Features FAQ
See the features page for full list of features
Q: Are there any fees involved? Do you have a paid version of SqlBackupFree?
A: No fees, no paid version, 100% free.
Q: What can I do with SQL Backup Free?
A: You can run scheduled full backups of MS SQL Server databases, compress the backups and store them on a local/network folder or HDD drive, FTP server, send an email confirmation on job success of failure.
Q: What is the difference between SQL Backup Free and SQL Backup And FTP?
A: SQL Backup And FTP is a parent product with all of the features of SQL Backup Free plus differential and transaction log backups, file/folder backups, AES encryption, option to send backups to Amazon S3, Dropbox, Google drive, Box.NET, SkyDrive, FTPS and SFTP and zero-configuration email confirmations (no need to you
Drive, send yourself an e-mail confirmation on job success of failure.
Q: How do I restore backups?
A: Any way you want – it is a standard SQL server backup in a common zip file. For a simplest way to restore full backups use One-Click SQL Restore included free with SqlBackupFree.
Q: Do you provide the storage?
A: No. It is up to you where to store the backups, we just provide the tool.
Q: Can SqlBackupFree do Remote Backups?
A: Yes, but use remote backups (when SqlBackupFree is installed on a different from SQL Server computer) at your own risk – the feature is in permanent beta and we do not provide tech support for it. There’s no risk to damage your databases during the backup, but there is no guarantee that the restore will work correctly.
Q: Does it run as a service? Does it need to be started? Does it work when I close it?
A: The start is triggered by Windows Scheduler and will run just fine after system restart and you do not need to be logged-in for it to start.
Q: How to set differential or transaction log backups?
A: Not possible with SqlBackupFree. Consider SQL Backup And FTP.
Q: Does SqlBackupFree have a command line interface?
A: Yes. See this post. Note that command-line options are additional to the options you have in .jobx file. Consider them to be “modifiers” of options saved in .jobx file. Also .jobx is just an XML file – you can edit it in Notepad.
Q: Can I change the default [DatabaseOrFolderName]YYYYMMDDhhmm.zip output file format?
A: Yes. In advanced settings.
Q: Can it run on more than one SQL instance? I want to backup both SQL 2005 and SQL 2008 on my server.
A: Yes, just create a separate job for each SQL instance.
Q: Is it possible to run the backup while the database in being used?
A: Yes, the backup usually have just a minor effect on a performance.
License
Q: Can I use SqlBackupFree freely in a commercial organnization?
A: Yes, no limits, it s a freeware.
Q: Can I distribute SqlBackupFree with my own software product?
A: Yes, you can distribute the unmodified SqlBackupFree setup file.
Sending E-mails
Q:Can I send e-mail confirmations through my GMail/Hotmail/Yahoo?
A: See these posts: GMail, Hotmail, Yahoo
Troubleshooting
Q: I cannot connect to my database. What is wrong?
A: Use SQL Server Management Studio to connect, and once successful – use the same parameters for SqlBackupFree.
Q: A job runs fine with “Run Now” button, but when scheduled, gives errors?
A: When a scheduler tries to run a job, it runs under Local System account that (unlike your personal account) does not have access
to the network. Just go to “Advanced settings” and set the job to run under you own personal account.
Q: I cannot connect to my FTP server.
A: Try unchecking “Use Passive FTP mode” in FTP Settings form. Browse topics in FTP forum for more.
Q: I get Timeout error while backing up a large database
A: Increase the database timeout in advanced settings
Q: My temp folder is too small, can I change its location?
A: In advanced settings change the temp folder location (to other drive)
Q: Is there a log available?
A: Right on the main form there’s a button “Log” that brings up a text file with all the logs.
Q: “Unable to relay” error when sending e-mails?
A: You Email server settings are incorrect. The specified SMTP server could not authenticate you as a legitimate user.