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Backup and Restore in SQL Server Analysis Services

The Analysis Services backup and restore feature enables you to protect your data models, cubes, and related metadata by creating a point‑in‑time copy of a database. This page outlines the process, best practices, and PowerShell examples for managing backups and restores.

When to Use Backup/Restore

• Before applying major schema changes.
• To migrate a database between servers or environments.
• As part of a disaster‑recovery strategy.
• When archiving historical versions of a cube.

Backup Options

Backing Up a Database

Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or PowerShell.

# PowerShell Example: Full Backup
Import-Module SqlServer
$server = "AS-Server\INSTANCE"
$database = "AdventureWorksDW2019"
$backupPath = "C:\Backups\AdventureWorksDW2019.abf"

Backup-ASDatabase `
    -ServerInstance $server `
    -Database $database `
    -BackupFile $backupPath `
    -Compress `
    -EncryptPassword (Read-Host -AsSecureString "Enter encryption password")

Restoring a Database

Restoring overwrites any existing database with the same name unless -NewDatabaseName is specified.

# PowerShell Example: Restore Database
Import-Module SqlServer
$server = "AS-Server\INSTANCE"
$restorePath = "C:\Backups\AdventureWorksDW2019.abf"
$newDb = "AdventureWorksDW2019_Restore"

Restore-ASDatabase `
    -ServerInstance $server `
    -BackupFile $restorePath `
    -DatabaseName $newDb `
    -ReplaceExisting

Best Practices

• Schedule regular full backups (daily or weekly) and incremental backups (hourly).
• Store backups on a separate storage volume or network share.
• Test restoration procedures quarterly.
• Keep backup files for at least 30 days, depending on compliance needs.

Common Errors & Solutions

Related Topics

• Partition Management
• Deployment Wizard
• Monitoring and Logging