Backup a SQL Server Database

Using SQL Server 2000

Open SQL Server Enterprise Manager and do the following: 

• Expand the tree to get the Databases node
• Right-click on the database you want to backup and click All Tasks -> Backup Database...
• Under the Backup section, make sure the Backup - complete option is selected
  • Under the Destination section, if there are any items in the Backup To list, remove them
  • Click on Add...
  • Under the File name textbox, enter the full path and file name (or browse and type a file name there) to where the database should be backed up to.  The file name should end with ".bak" (file extention).
  • The specified file name must be on the local hard drive.  You cannot backup to a CD or network path directly.
  • Click Ok to get back to the main Backup Database window
• Click Ok to backup the database

Using SQL Server 2005/2008

Open SQL Server Management Studio, log in and do the following: 

• Expand the tree to get the Databases node
• Right-click on the database you want to backup and click Tasks -> Back Up...
• In the Destination list at the bottom, if there are any items listed, remove them
• Click Add...
  • Under the File name textbox, enter the full path and file name (or browse and type a file name there) to where the database should be backed up to.  The file name should end with ".bak" (file extention).
  • The specified file name must be on the local hard drive.  You cannot backup to a CD or network path directly.
  • Click Ok to get back to the main Backup Database window
• If the file you are backing up to already exists, you can go to the Options page on the left and specify to either Overwrite the existing backup or to Append to it.
• Click Ok to backup the database

Online Help - Technical