How do I backup a database using MS SQL Server 2005/2008/2012

It is always best to SHRINK the database before performing a backup. It is OK to run a backup of your database whilst users are using the application.

SHRINK a DATABASE

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To shrink a database using SQL Server Management Studio

1. In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then expand that instance.

2. Expand Databases, and then right-click the database that you want to shrink.

3. Point to Tasks, point to Shrink, and then click Database.

   Database
   Displays the name of the selected database.

   Current allocated space
   Displays the total used and unused space for the selected database.

   Available free space
   Displays the sum of free space in the log and data files of the selected database.

   Reorganize files before releasing unused space
   Selecting this option is equivalent to executing DBCC SHRINKDATABASE specifying a target percent option. Clearing this option is equivalent to executing DBCC SHRINKDATABASE with TRUNCATEONLY option. By default, this option is not selected when the dialog is opened. If this option is selected, the user must specify a target percent option.

   Maximum free space in files after shrinking
   Enter the maximum percentage of free space to be left in the database files after the database has been shrunk. Permissible values are between 0 and 99.

4. Click OK.

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Perform a full DATABASE BACKUP using MS SQL Server 2005/2008/2012

1. Click Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2005/2008/2012 > SQL Server Management Studio. The Connect to Server window opens.

2. Click Connect. The SQL Server Management Studio window opens.

3. Locate the Insol2 database by expanding the databases tree in the Object Explorer. If you can't see Object Explorer look under the View tab as follows;

4. Once you have expanded the tree and located the Insol2 database at ❶, right click on it and select Tasks at ❷ then choose backup at ❸ then follow the prompts.

5. Under Destination, click Remove if there is a file name present, as shown below.

6. Click Add. The Select Backup Destination window opens.

7. Click , then navigate to the backup destination.

8. Enter a name for the backup in the File name field.

9. Click OK.

10. Select the Options tab (this is called Media Options in SQL 2014).

11. Select Overwrite all existing backup sets.

12. Click OK.

If you are forwarding a copy of your database to Insol6 then please zip the .bak file before uploading to sharefile.

Here are some more references:

To Back up

https://www.quackit.com/sql_server/sql_server_2016/tutorial/backup_a_database_in_sql_server_2016.cfm

To schedule a back up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdKePm7ImkM