SQL Server Windows Backups

A SQL Server bcp based backup can be taken from the QAD Data Warehouse Designer tool by selecting the Backup/Export the metadata (Sql server bcp) menu option. This option assumes that the SQL Server bcp utility is available on the PC.

When executed this menu option attempts to locate the SQL Server bcp utility. This utility is normally called 'bcp' and resides in the SQL Server bin directory. If QAD Data Warehouse Designer cannot locate this utility or it has not been loaded onto the PC then the export does not proceed and an error message will be displayed.

A pop-up window asks for a directory name for the export. A directory should be chosen or created. When the save button is clicked the export will start. The following files are created. A dialog box appears to show the results of the backup.

File name	Purpose
wsl_bcp_out.bat	Windows batch file used to run all the bcp table exports
wsl_bcp_out.err	Errors from the bcp export of each table
wsl_bcp_out.log	Log file of the bcp table exports
*.bcp	Each metadata table is stored with a .bcp extension. This is the export of each table.
wsl_bcp.par	Parameter file for the export. Contains an entry for each meta table to be exported. Unused by SQL Server.
wsl_bcp.drp	Command file for dropping all metadata tables. (Used in the restore prior to a reload).
wsl_bcp.pro	A file containing each procedure stored in the metadata.
wsl_bcp.seq	Unused by SQL Server.
wsl_bcp.dbl	Command file for the rebuild of all the linked servers. Used during the restore.
wsl_bcp.bld	Basis of the command file that will be used to restore the metadata. This file is modified to include the target directory prior to restore.