Creating a backup using SQL Server Command Line (T-SQL)

Overview

Creating command line backups is very straightforward.  There are basically two commands that allow you to create backups, BACKUP DATABASE and BACKUP LOG.

Explanation

Here are some simple examples on how to create database and log backups using T-SQL.  This is the most basic syntax that is needed to create backups to disk.

Create a SQL Server full backup

BACKUP DATABASE AdventureWorks 
TO DISK = 'C:\AdventureWorks.BAK'
GO

Create a SQL Server transaction log backup

BACKUP LOG AdventureWorks 
TO DISK = 'C:\AdventureWorks.TRN'
GO

This is basically all you need to do to create the backups.  There are other options that can be used, but to create a valid and useable backup file this is all that needs to be done.

To read more about these options take a look at these topics:

• BACKUP DATABASE
• BACKUP LOG

Greg Robidoux

Greg Robidoux has been working with databases for 35+ years with extensive hands on SQL Server experience from version 6.5 to 2025. He has authored over 250 technical articles and delivered several presentations online and at various conventions. Greg is also the President and founder of Edgewood Solutions, a technology services company delivering services and solutions for Microsoft SQL Server.