Restore Backup to Test vs. Attaching a Copy of Live

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Posted on by Jim Lines

For my entire GP career when I've had to update my TEST database with production data, I've restored a backup of live to test (and run the update CO ID script). Right now I am working with a company that has a relatively large database (70+ GB) and it takes quite a while to backup and restore. I am wondering what the ramifications are if I were to detach the test DB, make a copy of the live .mdf, rename and attach back as the TEST db? My gut tells me this is not a good idea, but I'd like to know if anyone has done this and if it's safe.

Any feedback is appreciated!

Thanks.

Jim

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Richard Whaley 25,195 on at

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I have historically gone the backup and restore since I don't need to shut down users to backup like you will to copy the file. It should work. Note, however, that if you have manufacturing modules, some of those tables retain the company number and need to be reset. If you are using manufacturing, email me at rwhaley@accoladepublications.com and I will send you a script that should be run against the moved db BEFORE launching GP.

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Jim Lines 4 on at

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Richard,

Thanks for the info. I wasn't thinking about having to shut down users - I guess that's why I've always stuck with backup/restore.

(Fortunately) We are not using Manufacturing. I remember from many years of MFG that there are some quirks about restoring and updating tables. Thanks for the offer of the scripts, but I'm not going to need them this round.

Thanks for your quick response. I do appreciate your help!

Jim

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Jim,

I would recommend creating a SQL job with all the steps required. There are a few benefits to this. The first is that you can schedule the job to happen at night, you wouldn't want to hog up all the IO resources while users are actively working. The second is that it is easly repeatable!

Terry

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Jim Lines 4 on at

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Hey Terry! Long time no talk!

Are there any instructions on how to create a job for this?

Jim

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Community Member on at

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I was just thinking that this would be a great blog entry, but someone beat me to it!!

www.azurecurve.co.uk/.../copy-microsoft-dynamics-gp-live-company-to-test-automatically

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Jim Lines 4 on at

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Great link Terry. Thanks to Ian Grieve for putting it together.

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Ian Grieve 22,784 on at

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You're welcome, Jim.

I'm pleased you, and others, find that post useful.

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DLashua 650 on at

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Hello.

I am looking for the details of the backup/restore process that was identified. It appears the link is not working. Can someone provide me with the steps?

Thank you in advance.

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Ian Grieve 22,784 on at

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azurecurve is currently down due to web host problems; hopefully it will be back up soon.

Unfortunately, that blog post is older than my syndication on this Community site so I can't offer an alternative link.

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