path contains a single quote, precede the single quote with another single quote to prevent the NMM
from parsing the single quote as a delimiter, for example:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-d MSSQL:CopyOfProject
-C "’File’=C:\Relocate Dir\Path\,
=’C:\Relocate Dir\Path\’,...,
’=C:\Relocate Dir\Path\’’" MSSQL:Project

When no relocation list is specified, NMM reads the source database filenames and location from the client index
metadata or the backup. This information is used to generate a default list by relocating all files to the default SQL
data path for the target SQL Server. The filenames are guaranteed to be unique, but sufficient disk space is not
ensured.

-d Performs a copy operation. The copy operation recovers SQL Server data from a client host to another database
name on the same client host. The syntax is:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -C client_name -d
MSSQL:destination_dbname MSSQL:source_dbname

where:
destination_dbName is the name of the SQL database to which the source database is to be recovered.
source_dbName is the name of the SQL database to restore.
When -C, -M, -R, or -d are used, the list of data items can include only one database. The list of data items must
follow all other command options and parameters on the command line.

-e Enables use of an alternate pass phrase with AES encryption when recovering data.

-f Performs a recovery operation by replacing the target database with the source. This option recovers a source
database to an existing, incompatible database of the same name on the target host. This option is also used to
recover damaged files.

-j Performs a database consistency check between the backed up SQL Server data and the recovered SQL Server
data.

-k Perform checksum before reading from media.

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Table 29 Command options for nsrqlrc (page 3 of 5)

Command
options Descriptions

-M Performs a SQL Server data recovery of the named transaction specified in log_mark_name (for SQL Server 2005
only).
How the mark name is prefixed, determines how the data will be recovered:
When the mark name is prefixed with a plus sign (+), the data is recovered to and includes the named transaction.
When the mark name is prefixed with a minus sign (-), the data is recovered up to the named transaction.
The log_mark_name should immediately follow the plus or minus symbol. The use of a space separator is not
allowed. The default is the plus sign.
For example, to recover the SQL data to and include the named transaction transaction_mark, enter the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-M +transaction_mark MSSQL:dbName
To recover the SQL data only to the named transaction transaction_mark, enter the following command:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-M -transaction_mark MSSQL:dbName
Only one SQL Server database may be specified, and the database must follow all other command options and
parameters on the command line.

-P Specifies the SQL Server user password. When the -U username command option is specified, the password
command option must also be provided, as follows:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -U username
-P password MSSQL:
Use the SQL Server username and password to log onto SQL Server using SQL Server integrated security.

-q Displays nsrsqlrc messages in quiet mode, which provides minimal information about the progress of the recovery
operation, including error messages.

-R Performs a partial database recovery or a piecemeal recovery of the specified filegroups. This command option is
not available with other versions of SQL Server. The partial database recovery operation restores specific
filegroups from a single full SQL Server database backup. Add the filegroups to the -R command option in a list,
with items separated by commas. The -C parameter may be used, and should specify all files for the database. The
-d parameter is also required:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-R ["][’]fgName[’],[’]fgName2[’],[’]...[’]["]
-C Project_Data=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Data.mdF,
Project_Data2=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Data2.ndF,...,
Project_Log=C:\Relocation\Path\Project_Log.ldF MSSQL:Project-d
MSSQL:PartOfProject MSSQL:Project
where:
• Project is the name of the SQL database to restore.
• PartOfProject is the name of the SQL database to which the source database is to be recovered.
• fgName,... are the names of the filegroups to restore.
To allow spaces:
• Between the filegroup names for the -R option, enclose the list of filegroup names within double quotes.
• Within filegroup names, enclose each filegroup name within single quotes.
• If a filegroup name contains a single quote, precede the single quote with another single quote to prevent the
NetWorker client from parsing the single quote as a delimiter.
For example, to accommodate for the space in Filegroup A, the space after the first comma, and the single quote in
Filegroup A’, use the following syntax:
-R "’Filegroup A’, ’Filegroup A’’’"
When an empty relocation list is supplied, use the following syntax:
-R ""

NMM recovers only the primary filegroup.

When -C, -M, -R, or -d are used, the list of data objects can include only one database. The list of data objects must
follow all other command options and parameters on the command line.

Using the nsrsqlrc command 149

Command Line Interface

Table 29 Command options for nsrqlrc (page 4 of 5)

Command
options Descriptions

-s Specifies the NetWorker server to use for the recovery operation.

-S Performs the recovery operation according to the specified database restore mode of normal, standby, or no
recovery. The syntax is:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -d destination_dbName -S
normal | "standby:undo_file" | norecover MSSQL:source_dbName
where:
• destination_dbName is the name of the SQL database to which the source database is to be restored.
• source_dbName is the name of the SQL database to restore.
The recovery modes are as follows:
• The normal recovery mode recovers the database in normal, operational mode.
• The standby recovery mode activates the SQL Server STANDBY option, which forces the database to be in a
read-only state between transaction log recovers operations.
• The no-recovery recovery mode activates the SQL Server NORECOVER option, which places the database in an
unloadable state after the recovery, but still able to process additional transaction log recovery operations.
For example, to recover a database named Project in normal, operational mode to a new database named
NewProjectName, enter the following command:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -S normal
-d MSSQL:NewProjectName MSSQL:Project
To recover the database in standby mode, the standby parameter must be immediately followed by a colon, and
the standby undo file location and filename must be specified. If a filename or location contains a space, enclose
the filename or location within double quotes, for example:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name
-S "standby:C:\temp\undo filename"
-d MSSQL:NewProjectName MSSQL:Project

-t Recovers the SQL Server data at a specified date. If the date of a backup version is before or is equivalent to the
specified date, the backup version is recovered. Follow the nsr_getdate command syntax guidelines when
formatting the date. To avoid adversely affecting the database, do not use the -t option if restoring a file or
filegroup.

-u Continues the recovery even in the event of a checksum error.

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Table 29 Command options for nsrqlrc (page 5 of 5)

Command
options Descriptions

-U Specifies the SQL Server username. When the username command option is specified, the -P password command
option must also be provided, for example:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -U username -P password MSSQL:
Use the SQL Server username and password to log onto SQL Server by using SQL Server integrated security.

-V Verifies the SQL Server database selected for the recovery. The -V command option verifies only that the selected
database backup is suitable for restoring, the backup is not recovered. The syntax is:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name -V MSSQL:dbName

-z Enables implementation of a recovery plan in independent command line operations. Normally NMM builds the
recovery plan, ensuring all the required backups are available and executed in the proper order and with the
proper options. The –z option removes NMM safety checks.
This option is used in more complex recoveries. For example, given a backup history of:
savetime 1:00 – Full
savetime 2:00 – Incr
savetime 3:00 – Incr
To recover multiple backups and restore a database in a single command use:
nsrsqlrc ... -t “savetime 3:00” ...
This recovers the entire recovery chain, from the first full backup to the last incremental backup.
To recover this recovery chain and restore a database in a series of independent commands use:
nsrsqlrc ... -s norecovery -t “savetime 1:00” ...
nsrsqlrc ... -z -S norecovery -t “savetime 2:00” ...
nsrsqlrc ... -s -S norecovery -t “savetime 3:00” ...
These three commands recover each backup individually. The -z option leaves the database ready for more
restores. The final command recovers the last incremental backup and brings the database on-line.
The database is not available for general usage until after the final recovery completes. Any missing, incorrect, or
out of order save times will result in SQL Server reporting errors.

Sample recovery command lines

In an active mirror session, the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI prevents a piecemeal
recovery of the principal database to a different location. However, you can perform a
piecemeal recovery from the command line.
The following are sample commands for a piecemeal recovery of the primary filegroup
(MDF & LDF) and filegroup "a" (NDF) of AcmeBank to the new database AcmeOnline:
nsrsqlrc
-s "bv-v-cgd2.belred.legato.com"
-c "bv-v-cgd2.belred.legato.com"
-$ "MSSQL$THREE:"
-R "'PRIMARY','a'"
-d "MSSQL$THREE:AcmeOnline"
-C "'AcmeBank'='E:\Data\AcmeOnline.mdf',
'AcmeBank_log'='E:\Data\AcmeOnline_log.ldf',
'AcmeBank1'='E:\Data\AcmeOnline1.ndf'"
-t "Wed Sep 14 13:31:46 2005"
"MSSQL$THREE:AcmeBank"



The AcmeOnline database name and file locations are different from AcmeBank.

Using the nsrsqlrc command 151

Command Line Interface

Using the nwmssql command

The nwmssql command starts the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI. To run the
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI from the Windows Start menu, select Programs > EMC
NetWorker > NetWorker User for SQL Server.
To create a desktop shortcut, go to the <install_path>\nsr\bin directory and drag the
nwmssql.exe file to your desktop while pressing the [Ctrl] key.

Command options for nwmssql

The following table lists the nwmssql command options.
nwmssql [-t] -s NetWorker_server_name -b browse time

Table 30 Command options for nwmssql

Command options
for nwmssql Description

-s Specifies the NetWorker server to use.

-t Diagnoses the current backup or recovery command issued by NMM. The NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI
displays the full backup or recovery command in the operation status window, but does not execute the
backup or restore operation.

-b Limits the browse time to what is mentioned in the -b command line parameter.

Backup and recovery command syntax for SQL Server data

Use the additional command syntax shown in the following table to back up or restore SQL
Server data with the nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc NetWorker backup and recovery commands.
Enter the NetWorker commands with the SQL Server data syntax for either scheduled or
manual backups as follows:
◆ Scheduled backup—In the NetWorker Administration GUI, type the command in the
Backup Command field of the Create Client or Modify Client dialog box.
◆ Manual backup—Type the command at the Windows command prompt on the
NetWorker server or client.
Specify at least one SQL Server data item (file, filegroup, or database) for a manual
backup or restore.

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You can specify more than one data object and combine different types of data. The SQL
data objects must be specified by using the syntax shown in the following table.

Table 31 Command syntax for SQL Server data

SQL Server data Syntax for SQL Server data objects

All databases in the SQL Server MSSQL:

storage hierarchy (optional) Entering MSSQL: yields an instance level backup of all databases on the SQL Server host.

Specified databases MSSQL:dbName

or
[MSSQL:dbName MSSQL:dbName2 ...]

All filegroups in specified MSSQL:dbName.

databases or
[MSSQL:dbName. MSSQL:dbName2 ...]

Specified filegroups in specified MSSQL:dbName.fgName

database or
[MSSQL:dbName.fgName MSSQL:dbName.fgName2 MSSQL:dbName2.fgName
MSSQL:dbName2.fgName2 ...]

Specified files in specified MSSQL:dbName.fgName.filename

filegroups in specified databases or
[MSSQL:dbName.fgName.filename MSSQL:dbName.fgName2.filename
MSSQL:dbName2.fgName.filename MSSQL:dbName2.fgName2.filename ...]

Specifying MSSQL before each data object name is optional and does not affect the
expression or the resulting operation. However, when MSSQL is specified, it must be
followed by a colon (:).
For example, the following two commands are equivalent:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name dbName.fgName
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name MSSQL:dbName.fgName

In a nonclustered, named instance configuration, MSSQL$ is required, followed by the

instance name and a colon. For example:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name
MSSQL$instanceName:dbName.fgName

Syntax for a named instance configuration

When a configuration contains nonclustered named instances of the SQL Server, you must
specify the name of the instance before the data, as follows:
MSSQL$instanceName:[dbName ...] [.fgName ...] [.fileName ...]

For example, to back up all of the databases for instanceOne, type the following:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name MSSQL$instanceOne:

For example, to recover several filegroups for instanceTwo, type the following:
nsrsqlrc -s NetWorker_server_name

MSSQL$instanceTwo:dbName.fgName
MSSQL$instanceTwo:dbName.fgName2

Backup and recovery command syntax for SQL Server data 153
Command Line Interface

Instead of using clustered named instances in this syntax, use clustered instance SQL
Server virtual server names with -A or -c option. For example:
nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -A SQL_virtual_server_DNS_name
SQL_virtual_server_DNS_name
MSSQL”nsrsqlsv -s NetWorker_server_name -c
SQL_virtual_server_DNS_name
MSSQL:

where:
◆ NetWorker_server_name is the hostname of the NetWorker server.
◆ SQL_virtual_server_DNS_name is the Domain Name System (DNS) name for the SQL
Server virtual server.
Create a client resource under this name.
For scheduled ba ckups of a SQL Server virtual server client, it is not necessary to specify
-A or -c option with the SQL Server virtual server name. The savegrp process automatically
specifies the virtual server name to the nsrsqlsv process by using the -m option.



The nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc commands only support specification of a single instance. If
save sets for more than one instance are specified, the backup fails. The nsrsqlrc
command supports mixing of instances for a copy restore operation.

Syntax for names containing a period, backslash, or colon

NMM provides command line syntax that enables you to back up and recover filenames,
filegroups, and databases containing a period (.), backslash (\), or colon (:). By entering a
backslash before the period or backslash, the nsrsqlsv and nsrsqlrc commands interpret
the period or backslash as a literal character.
The following tables list the syntax for filenames, filegroups, and databases containing a
period, backslash, colon, or any combination of the three.
The following notes apply to the information in the tables:
◆ The syntax shown in the right column applies to both the nsrsqlsv or nsrsqlrc
commands.
◆ The notation MSSQL: is optional only for the nsrsqlsv command.
◆ A single period (.) continues to delimit SQL identifiers.
◆ The syntax also applies to named instances.

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◆ The backslash period (\.) character sequence replaces each literal period in the SQL
identifier.
◆ The double backslash (\\) character sequence replaces each literal backslash in the
SQL identifier.

Table 32 Command syntax for names containing a period

Name visible from SQL utilities Equivalent command-line syntax

SQL database named MyDatabase.COM MSSQL:MyDatabase\.COM

MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\.COM

SQL filegroup named MyFileGroup.2 for the SQL database MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2

named MyDatabase.COM MSSQL:MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2

SQL file named MyFile.2, which is a member of the SQL MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2.MyFile\.2

filegroup named MyFileGroup.2 for the SQL database named MSSQL:MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2.MyFile\.2
MyDatabase.COM MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2.MyFile\.2

Table 33 Command syntax for names containing a backslash

Name visible from SQL utilities Equivalent command-line syntax

The SQL database named MyDatabase\COM MyDatabase\\COM

MSSQL:MyDatabase\\COM
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\\COM

The SQL filegroup named MyFileGroup\2 for the SQL database MyDatabase\\COM.MyFileGroup\\2
named MyDatabase\COM MSSQL:MyDatabase\\COM.MyFileGroup\\2
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\\COM.MyFileGroup\\2

The SQL file named MyFile\2, which is a member of the SQL MyDatabase\\COM.MyFileGroup\\2.MyFile\\2
filegroup named MyFileGroup\2 for the SQL database named MSSQL:MyDatabase\\COM.MyFileGroup\\2.MyFile\\2
MyDatabase\COM MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\.COM.MyFileGroup\.2
.MyFile\\2

The SQL database named MyDatabase\COM MyDatabase\\COM

MSSQL:MyDatabase\\COM
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase\\COM

Backup and recovery command syntax for SQL Server data 155
Command Line Interface

Table 34 Command syntax for names containing a colon

Name visible from SQL utilities Equivalent command-line syntax

SQL database named MyDatabase:COM MyDatabase:COM

MSSQL:MyDatabase:COM
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase:COM

SQL filegroup named MyFileGroup:2 for the SQL database MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2

named MyDatabase:COM MSSQL:MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2
MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2

SQL file named MyFile:2, which is a member of the SQL MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2.MyFile:2

filegroup named MyFileGroup:2 for the SQL database named MSSQL:MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2.MyFile:2
MyDatabase:COM MSSQL$MyInstance:MyDatabase:COM.MyFileGroup:2.M
yFile:2

Table 35 Command syntax for names containing periods, back slashes, and colons

Name visible from SQL utilities Equivalent command-line syntax

SQL filegroup named My/FileGroup.2 for the SQL database My:Database\.COM.My\\FileGroup\.2

named My:Database.COM MSSQL: My:Database \.COM.My\\FileGroup\.2
MSSQL$MyInstance: My:Database\.COM.My\\FileGroup\.2

156 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
CHAPTER 9
Disaster Recovery

This chapter includes the following sections:

◆ Overview of disaster recovery................................................................................ 158
◆ Disaster recovery features ..................................................................................... 158
◆ Performing disaster recovery ................................................................................. 159

Disaster Recovery 157

Disaster Recovery

Overview of disaster recovery



The SQL Server databases must be recovered in the correct order. Follow the database
recovery steps in Chapter 5, “Data Recovery.”

Because of the many variations of system configurations, providing recovery instructions

for all possible disasters is not practical. The examples that follow provide general
principles and procedures for recovering data. Before beginning a SQL Server disaster
recovery, review the following:
◆ NetWorker Disaster Recovery Guide
◆ NetWorker Release Notes
◆ Microsoft SQL Server Books Online



The EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for Windows Bare Metal Recovery Solution
Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide provides information about performing Bare Metal Recovery
for SQL Server (VDI).

Disaster recovery features

NMM provides the following disaster recovery features:
◆ System database restore automation—Certain system databases require SQL Server
service control, including the master and the msdb databases. NMM automates the
control of these services as follows:
• For the master database, the SQL Server restarts in single-user mode as required
by the SQL Server.
• For the msdb database, the SQL Agent shuts down to close the connections to the
msdb database.



NMM does not support snapshot backups or recoveries of the SQL Server master
database. Recover from a traditional backup of the master system database during a
disaster recovery.

◆ Database restore order—When recovering a complete backup of all databases or when

recovering certain system databases, the recovery must occur in a specific order. If
system databases are present in the recovery list, NMM ensures that the recovery
order follows SQL Server procedures as follows:
a. The master database is always recovered first and this ensures that metadata
present in the master database is correct for all subsequent restored databases.

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 Disaster Recovery

b. The msdb database is always recovered after the master database and before all
other databases. This ensures that scheduling and other system data present in
the msdb database are correct for all subsequent restored databases.
c. The model database is always recovered after the master and the msdb databases,
and before all other databases. This ensures that the database configuration is
correct for all subsequent databases.
◆ SQL Server startup complete detection—When the SQL Server is started, a database
startup process is also started. The SQL Server enables user connections while the
startup process is running. However, if the startup process is interrupted by a
database RESTORE query, any database that has not yet started is marked as suspect.
When the interruption occurs, subsequent restores of the msdb database fails.
Subsequent recovery of any user database might also fail unless the Overwrite the
Existing Database field is specified in the Properties dialog box.
NMM waits for the SQL Server to complete the database startup process for all
databases before starting a recovery. NMM waits for the recovery of the master
database to complete. This wait process enables a proper restore of the msdb
database and user databases following a SQL Server startup.



Always use the -f option with the nsrsqlrc command for a recovery that follow a SQL
Server startup.

◆ Overwriting capability—Use the Files tab in the Properties dialog box of the NetWorker
User for SQL Server GUI to specify overwriting all databases during a restore.



NMM does not handle all dependent services. When recovering application services,
such Metadata or Replication services, as well as the databases on which these
services depend, the services must be manually shut down.

NMM does not ensure that all connections to a database are closed prior to recovering
a database as required by the SQL Server. Such open connections must be manually
closed. The Microsoft SQL Server documentation provides more information.

Performing disaster recovery

Use the following instructions for disaster recovery if NMM binary files or SQL Server
binary files are damaged or lost:
◆ “When not to reinstall the SQL Server” on page 160
◆ “Recovering a damaged primary disk” on page 160
◆ “Recovering a damaged binary disk” on page 161
◆ “Recovering SQL Server and NetWorker server” on page 161
◆ “Recovering SQL Server without reinstalling” on page 162

Performing disaster recovery 159

Disaster Recovery

◆ “Recovering SQL Server” on page 163

◆ “Using the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on
page 164
The EMC NetWorker Disaster Recovery Guide provides more information about using
NetWorker for disaster recovery.

When not to reinstall the SQL Server

During a disaster recovery of a SQL Server, do not reinstall the SQL Server if the following
applies:
◆ A recent NetWorker backup of the ALL save set exists.
◆ SQL Server was installed prior to the creation of the ALL backup version.
◆ The SQL Server backups for all of the SQL Server databases exist.
If a SQL Server is already installed when the ALL backup is performed, critical state
information for the SQL Server is backed up as part of the ALL save set. When the ALL save
set contains this information, and backups for all of the SQL Server databases exist, the
SQL Server can be reinstated by only restoring the ALL save set and the SQL databases.

Recovering a damaged primary disk

You must complete the required steps if the primary disk with critical SQL Server data is
damaged.
1. Shut down the SQL Server.
2. Rebuild the databases on the SQL Server. Information about rebuilding various SQL
Server is available on the Microsoft MSDN website:
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2012, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd207003.aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2008, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2005, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.90).aspx
3. Restart the SQL Server.
4. Use the replace option to recover the SQL Server master database and the msdb
database.
5. Recover the other SQL application databases.



To run steps 4 and 5 as a single operation from the command line, type the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s... -f MSSQL:

To use the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete steps 4 and 5, see “Using
the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on page 164.

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Recovering a damaged binary disk

You must complete the required steps if the disk with the SQL Server binaries is damaged.
1. Shut down the SQL Server.
2. Recover the ALL save set. “When not to reinstall the SQL Server” on page 160 provides
more information about the ALL save set.
3. Restart the computer.
4. Shut down the SQL Server.
5. Rebuild the databases on the SQL Server. Information about rebuilding various SQL
Server is available on the Microsoft MSDN website:
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2012, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd207003.aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2008, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2005, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.90).aspx
6. When recovery is started, in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI, select the replace
option to recover the SQL Server master database and the msdb database.
7. Recover the other SQL application databases.



To run steps 7 and 8 as a single operation from the command line, type the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s... -f MSSQL:

To use the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete steps 7 and 8, see “Using
the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on page 164.

Recovering SQL Server and NetWorker server

You must complete the required steps if the disks with the SQL Server binaries and the
NetWorker online indexes (the nsr file system) or the SQL Server data are damaged.
1. Recover the NetWorker binaries and online indexes. The EMC Disaster Recovery Guide
provides details.
2. Reinstall the NetWorker software.
• If the computer that failed is the NetWorker server, reinstall the NetWorker server.
• If the computer that failed is a NetWorker client, reinstall the NetWorker client.
3. Recover the ALL save set. “When not to reinstall the SQL Server” on page 160 provides
more information about the ALL save set.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Shut down the SQL Server services if they are running:

Performing disaster recovery 161

Disaster Recovery

6. Rebuild the databases on the SQL Server. Information about rebuilding various SQL
Server is available on the Microsoft MSDN website:
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2012, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd207003.aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2008, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2005, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.90).aspx
7. Restart the SQL Server.
8. When recovery is started, in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI, select the replace
option to restore the SQL Server master database and the msdb database.
9. Recover the other SQL application databases.



To run steps 8 and 9 as a single operation from the command line, type the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s... -f MSSQL:

To use the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete steps 8 and 9, see “Using
the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on page 164.

Recovering SQL Server without reinstalling

Use this procedure to recover the SQL Server without reinstalling the SQL Server. “When
not to reinstall the SQL Server” on page 160 provides more detail.
You must complete the required steps to perform a disaster recovery of the SQL Server
without reinstalling the SQL Server.
1. Reinstall the operating system.
2. Reinstall the NetWorker software.
• If the computer that failed is the NetWorker server, reinstall the NetWorker server.
• If the computer that failed is a NetWorker client, reinstall the NetWorker client.
3. Recover the ALL save set.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Shut down the SQL Server.
6. Rebuild the databases on the SQL Server. Information about rebuilding various SQL
Server is available on the Microsoft MSDN website:
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2012, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd207003.aspx

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 Disaster Recovery

• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2008, go to

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx
• For information about rebuilding databases on SQL Server 2005, go to
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.90).aspx
7. Restart the SQL Server.
8. When recovery is started, in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI, select the replace
option to restore the SQL Server master database and the msdb database.
9. Recover the other SQL application databases. Recover the SQL Server to the most
recent backup.



To run steps 8 and 9 as a single operation from the command line, type the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s... -f MSSQL:

To use the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete steps 8 and 9, see “Using
the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on page 164.

IMPORTANT
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144259(v=sql.100).aspx provides details
about how you can install various SQL Server versions from the command prompt. Use the
Other Versions list at the top of the page to view information for a particular SQL version.

Recovering SQL Server

You must complete the required steps to recover the SQL Server.
1. Reinstall the operating system.
2. Reinstall the NetWorker software.
• If the computer that failed is the NetWorker server, reinstall the NetWorker server.
• If the computer that failed is a NetWorker client, reinstall the NetWorker client.
3. Recover or reinstall the SQL Server software. To determine if you need to reinstall the
SQL Server, see “When not to reinstall the SQL Server” on page 160.
4. Start the SQL Server.
5. When recovery is started, in the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI, select the replace
option to restore the SQL Server master database and the msdb database.

Performing disaster recovery 163

Disaster Recovery

6. Recover the other SQL application databases.



To run steps 5 and 6 as a single operation from the command line, type the following
command:
nsrsqlrc -s... -f MSSQL:

To use the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete steps 8 and 9, see “Using the
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery” on page 164.

Using the NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI to complete disaster recovery
You must complete the required steps to complete the disaster recovery by using the
NetWorker User for SQL Server GUI:
1. Click Restore.
2. Select Normal, and then click Continue.
The Restore (Normal) window appears.
3. Right-click the SQL Server root and select Mark All Databases.
4. From the Options menu, select Restore Options.
The Restore Options dialog box appears.
5. Click Automatically Overwrite Any Database Marked for Restore, and then click OK.
6. Click Start.

164 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
GLOSSARY

This glossary contains terms related to the NetWorker Module for Microsoft. Many of these
terms are used in this manual.

A
ad hoc backup See manual backup.

administrator The person normally responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining NetWorker
software.

Administrators group A Microsoft Windows user group whose members have all the rights and abilities of users
in other groups, plus the ability to create and manage all the users and groups in the
domain. Only members of the Administrators group can modify operating system files,
maintain the built-in groups, and grant additional rights to groups.

archive volume A tape or other storage medium used for NetWorker archives, as opposed to a backup
volume.

autochanger A mechanism that uses a robotic arm to move media among various components located
in a device, including slots, media drives, media access ports, and transports.
Autochangers automate media loading and mounting functions during backup and
recovery.

B
backup group See “group.”

backup level See “level (1-9).”

Backup Operators group A group of Microsoft Windows users who can log on to a domain from a computer or a
server, and back up and restore its data. Backup operators also can shut down servers or
computers.

backup volume See “volume.”

bootstrap A save set that is essential for the NetWorker disaster recovery procedures. The bootstrap
is composed of three components that reside on the NetWorker server: the media
database, the resource database, and a server index.

browse policy A NetWorker policy that determines how long entries for backed up data remain in the
client file index.

browse time A feature of the NMM program that allows you to select the date and time of the backup
save sets that are displayed in the Restore window, so you can restore data from previous
backups. By default, the browse time is the current date and time.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 165
Glossary

C
client See “NetWorker client.”

client direct The Client Direct feature reduces bandwidth usage and bottlenecks at the storage node,
and provides highly efficient backup data transmission.

client file index A database of information the NetWorker server maintains that tracks every database
object, file, or file system backed up. The NetWorker server maintains a single client index
file for each client computer.

client resource NetWorker server resource that identifies the save sets to be backed up on a client. The
Client resource also specifies information about the backup, such as the schedule, browse
policy, and retention policy for the save sets.

cluster 1. A group of independent network servers that operate and appear to clients as if they
were a single unit.
2. A group of disk sectors. The operating system assigns a unique number to each cluster
and then keeps track of files according to which clusters they use.

compression Compress the contents of a database before backup to generate less network traffic and
use less backup media space. Compression can increase the backup time.

copy restore Create a copy of a database by restoring a SQL Server 7.0 or later database backup to a
new location or to a new database name. The copy restore type replaces the directed
recovery operation, which existed in versions of the NetWorker Module before release 3.0.

D
default instance In a Microsoft SQL Server multiple instance configuration, the first installation of SQL
Server on a computer is called the default instance. The name of the default instance is
the network name for the local computer.

device 1. A storage unit that reads from and writes to storage volumes (see volume). A storage
unit can be a tape device, optical drive, autochanger, or file connected to the server or
storage node.
2. When dynamic drive sharing (DDS) is enabled, refers to the access path to the physical
drive.

differential A backup level that corresponds to a NetWorker Module level (1-9) backup. All of the
pages in a database that were modified after the last database backup are saved.

directed recovery See “copy restore.”

directive An instruction directing the NetWorker software to take special actions on a given set of
files for a specified client during a backup.

disaster recovery Restore and recovery of data and business operations in the event of hardware failure or
software corruption.

166 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Glossary

E
enabler code A special code provided by EMC that activates the software. The enabler code that unlocks
the base features for software you purchase is referred to as a base enabler. Enabler codes
for additional features or products (for example, autochanger support) are referred to as
add-on enablers.

F
fake objects Data items contained in the storage hierarchy that are not available for backup. To be able
to browse the filegroups and files contained in a database, the NetWorker User for SQL
Server program may display these fake objects.

federated backup During federated backups, NMM detects the SQL Server preferred backup setting for the
Availability Group and performs the backup at the preferred node.

file index See “client file index.”

file server A computer with disks that provides services to other computers on the network.

full A backup level that corresponds to a Microsoft SQL Server database backup. The entire
database is saved, which includes both data files and transaction log files.

G
group A client or group of clients configured to start backing up files to the NetWorker server at a
designated time of day.

I
incremental (i) A backup level that corresponds to a Microsoft SQL Server transaction log backup. Only
the log file is saved.

instance A copy of SQL Server running on a computer.

instant restore The process of copying data created during an backup back to its original location on the
SQL Server during a recover operation. NMM supports instant restores of SQL Server
databases.

L
level (1-9) A backup level that corresponds to a Microsoft SQL Server differential backup. All of the
pages in a database that were modified after the last database backup are saved.

License Manager (LLM) Application that provides centralized management of product licenses.

log mark See “named log marks.”

M
manual backup An unscheduled backup of SQL Server data, performed either with the NetWorker User for
SQL Server program, or by running nsrsqlsv at the command prompt.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 167
Glossary

master database The SQL Server master database contains information about all SQL Server databases on
the SQL Server host.

media Magnetic tape or optical disks used to back up files.

media database A database that contains indexed entries about the storage volume location and the life
cycle status of all data and volumes the NetWorker server manages.

media index See “media database.”

media manager The NetWorker component that tracks the location status and purpose of storage media.

Microsoft Cluster Server A Microsoft Windows server feature that supports the connection of multiple servers into a
(MSCS) “cluster” for higher availability of data and applications.

N
named instance An installation of SQL Server that is given a name to differentiate it from other named
instances and from the default instance on the same computer. A named instance is
identified by the computer name and instance name.

named log marks Named log marks are created by database applications when transactions are performed.
The marks enable access to specific transaction points in a database transaction log
backup.

NetWorker An EMC network-based software product for backing up and recovering file systems.

NetWorker client A computer that has the NetWorker client software installed and can access the backup
and recover services from a NetWorker server.

NetWorker resource A component of the s software that controls the functionality of the NetWorker server and
its clients. Examples of NetWorker resources include devices, schedules, clients, groups,
and policies. Each resource consists of a list of values that defines the resource’s specific
parameters.

NetWorker server The computer on a network running the NetWorker software, containing the online
indexes, and providing backup and recovery services to the clients on the same network.

NetWorker storage node A storage device physically attached to another computer whose backup operations are
administered from the controlling NetWorker server.

NetWorker SQL Adhoc Install the graphical user interface plugin when installing NMM by selecting the option for
Backup Plugin it. You can perform manual backups without having to navigate between the NetWorker
User for SQL Server GUI and the SQL Management Studio GUI.

NetWorker User for SQL The graphical user interface for the NetWorker Module for Microsoft software. From this
Server interface you can initiate manual backups as well as recoveries.

no recovery Equivalent to the SQL Server NORECOVER option, which places a database in an
unloadable state after a restore, but enables the database to process additional
transaction log restore operations.

notice A response to a NetWorker event.

168 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Glossary

nsrhost The logical hostname of the computer that is the NetWorker server.

nsrsqlrc The command used to browse the SQL Server storage hierarchy and to restore files from a
backup version.

nsrsqlsv The command used to browse the SQL Server storage hierarchy and to backup data
objects, which consist of databases, filegroups, and files.

nwmssql The command used to invoke the NetWorker User for SQL Server program.

O
online indexes The databases located on the NetWorker server that contain all the information pertaining
to the client backups (“client file index”) and backup volumes (“media”).

operator The person who monitors the server status, loads backup volumes into the server devices,
and otherwise executes the day-to-day NetWorker tasks.

override A NetWorker feature that allows you to configure a different backup level for a specific date
listed in a Schedule resource.

P
partial restore When a partial database restore is performed, the primary filegroup and associated files
are always restored. The primary filegroup contains information necessary for restoring the
database to the proper structure.

pathname A set of instructions to the operating system for accessing a file. An absolute pathname
indicates how to find a file starting from the root directory and working down the directory
tree. A relative pathname indicates how to find a file starting from the current location.

point-in-time Restore SQL Server data to a specific point in time, such as a named log mark or
transaction time within a backup version.

pool A feature that enables you to sort backup data to selected volumes. A pool contains a
collection of backup volumes to which specific data has been backed up.

primary The SQL server primary filegroup contains information necessary for restoring a database
to the proper structure. When a partial database restore is performed, the primary
filegroup and associated files are always restored.

primary storage A SQL server storage subsystem that contains SQL data backups of the data.

promotion When the server performs a backup at a higher level than originally requested. For
example, the server performs a level full backup when a level differential backup was
requested.

proxy client A surrogate client that performs the NetWorker save operation for the client that requested
the backup.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 169
Glossary

R
recovery model The Microsoft SQL Server recovery model represents the trade-offs made when deciding
which databases to back up and how often, and the impact back up and restore time have
on system performance. Recovery models include: full, bulk_logged, and simple.

recycle-able volume A volume whose data has passed both its browse and retention policies and is available
for relabeling.

Registry A database of configuration information central to Microsoft Windows operations. It

contains all Windows settings and provides security and control over system, security, and
user account settings.

relocation list The relocation list is used during a normal or copy restore type operation to specify where
to locate the restored files. The list is composed of pairs of logical database filenames and
fully qualified domain database filename relocation paths.

relocation path See “relocation list.”

restore The process of retrieving individual data files from backup storage and copying to disk.

restore mode The restore mode instructs the NMM on how to interact with a database after a restore
operation has completed. Restore modes correspond to SQL Server database restore
options and include: normal, no recovery, and standby.

restore time The restore time controls which backup data should be reinstated when a database is
restored; may also control which portions of a level incremental backup are to be restored,
when you inform the NMM to discard transactions performed after a given time.

restore type The restore type is based on the level and type of backup created, as well as the set of
data needed to restore from a backup. The restore type must be specified before browsing
and selecting objects to restore. Restore types include normal, copy, partial, and verify
only.

retention policy A NetWorker policy that determines how long entries are retained in the media database.

rolloveronly backup A backup method that employs a “proxy client” to move the data from primary storage on
the application server host computer to secondary storage.

root item The top level data object in a SQL Server storage hierarchy.

S
save The NetWorker command that backs up client files to backup volumes and makes data
entries in the online index. See also ”nsrsqlsv.”

save set A set of files backed up onto storage media using the NetWorker software.

save set ID An internal identification number that NetWorker software assigns to a save set.

scanner The NetWorker command used to read a backup volume when the online indexes are no
longer available.

170 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 Glossary

scheduled backup A type of backup that is configured to start automatically at a specified time for a group of
one or more NetWorker clients. Scheduled backups are configured using either the
NetWorker Configuration Wizard, or the NetWorker Administrator program on the
NetWorker server.

secondary storage A storage library attached to the NetWorker server or storage node, used to store
traditional or snapshot backups. A NetWorker server Device resource must be configured
for each secondary storage device. See also ”primary storage.”

stand-alone device A storage device that contains a single drive for backing up data. Stand-alone devices
cannot store or automatically load backup volumes.

standby Equivalent to the SQL Server STANDBY option, which forces a database to be in a read-only
state between transaction log restore operations.

stripes One or more streams of data that may be extracted in parallel from a database, and
written in parallel to multiple media devices, such as tape drives.

sysadmin System administrator account, or system account, one having full privileges.

SQL Server AlwaysOn SQL Server 2012 AlwaysOn allows for the more granular control of an environment with
Availability Group the introduction of AlwaysOn Availability Groups (AAG’s). By using AAG, groups of
databases can be configured to failover all together when there is a problem with the host
server. SQL Server AlwaysOn provides a high-availability and disaster-recovery solution for
SQL Server 2012. It makes use of existing SQL Server features, particularly Failover
Clustering, and provides new capabilities such as availability groups.

T
traditional backup A NMM backup operation that uses the NetWorker “XBSA” API. These operations are
referred to as “traditional” because this method has been in use since the NetWorker
Module was first released.

traditional restore A NMM restore operation that use the NetWorker “XBSA” API.

transaction log A SQL Server transaction log contains named transactions or listings of changed files of a
SQL Server database. Transaction logs can be truncated prior to a full database backup or
backed up separately by performing an incremental level backup.

truncate Equivalent to the SQL Server TRUNCATE_ONLY option, which causes the transaction log
files to be truncated before creating a backup.

V
verify-only restore Verifies the backup media for the selected SQL Server backups. Selecting the verify-only
restore type does not restore any SQL Server data. In addition, when verify-only is
specified, item-level properties for database, filegroup, and file objects are not available.

virtual server In a Microsoft Cluster Server configuration, SQL Servers appear as a set of two nodes and
virtual servers. Each node is a physical computer with its own IP address and network
name, and the virtual servers have their own IP addresses and network names. Each
virtual server also owns a subset of shared cluster disks and is responsible for starting
cluster applications that can fail over from one cluster node to another.

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 171
Glossary

volume A unit of storage media, such as a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or a file. A storage
device reads from and writes to volumes, which can be physical units (for example, a
labeled tape cartridge) or logical units (for example, optical media can store multiple
volumes on a single physical platter).

volume ID The internal identification NetWorker software assigns to a backup volume

volume name The name assigned to a backup volume when it is labeled.

X
XBSA Acronym for X/Open Backup Services Application Programming Interface, which connects
NetWorker functionality to the NetWorker Module.

xlog See “transaction log.”

172 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
INDEX

A features 158
AES encryption SQL Server 163
backup 48, 52 distribution database 161
restore 97
AlwaysOn Availability Group feature 74 E
AUTOMATED_BACKUP_PREFERENCE 74 ERRORLOG file 86

B F
backup failover cluster support 22
AES encryption 48, 52 fail-safe recovery 137
canceling 54 Federated backups 19
in a cluster 130 filegroups
levels backing up and restoring 87, 111
comparison 34, 60 specifying for restore 111
levels, defined 32 files
levels, SQL Server terminology 32 backing up and restoring 87, 111
manual 32 filestream data 31, 39, 86
Microsoft Cluster Server data 22
monitoring 54
options G
volume pools 52 groups
parallelism 134 configuring for backup 62
performance 134
properties 52 I
required time 54 interleaving 134
scheduled 32, 171
starting 54
backup command attribute M
DPM 70, 82 marking items
backup groups restrictions 39, 50
configuring 62 MSCS (Microsoft Cluster Server)
backup options 51 active/active cluster configurations 23
backup pool active/passive cluster configurations 23
creating for snapshots 61 failover support 22
backup status window 54 multiple instance 22
BACKUP_PRIORITY 75 named instances 22
binary disk crash 161 virtual server 22, 23
browse time, changing 105
N
C named instances 22, 28
canceling a backup 54 named log mark
client resource defined 25
configuring when in a cluster 58 NetWorker
cluster server debug directory 139
scheduling backups for 58 NetWorker Remote Exec Service 86
cluster virtual server 23 NetWorker Administrator program
create time 38 display hidden attributes 57
NetWorker client 63
NetWorker User for SQL Server
D Backup Status window 54
database file relocation restrictions 40 marking items restrictions 39, 50
DBCC (database consistency check) 26 nwmssql command 142
disaster recovery striped restore 139
basic instructions 159

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 173
Index

NONE (Any replica) 74 copy 37, 98

Non-federated backup environment 19 normal 37
NORECOVERY option 38, 39, 90
NSR_SKIP_SIMPLE_DB environmental variable 78
S
nsrd
savegrp
role during backup 21
functionality 19
nsrmmd
scheduled backup
functionality during recover 21
backup strategies 33, 59
nsrsqlrc
defined 171
command 28, 130, 142
levels 33, 34, 58, 59, 60
nsrsqlsv
NetWorker client 63
command 28, 70, 82, 129, 134, 142
SECONDARY 74
nwmssql
SECONDARY_ONLY 74
command 142
snapshots
pool for 61
O SQL Server
on-demand backup 44 binary disk crash 161
DBCC (database consistency check) 26
disaster recovery 163
P
distribution database 161
parallelism 134
instance 22
piecemeal restore 87
master database maintenance 26
point-in-time backup 95
model database 161
pool
named instances 28
creating for snapshots 61
NORECOVERY option 39
primary data disk crash 160
primary data disk crash 160
reinstall, when to 160
R services
Read File Configuration properties, specifying 114 NetWorker Module interaction 28
restore single-user mode 28
alternate pass phrase 97 virtual server 22, 23
backup levels 34, 60 SQL Server 2012
change browse time 105 multiple replicas 24
database file relocation restrictions 40 SQL Server master database maintenance 26
distribution database 161 STANDBY option 38
ERRORLOG file 86 striped backup
file destination 113 interleaved 137
in a cluster 130 interleaving 134
model database 161 parallelism 134
options 138 performance considerations 135
overwrite database 87, 119 striped restore 138
overwriting existing database 91, 112, 159 fail-safe striped recovery 137
point-in-time 38 interleaving 134
properties 107 optimizations 136
required time 87 striped_recovery file 139
status window 119 stripes
striped restore 138 defined 134
transaction log backups 39 fail-safe recovery on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 138
uncommitted transactions 39 performing striped backup 136
viewing required volumes 106 performing striped recovery 137, 138
wrong volume problem 87, 119 performing striped recovery, optimal 137
restore mode specifying a value 134
no recovery 38, 90
normal 38, 90 T
standby 38
traditional backup 31
restore time 38
transaction log
database backup versions 39
backup 38
named log marks 25
maintenance 26
point-in-time 39
overflow prevention 26
restore type

174 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide
 IndexIndex

transaction log backup 39

V
virtual cluster server
scheduling backups for 58
virtual server 22, 23
volume pools 52

W
Windows logon account 30

EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide 175
Index

176 EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft for SQL VDI Release 3.0 SP1 User Guide