General
Does ApexSQL Backup install anything on my SQL Server?
ApexSQL Backup does not install anything on the SQL Server.
What impact does ApexSQL Backup agent have on the server performance?
ApexSQL Backup agent itself has little to no impact on SQL Server or system running on the machine. Backup, restore, and other maintenance jobs that are set to be executed by the agent have the same impact on the server as if they were run by the query from SQL Server Management Studio.
Can ApexSQL Backup be used to manage MySQL databases?
No. All ApexSQL product were designed exclusively for Microsoft SQL Server.
Can I use ApexSQL Backup in a clustered environment, or with Always ON Availability Groups?
ApexSQL Backup cannot be used to manage servers in clustered environments.
What should I do if I encounter the problem with the application?
You can always contact our tech support at support@apexsql.com. Sending log files, screenshots and detailed descriptions of the problem help us a lot to solve all issues faster and more effective.
How do I send log files?
Our support team will usually ask you to send us application log files in order to determine the exact problem that is causing the issue with the application. Detailed information on the process can be found here.
Requirements
What are system requirements for ApexSQL Backup?
You can find detailed system requirements here. If you are unsure if your system meets the requirements, feel free to contact our support team at support@apexsql.com.
What versions of SQL Server does ApexSQL Backup support?
ApexSQL Backup supports all versions of SQL Server from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2016.
Licensing and evaluation
How is ApexSQL Backup licensed?
ApexSQL Backup is licensed per added SQL Server instance. If there are 5 SQL Server instances on a single server machine or on virtual machine, 5 licenses are required.
Are there any limitations or restrictions in evaluation version of ApexSQL Backup?
No. The trial version of ApexSQL Backup has all options and features as fully registered version.
How many licenses do I need if I want to manage n SQL Server instances on a single virtual machine?
You need n licenses. It does not matter where they are located.
I have a problem with my license. Who should I contact to resolve this?
If you run into any issues with licensing, or you have any questions for your specific environment, feel free to contact our customer service team at service@apexsql.com.
How long is the trial period?
The trial period lasts two weeks (14 days).
Can I extend the trial period?
Backup and restore jobs
Can I automate backup, restore and maintenance jobs with ApexSQL Backup?
Yes, ApexSQL Backup supports fully functional command line interface. The interface can be used with batch or PowerShell scripts to fully automate any maintenance job that is supported by the application.
Which backup types are supported by ApexSQL Backup?
ApexSQL Backup supports all backup types that are supported by the SQL Server: full, differential, and transaction log backups. Full and differential file and filegroups backups are also supported.
Can ApexSQL Backup create compressed backup files?
ApexSQL Backup can create compressed backup files for versions of SQL Server that are 2008 or later. Backup compression for SQL Server 2005 is not supported.
How does backup compression work with ApexSQL Backup?
ApexSQL Backup uses native SQL Server compression.
Is backup compression supported for SQL Server 2005?
Since ApexSQL Backup uses only native SQL Server compression, this feature is not supported for SQL Server 2005.
Does ApexSQL Backup support backup encryption?
Yes, the encryption for the backup file can be set while defining a backup job.
What type of encryption does ApexSQL Backup use?
ApexSQL Backup uses all native encryption types: AES_128, AES_192, AES_256 and TRIPLE_DES_3KEY.
Can ApexSQL Backup use backup files made by the third party application?
No. ApexSQL Backup can use only native backup files that were made by the SQL Server.
Can I use backup files created with ApexSQL Backup with other 3rd party applications?
Yes, you can. All backup files that are created with ApexSQL Backup have the same structure as native SQL Server backup files. It can therefore be used with any 3rd party application that supports native SQL server backups.
Can I manage multiple SQL Server instances from a single console?
Yes. This is one of the main purposes of ApexSQL Backup. Just install ApexSQL agent service on all server machines that need to be managed, and add all instances in the server list in the console.
Does ApexSQL backup support log shipping?
Yes, log shipping can be easily configured in ApexSQL Backup, either through console, or by using command line interface.
Does ApexSQL backup use any undocumented features on SQL Server?
ApexSQL Backup does not use any undocumented features.
Can I define a job, and run it against multiple databases on the server?
Yes, this is easily achieved by using templates. Once the template is defined, it can be saved and reused against any number of databases. This feature makes it easy to save the preferred settings for the job, and to apply them at any time.
Can I set a schedule for a job?
All jobs in ApexSQL Backup can be executed immediately, or set to execute on a defined schedule. The list of all schedules is monitored in Schedules tab. Every schedule can be run, enabled or disabled at any time.
Can I monitor failed backup or restore jobs with ApexSQL Backup?
All jobs, failed and succeeded, are monitored in Activities grid. Failed jobs can be easily recognized in the grid, as well as error messages that are returned by SQL Server.
Is it possible to set notifications on failed jobs?
Yes, email notifications can be set for any job in ApexSQL Backup. The notifications can be triggered on successfully completed jobs, failed jobs, or both.
Can ApexSQL Backup be set to delete old backup files automatically?
Yes, this option is available while defining the backup job for a database. Go to Advanced tab of the Backup wizard and check the option “Delete backup files older than x days”. You can also set how long do you want to keep the backup files in the counter box.
Can I verify the backup files after the backup process is complete?
Yes, verification settings are available in Advanced tab of the backup wizard.
Is it possible to create split backup files with ApexSQL Backup?
Yes. To do this, just add two full destination paths in the main tab of the Backup wizard. For detailed information on split backup files, consult our Solution center article.
Does ApexSQL Backup support backup mirroring?
Yes. The paths for the backup mirrors can be set in the main tab of the backup wizard. Feel free to consult our Solution center article for detailed information on backup mirroring.
Can I monitor the backup history?
Backup history is easily monitored in History tab by clicking on any database. The application lists all backup operations from SQL Server history.
