sqlserver-backup

name	sqlserver-backup
description	SQL Server backup and restore operations — full, differential, and log backups, RESTORE with NORECOVERY/RECOVERY, RESTORE VERIFYONLY, backup history queries, and recovery model guidance.

SQL Server Backup & Restore

Use this skill for database backup strategies, restore procedures, and verifying backup integrity.

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Recovery Models

Choose the right recovery model before designing your backup strategy.

Model	Log Truncation	Point-in-Time Recovery	Log Growth Risk	Use When
SIMPLE	Auto at checkpoint	❌ No	Low	Dev, test, non-critical data
FULL	On log backup	✅ Yes	High (must take log backups)	Production — minimizes data loss
BULK_LOGGED	On log backup	Partial	Medium	Bulk load periods (then switch back to FULL)

-- Check current recovery model
SELECT name, recovery_model_desc, log_reuse_wait_desc
FROM sys.databases
WHERE name = DB_NAME();

-- Change recovery model
ALTER DATABASE MyDatabase SET RECOVERY FULL;
ALTER DATABASE MyDatabase SET RECOVERY SIMPLE;

⚠️ Switching to FULL recovery model: You must take a full backup immediately after switching — until you do, the log cannot be backed up and will grow unbounded.