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Table backup in SQL Server

Introduction

Here we will discuss different backup strategies and methodologies used to take the table backup in SQL Server with real-life examples. There are different methods of taking backup in SQL server.

Type 1: Taking Backup of the table using Into Clause

The T-SQL engine uses INTO clause to copy the data from one table to another table.

Syntax:

Select * INTO BackUP_TABLE_Name
from Original_TABLE_Name;

With this strategy, the user can create a backup table directly without using create statement. The backup table is created with a table that needs to be backup. This strategy is useful when the user needs the table backup on the same server within the same database.This methodology is used to take a fast backup.

Real-life Example:

If the user wants to take a backup of ‘Person.Address’ table and did some operations on same table then the following query is useful.

Query

USE Our_Tech_Ideas
GO
Select * INTO Person.Address_Backup 
from Person.Address;
GO

The above statement will create a backup of ‘Person.Address’ table and creates a new table named ‘Person.Address_Backup’.

Result

Type 2: Using generate Script option in Microsoft SQL

This type of option is the most used option in Microsoft SQL to take a backup from one server and restore it to another server. The following steps are used to take a backup of the table in the SQL server.

Step 1: Right-click on the database and choose Tasks –> Generate Scripts.

Click Next

Step 2: Select the database from which you need to take a backup of the table.

Step 3: You will see the Table/View options on the screen while scrolling down. Select the table in which you want to back up and hit the next button.

Step 4: Click on advance

Step 5: Select ‘Types of data to script’ as ‘Schema and data’ & then click OK

Step 6: Type the backup table name, by default extension, will be’.sql’. Then click ‘Save’ > then ‘Next’

Step 7: Review the summary

Step 8: Click ‘Next’, scripting will start.

Backup done !!