Export Azure SQL Database to .bak File

Understanding .bak File Generation from Azure SQL

Azure SQL does not support native .bak file creation. Instead, export a .BACPAC file and import it into a local SQL Server instance. This process will create a new user database. From the local SQL Server, a .bak file can then be generated.

Exporting .BACPAC from Azure Portal

To start exporting to a .bak file, access the Azure portal and navigate to the desired SQL Server database page. Click 'Export', choose a Storage Account and Container, then confirm the operation by clicking 'Ok'.

Ensuring a Transactionally Consistent Export

For a transactionally consistent export, halt all write activity during the export process or export from a transactionally consistent copy of your database.

Performance Best Practices

Improve export performance by temporarily scaling up compute resources and halting all read and write activities. Utilize a clustered index with non-null values on large tables to expedite the process.

Using SQLPackage Utility

For better scalability and performance, employ the SQLPackage utility. SQLPackage enables running multiple export commands concurrently for different table subsets and supports exporting databases with Active Directory Universal Authentication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I directly export a .bak file from an Azure SQL database?

No, Azure SQL does not provide a native way to generate .bak files directly.

How can I create a .bak file from an Azure SQL database?

You can create a .bak file by first exporting a BACPAC file from the Azure portal, then importing it to a local SQL Server or by using a tool like SqlAzureBakMaker.

What is the process to convert a BACPAC file to a .bak file?

To convert a BACPAC file to a .bak file, you need to import the BACPAC file to a local SQL Server that supports importing BACPAC files. After the import, you can then generate a .bak file from the local server.

Is there a tool available to help with exporting .bak files from Azure SQL Database?

Yes, you can use the SqlAzureBakMaker tool to create .bak files from Azure SQL databases.

Can the .bac file from Azure be downloaded for backup purposes?

The term '.bac' seems to be a typographical error. If you are referring to a BACPAC file, then yes, it can be exported and downloaded from the Azure portal for backup purposes.

Common Use Cases

• 
  Creating a backup of an Azure SQL database for disaster recovery purposes
• 
  Migrating a database from Azure SQL to an on-premises SQL Server
• 
  Archiving data from an Azure SQL database for long-term storage
• 
  Facilitating the transfer of a database between different Azure regions or subscriptions
• 
  Supporting the duplication of a database for testing or development environments

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