Full Backup/Restore of a SQL Server

[Robert_Norswort]

I have a SQL server running on a RAID 5 configuration that is just about run out of disk space.  I have BE 11d with Adv. Open file Agent, SQL Agent, and Intelligent Disaster Recover (IDR) Option installed.  Not too long ago I had similar situation with my Exchange server and was advised that the simplest method to rebuild to larger drives was to do a Full System Backup with all Non-Essential services (including Exchange) turned off and do a Full System Backup.  Then during the IDR Restore change the drive configuration and proceed with the restore.  I have the Exchange Option but was advised that this method is easier and would do the trick.  Well, it worked beautifully; when the server restarted Exchange came up just fine.

Does anyone know if a similar procedure will work for SQL?

[Ken_Putnam]

Absolutely

With the SQL Service shut down, backup Exec will treat the database(s) as flat files and do a Byte for Byte copy.

When you have added drives/expanded the partition, the restore will also do a byte for byte copy.  As long as the files go the same drive letter, SQL should startup quite happily, and you can then extend or add databases as you wish

[Robert_Norswort]

It does seem logical and just what I would have expected.   Thanks very much for the quick reply!