How to determine if a separate SQL database backup is needed

Before starting the product upgrade, you should make a full Guardian server backup to save all configuration files, executables, and local product databases. If the product databases are stored on another server, you should take separate database backups or make sure you have automated backups available before you start the upgrade. For detailed instructions on server backups, refer to Using checkpoints | Microsoft Learn and Take a Snapshot of a Virtual Machine. For additional virtual machines, consult their respective documentation for backup procedures.

This article describes how to back up and recover the Cayosoft Guardian installation to a new server.

How to determine if a separate SQL database backup is needed

1. In Cayosoft Guardian, go to Settings > System Databases and review the values in the Server column.
2. If the Server value is listed as (LocalDb)\CayoInstance or matches the Guardian server name, the database resides on the same server, meaning it’s included in the general server snapshot.
3. If the Server column shows a different server name, this indicates the database is external and needs a separate backup via SQL Server. Additionally, check and note the database name in the Database Name column to ensure correct identification, as some SQL servers may rename databases upon restoration.

How to restore a Guardian server

1. If all product databases are on the same server, revert the server to the previous snapshot.
2. If some or all product databases are external:
   1. Turn off the current Guardian server.
   2. Restore the databases from the latest backup taken before the upgrade. For more information on how to restore on an external server, see the following article: Restore a database from a backup in Azure SQL Database.

NOTE: If the restore process changes any database names, rename them to their original names so Guardian can locate them.

3. Revert the Guardian server to its previous snapshot.
4. Turn on the restored Guardian server.

This process ensures accurate database recovery and continuity of operations in Guardian.