What needs to be backed up?

I have a quick question about backing up Ayanova.

What exactly needs to be backed up in case of a total disaster with my physical server? (Hard Drive Crash, Fire, Etc)

I use the Wiki (Global Wiki as well as Customer & Ticket Wikis) to store text in as well as attach files (License files, pictures, etc). I’m currently backup the SQL Database through the SQL Management Studio (I’ve written an automated script), however, I was wondering if this is backing up the attached files in the Wikis or if I needed to be backing up some other folder as well as the SQL Database.

Basiclly, what I’m asking is: What needs to be backed up in order to restore EVERYTHING in Ayanova in the case of a total loss.

Thank you.

Ayanova v7.2.0.0
SQL Server 2008

Hi Jason

All data - including your wikipages and wikifiles - is maintained in your AyaNova SQL database.

Just back up your AyaNova SQL database (which is made up of two files mdf and log) using a SQL compatible backup as outlined in the online Help documentation about what to backup http://www.ayanova.com/AyaNova7webHelp/if_using_the_network_sql_expre.htm

As outlined:

• you ONLY ever backup to a device the backup file that the SQL approved backup utility creates - you NEVER EVER directly backup or access in any way either the .MDF or the .LDF file of the SQL database - doing so can cause corruption of your database.

Microsoft provides SQL Server Management Studio Express which can be used for backup and restore of a SQL Express database. Refer to Microsoft website to download and for instructions on use. Example location may be http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/

• Do not copy the SQL database files themselves to a backup device, nor directly restore those files - it will more than likely result in corruption.

• It is recommended to test your backup of your SQL database by restoring it and confirming it restores correctly.

• It is recommended that you backup using the Simple Recovery Mode when using SQL Service Management Studio or SQL Service Management Studio Express so that you back up both the main database file MDF as well as the transaction log file LDF. And you should set up a regular database maintenance of shrink etc to maintain the size of the transaction log file. If have written a script, do test the script.

To restore in the event of an issue - do review http://www.ayanova.com/AyaNova7webHelp/restoring_for_ayanova_sql_conf.htm before you need it. And as above, it is recommended to test your backup on a regular basis.

You could also backup a copy of the installation file AyaNovaSetup.exe of the version you are using if desired.

  • Joyce