This topic describes how to create a full database backup in SQL Server using the Backup wizard. The backup file can be used to move the database to another server using the Database Restore Wizard.
Connect to the required server instance.
1. Open the Backup wizard by doing one of the following:
2. On the General page, set up the following general backup options:
Full
.Note
The Copy-only backup checkbox is available only for full and transaction log backups.
3. In Backup component, select Database.
4. In Backup to disk, click Add to change the path to the destination folder to store a backup file.
5. In the Browse Files dialog, choose a destination folder to store the file:
The default path to store the backup file is
C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\<instance_name>\MSSQL\Backup\file_name.bak
.
Note
To back up the database to a mapped network drive, first create the backup path on a local drive, then manually update the path to point to the network location.
Tip
To remove a destination file, click Remove.
6. On the Media options page, set up general media options:
6.1. Under Overwrite Media, select one of the following options:
Back up to a new media set and erase all existing backup sets: Creates a new media set and removes all existing backup sets on the media (like a reset). Selecting this option makes the following options available:
6.2. Optional: Under Reliability, configure additional integrity checks:
7. On the Backup options page, select a backup set and choose your encryption options.
8. Select the Encrypt backup checkbox to create an encrypted backup to protect data from unauthorized access during storage and transfer:
Note
The Encrypt backup option is available when the Back up to a new media set and erase all existing backup sets option is selected.
Tip
It is recommended to back up your certificate or keys and store them in a different location from the backup you encrypted.
9. To run the backup operation, click Back Up.
When the operation is complete, you can view its result on the Finish tab.
Tip
To back up the database again, click Backup Again.
10. To close the wizard, click Finish.
For more information on configuring SQL Server backups on a Windows system, see How to Set Up Every Day Database Auto Backup in SQL Server.