Verifying the SQL Server is ready to start VSS operations

Complete the following tests to verify that your SQL Server is ready to perform VSS operations.

Before you begin

For best results, complete these tests before you install Tivoli® Storage Manager.
Test the core VSS function first. VSS function can be validated with the Windows Server-embedded DISKSHADOW command. The DISKSHADOW command is available for Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2, and later operating systems.

About this task

The following list identifies the diskshadow tests to complete before any Tivoli Storage Manager components are installed.

Procedure

Test non-persistent shadow copy creation and deletion. Run diskshadow in a command window and issue the following commands:
```
DISKSHADOW>begin backup
DISKSHADOW>add volume f: (Database volume)
DISKSHADOW>add volume g: (Log volume)
DISKSHADOW>create
DISKSHADOW>end backup
DISKSHADOW>list shadows all (this may take a few minutes)
DISKSHADOW>delete shadows all
```
Volumes on drive F and drive G represent the SQL Server database and log volumes. Repeat this test four times, and verify that the Windows System and Application Event Log contains no errors.
Test persistent shadow copy creation and deletion. Run diskshadow in a command window and issue the following commands:
```
DISKSHADOW>set context persistent
DISKSHADOW>begin backup
DISKSHADOW>add volume f: (Database volume)
DISKSHADOW>add volume g: (Log volume)
DISKSHADOW>create
DISKSHADOW>end backup
DISKSHADOW>list shadows all (This may take a few minutes)
DISKSHADOW>delete shadows all
```
Volumes on drive F and drive G represent the SQL Server database and log volumes. Repeat this test four times, verify that the Windows System and Application Event Log contains no errors.
Test non-persistent transportable shadow copy creation and deletion. Run diskshadow in a command window and issue the following commands:
```
DISKSHADOW>set option transportable
DISKSHADOW>begin backup
DISKSHADOW> add volume f: (Database volume)
DISKSHADOW> add volume g: (Log volume)
DISKSHADOW>set metadata c:\metadata\sqlmeta.cab (specify the path 
where you want the metadata stored)
DISKSHADOW> create
DISKSHADOW>end backup
```
Volumes f: and g: represent the SQL Server database and log volumes. Repeat this test four times, and verify that the Windows System and Application Event Log contains no errors.

What to do next

When these tests complete without errors, you can install Tivoli Storage Manager. Use the DiskShadow tool for verification. The DiskShadow tool is preinstalled on the Windows Server operating system.

On the last step of the configuration wizard, a VSS diagnostic check is run to verify the VSS setup. Any warnings must be fixed before you finish the configuration and start a Data Protection for SQL Server operation.