We recently purchased Advanced Server 8 and installed it on a Mac OS X Server (10.4.7) box. I put up a play database and it seems to be just fine, but I have a few questions before we go live with it.

- How do I make chron backups with the server console? I have a “scheduled job” called backmeup (remember it’s play mode). And every 30 minutes it will create a new backup in the Backups folder. But ideally what I would like is a backup of the HR database called HRBackup090606.fp7 (title of database with date).

- I have read (mostly on this forum) that it is not recommended to make updates to the database while it’s live (or “open” on the server)…… so would I make updates to my local copy and copy that to the server off hours or what do developers typically do?

Thanks in advance

Read up on the Backups whitepaper on my website: www.connectingdata.com. It includes an OSX shell script that will do what you want. Also read up on the FMS admin manual to understand the internal FMS backup mechanism.

You're backing up every 30 minutes - it seems to me you're paranoid - how big are the files?

Anyway, the FileMaker Scheduler closes the file prior to backing it up.

So, then you just have to copy the backup itself. I don't have to backup every 30 minutes - but have 5 separate schedules that backup my files to folders labeled Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I also made a folder called "Anytime" and a script that backs up whenever I want - I keep archives on the server by drag copying them - don't use the unix shell at all -

I then use Retrospect to backup the M-F folders as necessary nightly.

Thank you for the recommended reading

You're backing up every 30 minutes - it seems to me you're paranoid - how big are the files?

In play mode, it's ok- not paranoid, just playing

For the live database, I will go to nightly backups and thank you for the suggestions on 5 jobs Mon-Friday and the Now button. Thank you for the good idea!

Anyway, the FileMaker Scheduler closes the file prior to backing it up.

Say what? FileMaker Server does not close files prior to backing them up. Is that what you're talking about?

Steven

FileMaker Server does close the files before backing up - check your event log if you don't believe me.

The files are temporarily paused and then reopened without any further interaction from the adminsitrator or user - if the file in question are small, the user may not even notice - though obviously backups should be completed during slow access times.

Edited September 7, 200619 yr by Guest

FileMaker Server does close the files before backing up - check your event log if you don't believe me.

I did. And neither the application Event Log nor the Fileamker Server 8 event Log shows any notation about closing the files. And if either did show that, it would be in error [color:red]unless there was damage to the file sufficient to prevent a proper backup.

FileMaker Server begins the backup process without pausing any of the files. It skips over any busy bits. At the end of the process it momemntarily pauses the file. reconciles the busy bits, and moves on.

This is the built-in FMS 8 backup routine. it worked the same way in FMS 7. If you are seeing anythign else, it is definitely something we need to look into ASAP.

Steven

I will be backing up at night (midnight or so) (we are not a 24 hour shop- so it's off hours for us)

But I was wondering about the 2nd question..... anyone have insight about updating a database that is being served? Live or offline?

Thanks in advance

The files are definitely not closed for a backup. Client interaction is suspended for a short while at the very end of a backup but the files are not closed.

We might be mixing terms here. When you say "closed" for most people it implies that the file is no longer hosted and all client connections are dropped. That is *not* what happens during a backup. In fact "hot" backups are one of FMS's primary features: the ability to back up files without kicking guests off.

I stand corrected -

either way, my point was that the tools to backup the filemaker server (locally) are available via the admin console.