Protector can mount block-based SQL Server backups to an existing SQL
Server instance. This will make the disks comprising the backup available on the
machines hosting the target instance and optionally attach the databases so the user
can access them.
It is assumed that a SQL Server policy that created hardware snapshots or
replications has been implemented and that at least one snapshot or replication has
been created. See How to create database restore points with block snapshots for guidance on how to do this.
In addition, your target SQL Server instances must meet the requirements for mounting
the instance. Please refer to “About mounting Microsoft SQL Server block-based
backups” for details.
Note: Snapshots and replications cannot be used for mount operations if they
are currently mounted elsewhere
This task describes the steps to follow when mounting a block-based SQL Server backup
to an existing Microsoft SQL Server node
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Identify the destination where backup should be mounted. The destination
Microsoft SQL Server environment must be represented by a Protector
Microsoft SQL Server node. If the destination is not represented in Protector, then
create a node using the Microsoft SQL Server Node Wizard.
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Ensure that the mount location is prepared by locating the node in the Nodes
Inventory and checking it is authorized and online. In case of clustered SQL
Server environments, ensure all cluster nodes are up and running.
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Locate the block-based SQL Server backup by clicking the Restore link on the
Navigation Sidebar to open the Restore Dashboard. Then use the search options to
locate the backup you want to mount.
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Select the backup and click Mount to open
the SQL Server Mount Wizard.
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Select SQL Mount to perform an application-level mount.
Click Next.
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Select the target Microsoft SQL Server Node where the
instance is located. Then select the instance and provide the credentials. Click
Next.
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Select which databases you want to attach to the instance. Click
Next.
-
Review the selected databases and optionally specify a new name for each
database. Click Next.
Note: Database names must be unique. If a database already exists on the target
instance, the database will not be attached.
-
Choose which host groups the disks should be exposed to. Click
Next.
-
Specify a mount location. Click Next.
Note: Which mount location options are available may differ depending on the
type of SQL Server. Protector will disable options which are not
applicable.
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Select the mount mode and specify the Mount Pool if necessary, then click
Finish.
The mount mode determines how the backup will be mounted. For replications,
the mount mode is always set to Mount original.
CAUTION:
Select the
mount mode depending on the behavior required:
- Mount Original - Mounts the original snapshot. This option
will expose your original backup to the Microsoft SQL Server. Any
changes will persist even after the unmount. It may not be possible
to mount or revert this backup in the future.
- Mount duplicate - Protector
will create a cascaded duplicate of the original snapshot and mount
the duplicate. The original snapshot is preserved. Use Cascade mode
(the default setting) in the Block Snapshot Configuration Wizard
when assigning the snapshot operation on the data flow to enable
Mount duplicate.
A processing message will appear briefly, then the wizard will close, and the
Jobs Inventory will be displayed. A new Job will appear at the top of the Jobs
list, with the Progress entry initially indicating processing and finally
showing successful completion.
- Once the mount job completes successfully, the selected databases should be attached to the destination Microsoft SQL Server instance.