BUG: DB Maintenance Wizard Does Not Auto-Delete After 7 Days

• Microsoft SQL Server version 6.5

SYMPTOMS

If you use the Database Maintenance Wizard and a remote backup device with a UNC name, the backup works fine but the auto-delete feature is not enforced.

For example, the following command runs successfully, but after seven executions, the oldest file is not deleted:

   SQLMAINT.EXE -D pubs -BkUpDB \\RemoteServer\sqldata
   -BkUpMedia DISK -DelBkUps 1 -Rpt D:\MSSQL\LOG\pubs_maint.rpt

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use a local backup destination directory. By default, the Backup directory under the directory where SQL Server is installed is selected, as in the following example:

   SQLMAINT.EXE -D pubs -BkUpDB D:\MSSQL\BACKUP -BkUpMedia DISK -DelBkUps 1
   -Rpt D:\MSSQL\LOG\pubs_maint.rpt

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in SQL Server version 6.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Sqlmaint.exe creates several SQL Server database dump files, such as pubs_db_dump.<year_month_day_hour_minute>, on the remote server referenced in the -BkUpDB destination. The Wizard prompts for the backup destination and asks if you want to delete files older than one week. One week is the minimum time frame allowed.