Recovering SQL Server databases using archives

The following topics describe recovery of SQL Server databases using archives:

System prerequisites

In order to restore SQL Server databases from archives, the following prerequisites must be met.

Storage system

The storage system must be up and running and ready for data to be restored.

Backup media

The backup media must be available and ready to be used for restore.

Database

If the database is still mounted, detach it, using SQL Server Enterprise Manager or SQL Server Management Studio.

Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003

You must restore the Windows system and all services required by the SQL Server. SnapManager, the SQL Server, and the storage systems depend on Microsoft Windows infrastructure elements such as DNS and Active Directory.

LUNs

Disconnect the LUNs from the Windows host machines.

Information needed

Before you begin restoring your SQL Server databases from archive, you need the following information.

Backup and restore method

You should be familiar with the backup and restore method you are using for the LUNs and SnapInfo directory (either the storage system dump command or an NDMP-based backup). See the product documentation specific to the backup application.

Supporting documentation

Have the supporting documentation for SnapDrive, Data ONTAP, and your backup application available for reference.

LUN drive letters

You need to know the original drive letters used by the LUNs because LUN objects restored from archive must be reconnected using the same drive letters.

Procedure summary

The following steps represent a high-level overview of the restore from archive process:

Recover the archived LUNs containing the full backup dataset to the active file system of the storage system.
Reconnect the LUNs to the original drive letters.
Launch SnapManager for SQL in the restore from archive mode and perform a recovery operation using the most recent backup. To do this, start the application from a command-line using either of the following command- line options:
- -restorearchive
- /restorearchive
Example:
```
C:\Program Files\NetApp\SnapManager for SQL 
Server\SnapManager.exe -restorearchive 
```

Procedure details

To restore the SQL databases from an archive of a SnapManager backup set, complete the following steps.

Step	Action
1	Using your backup application, restore the LUN object for the databases back into the active file system on the storage system. Note If the LUN object containing the SnapInfo directory was backed up (versus only the directory), restore that as well. Consult your backup application's documentation for further details.
2	On the Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003 host system, reconnect the restored LUN objects with the SnapDrive MMC interface using the original drive letters. Consult the SnapDrive documentation for details. Ensure that the LUNs are accessible on the hosting SQL Server.
3	If the specific SnapInfo directory was backed up directly from the active file system of the SQL Server, restore it using your backup application. This directory can be stored anywhere on the Windows host machine or the storage system as long as it is accessible from the SQL Server. Note For better protection, restore this information to the active file system on the storage system, however, a share might need to be created and a drive letter mapped so that the directory can be accessed. If the SnapInfo information is backed up as the LUN object, this step can be skipped. See your backup application's documentation for specific details about how to restore data.
4	Launch SnapManager for Microsoft SQL Server from the command- line using the optional command-line switch `-restorearchive` or /`restorearchive`. Example: `C:\Program Files\`NetApp`\SnapManager for SQL Server\SnapMgrSql.exe -restorearchive` Using this command-line option brings up SnapManager in a mode that enables the restore from archive procedure to work. It allows you to specify a different SnapInfo directory and also prevents a SnapRestore operation. It assumes you restored the LUN yourself. Results Immediately upon launch, SnapManager displays a special Restore from Archive dialog box.
5	Follow the directions in the Restore from Archive dialog box and browse to the specific SnapInfo subdirectory containing the required data files. Note The process only functions properly if the correct directory is selected. Within the directory, you see a few files. Click OK to proceed to the next step. If you accidentally close the Restore from Archive dialog box, you can launch it again by selecting View > Refresh or by pressing the F5 function key on your keyboard.
6	After the correct SnapInfo directory is selected, SnapManager presents you with the standard SnapManager Restore dialog box.
7	Select the most recent backup by double-clicking it.
8	Click Start Restore to begin the point-in-time restore process.
9	Verify the database data updated by the point-in-time restore operation.
10	Exit SnapManager for Microsoft SQL Server.