Project Insight Backup and Restore Recommendations for SQL Server 2014

Project Insight data is stored in the database configured for Project Insight during the installation process. Additionally, file uploads are contained in the Windows file system. A backup and restore strategy including both the database backup files and uploaded files will contain all of the data required in the event that a new Project Insight server install is required or a data recovery from the backup becomes necessary. This article is meant to work hand and hand with the On Premise Maintenance article. 

All data backup and restore procedures must be implemented within an existing corporate procedure by systems administration professionals with Microsoft SQL Server database administrator experience. If you do not have on-site personnel with expertise in data recovery and Microsoft SQL Server database administration, it is imperative that a local consultant is requisitioned to design, implement and maintain the data backup and recovery strategy for your organization.

The procedures in this document are intended to be used as an example only. Actual processes and configurations should only be recommended and implemented by qualified personnel routinely familiar with your corporate procedures and standards. Metafuse does not provide these services, but may be able to refer you to a Microsoft Certified Partner in your region for assistance with your disaster recovery strategy.

File Upload Backup

Uploaded files are stored based in the location specified during the Project Insight installation process. The default location for these files is in the ProjectInsight application folder under the drive:\Inetpub\Project Insight\Sites\Files folder. File uploads are stored within folders named the same as the Global Unique Identifier (GUID) assigned by the database at the time that the file upload is performed. Recovering these files within the proper folder structure allows the Project Insight application to locate them in accordance with the reference URLs stored in the database for use within the Project Insight user interface.

SQL Server Data Backup

SQL Server Management Studio must be used to create a schedule and location for the backup files to use in the event of a data recovery requirement. Scheduling in the SQL Server Management Studio to create these backup files prior to any backup routine which copies the files to another system or removable media is therefore imperative to ensure that the target backup media contains the latest Project Insight database data. The procedure used as an example in this document does not cover the procedure for installing or maintaining removable storage devices.

See the On Premise Maintenance article to continue with more steps.