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I have Backup exec 2010 R2 running on Win2008 R2, and I need to backup TFS 2008. I have about 10gb of TFS database files. From msdn articles I have read, all backups of the TFS databases must be time stamped the same or restoration will be impossible.

I am open to using backup exec, but I would like to avoid purchasing their SQL server agent since I am looking to move away from Backup Exec in the near future. What is the best way to go about this?

KCotreau
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tm77
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You could create you own SQL Server backups to disk, and then use backup Exec to backup those files.

The suggested approach to TFS backups are described on MSDN: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms253070(VS.90).aspx

(Note, the time synchronisation—or rather transaction synchronisation—is something new in TFS 2010.)

Richard
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  • Ah, very good. I was not clear on whether or not TFS2008 has the same transaction synchronization requirements as TFS2010. However, in the backup guide in the link you provided, I did find the following information about TFS2008: "you might experience unexpected results after you restore from those back-ups because the databases are related and you risk restoring outdated versions." I'm not sure what that means for my backup process... is it saying that I should backup ALL databases used by TFS? – tm77 Feb 24 '11 at 22:06
  • Oh, and I should mention that this instance of TFS2008 must stay up 24/7. – tm77 Feb 24 '11 at 22:11
  • @tm77: You should certainly back them all up (I thought that page said so). I cannot see why the process of flagging transactions used for 2010 (get the .NET 4 version of the same page) shouldn't work for TFS 2008. Probably worth asking MS support (if you need 24x7 ops you need a support contract). – Richard Feb 24 '11 at 22:28