I read your blog about doing a full back-up of the DNN database; can we also use SQL 2005 Management Studio Express? For some reason, I can't get it to connect remotely, but not sure if this is a limitation of 3Essentials or MSE. I am looking for a tool (free is nice) to connect to a remote DB a perform full backups, truncate my logs, clean up some tables, if need be.  I can't seen to perform a backup using their stock "MyLittleAdmin" for SQL...and can't find my SQL disk with enterprise manager (and didn't find a free download on the MS site).

I tried the Evotiva module, but it does not let script the database objects and the final size was considerably smaller than the true DB, so I don't have much confidence in my backup.  Going to make the leap to 4.5.5, so want to ensure I get a true full backup, given the problems I have had and finally got everything working. 

So in short, what do you use for basic db maintenance and backups of your db hosted on 3Essentials?

PS...didn't know the active forums allow for polls, too.  I am sold.  Love the look, too,Mitchel!  Can you modify the folder icons and customize the overall look?

...little issue with the smiley filter, I see.

Terp,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. First of all with 3Essentials you must setup a secure tunnel to their servers before you can locally connect. (Yes it is a bit of a pain, but a security level that most shared hosting providers do not go to).

Now, also, 99% of shared hosting companies do not allow users to do native backups as they end up putting the files on the SQL Server, 3Essentials is not any different on this regard. When I need a backup, I simply submit a high priority ticket to them to get me a backup. They then put it on the FTP location and I can download it. Typically they take about 1-2 hours to get that to me, but it isn't a big deal.

Personally some hosting providers promote a "Backup your own db" utility and personally I have yet to see one that actually does a native SQL backup which is what you need in the end.

Thanks for the info, Mitchel. 

Webhost4life did, in fact, have a one-click full backup that put the .bak on the ftp server for me instantly. That, however, did not offset the "Service Unavailable" interruptions I received on a daily basis, so, like life, I guess there are trade-offs.  " border=0>

I guess I'll request a backup this weekend for the upgrade; it would have been nice to do a weekly backup myself, but I take speed and service to .baks anyday....such is life.

So do you use the MyLittleSQL connection to play with yours, or enterprise manager? Perhaps I'll find my SQL disk and play around...just wondering what's most intuitive and so easy that even a caveman can do it.

Thanks again.

Does 3essentials allow for easy restoration?

I am thinking of moving to them because I need a cheaper option for our group.  What mail server do they use?

Thanks.

I'll just chime in one more time and add that I am still pleased that Mitchel turned me on to these guys. As for tech support/restores/et al, I've had responses to my questions/needs that were measured in minutes! Pierce and the gang are really on top of things over there and never had anything outstanding overnight...from native backups to reconnecting the db, to granted all the required permissions, to setting up a secure tunnel to tap my DB using another program, etc, etc, etc.

In short, their customer services far and away exceed my high expectations.