INFO: Backing Up the MQIS Database (191536)

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.

Recovery of PSC's will require the restoration of the SiteID information stored in the following Registry Key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSMQ\Parameters\MachineCache

This Registry Key should be backed up occasionally.

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

191535 Restoring MQIS from SQL Backup

For additional information about creating and restoring a backup copy of the MSMQ Server Registry Keys, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

240438 Backup\Restore of MSMQ Server Registry Keys

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 in SQL version 6.5. These steps for SQL 7.0 are later in this document.

Start SQL Enterprise Manager.
Select a server (typically the local computer). On the Tools menu, click Database Backup/Restore.
Click the Backup tab. Under Backup Devices click New. In New Backup Device dialog box, type a name for the new backup device and note the location path. Click Create.
Below the Backup Devices list, click New. In the Database list, click MQIS. Under Options, click Initialize Device. Click Backup Now. A dialog box appears stating that the database backup has been created.

Use the following steps to back up the MQIS database in SQL version 7.0.

Start SQL 7.0 Enterprise Manager.
Select a server (typically the local computer). On the Tools menu, click Backup Database.
On the General tab, select MQIS in the Database drop-down listbox.
Click Add in the Destination section. In the Choose Backup Destination window, select Backup device. In the drop-down listbox select "New Backup Device", in Name, type MQIS, note the backup location and click OK for the name. Click OK in the Choose Backup Destination window. NOTE: These steps create a backup of the MQIS to the local C:\Mssql7\Backup folder. You can choose to backup the MQIS to tape or any device name.
Click OK in the SQL Server Backup window. The Backup wizard creates the backup called MQIS.bak and places it in the selected directory. A dialog box appears stating that the database backup has been created.

The MQIS backup file can be copied to the Mssql7 backup folder of another computer if necessary.