Backing Up the MQIS Database

ID: Q191536

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Message Queue Server (MSMQ), the Primary Enterprise Controller (PEC), Primary Site Controller (PSC), and Backup Site Controller (BSC) can be restored using a backup copy of the Message Queue Information Store (MQIS) database. However, a backup copy of the MQIS must exist to retain a previous MSMQ Enterprise configuration.

This article explains how to create a backup copy of the MQIS database. The MQIS database should be backed up at regular intervals. At a minimum, the database should be backed up after changes, such as adding PSCs or clients to the MSMQ enterprise, have been made. Queues can be recovered from normal system and file backups. Good system backup procedures can minimize the impact of a catastrophic system failure. For more information about Microsoft Windows NT backup procedures and recommendations, refer to the Microsoft Windows NT online help or the Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit.

For additional information about restoring the MQIS database, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q191535
   TITLE     : Restoring MQIS from SQL Backup

NOTE: The MQIS database stores MSMQ enterprise configuration information. No messages are stored in the MQIS database. Backing up or recovering the MQIS database will not recover messages that may have existed in queues. If your MSMQ configuration uses special security features that require the use of entries in the security registry, recovery may require system and registry backup as well.

MORE INFORMATION

NOTE: This procedure can be done from a PEC, PSC, or BSC. However, the PEC's database may contain information that is more current than a PSC or BSC, if a configuration change was made and that information was not replicated to the PSC or BSC prior to failure.

Use the following steps to back up the MQIS database:

1. Start SQL Enterprise Manager.

2. Select a server. On the Tools menu, click Database Backup/Restore.

3. Click the Backup tab. Under Backup Devices click the New button. In

   New Backup Device dialog box, type a name for the new backup device
   and note the location path. Click the Create button.

4. Below the Backup Devices list, click the New button. In the Database
   list, click MQIS. Under Options, click Initialize Device. Click the
   Backup Now button. A dialog box will appear stating that the database
   backup has been created.

The backup file and backup device can be copied to the Mssql backup folder of another computer.

Additional query words: MQIS backup recovery back up

Version           : WinNT:1.0
Platform          : winnt
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: August 20, 1998