Restore SQL Cluster

[myFist]

Hello,

we backup our SQL Cluster with Veeam Agent 2.1 and Veeam B&R 9.5 U3.. The backups works fine, but now we try a restore.
So we need a sql standard staging server (cause of database larger 10 GB), we cant use the cluster itself. So we need a additonal SQL Server Standard with one more expensive license?
We want to workaround this, but the cluster-backup limitation says: database export via veeam explorer not possible..

Is there a way to restore a sql cluster without an additional licensed sql server?

best regards

[Gostev]

Hi, Robin - as far as I know, staging SQL server is required for transaction-level recovery functionality only (that step in the wizard where you can select the specific SQL transaction to restore to), so it is very optional to have. You should be able to do regular point-in-time restores without staging SQL server. Thanks!

[foggy]

Correct, staging SQL Server is required for specific types of restores only (restore to a specific transaction or export to a point in time). Other restore types do not require staging SQL Server. In addition to that, I believe that trial version should be ok, since Veeam B&R itself does not check SQL Server license.

[myFist]

Thank you, we'll restore the db and will go back in time then with transactionlogs.

[myFist]

One more question: Which is the best practice for a disaster restore of a sql cluster with 1 active and 1 passive node? Backup by Veeam Agents.
1. Restore both nodes via recovery media
2. Reconnect shared disks for sql cluster
3. Reconfigure / check configuration sql cluster
4. Restore Databse via veeam b&r ?

[Dima P.]

Robin,

Restore both nodes via recovery media

You can perform a Bare Metal Recovery of your nodes. If it’s a single node it should be synced with your cluster automatically on first boot. If you want to restore entire cluster – you have to perform Bare Metal Recovery for every node one by one. Please keep in mind that you should use restore points from the same point it time.

Reconnect shared disks for sql cluster?

Information about clustered storage should be restored too.

Restore Databse via veeam b&r ?

If that’s required (in case DB is sitting on a clustered stored it should be reconnected after both nodes are restored)