Back up and restore the database

Microsoft SharePoint relies on a Microsoft SQL Server (either SQL Server 7.0 or MSDE) database to store information such as:

• List data  Information about Events, Announcements, Tasks, Contacts, and other lists in a Microsoft SharePoint-based team Web site
• Document library information  Properties, such as document title, date, and size
• Discussion and subscription data  Subscription information and the actual threaded comments from discussions
• Security data

Each virtual server has its own database. The Webs and subwebs on that virtual server share the database, although their information is stored in separate tables within the database.

As a server administrator, you can specify database settings. For example, you can schedule automatic back-up processes or specify the default database to use for all Webs on a virtual server.

Administrators with rights to the virtual server can back up or restore the database for the entire virtual server.

1. On the Server Administration page, under Virtual Servers, click the Administrationlink next to the virtual server you want to backup.
2. Under Administration, click Backup and restore database.
3. In the Database Backup area, type the path and filename to use for the backup file.

   The backup process creates a backup file with the filename and path you specify. Be sure that the path you type is a valid path on your server computer.

4. Click Backup.

1. On the Server Administration page, under Virtual Servers, click the Administrationlink next to the virtual server you want to backup.
2. Under Administration, click Backup and restore database.
3. In the Database Restore area, type the path and filename of the backup file you want to restore.
4. Click Restore.