Creating a transaction log backup plan

CDC Replication requires backups of the transaction logs in Microsoft SQL Server.

Your transaction log backup process must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Backups must be done with the Microsoft SQL Server Maintenance Plan or with a manual process in Microsoft SQL Server. Transaction log backups with third party tools are not supported.
  • Backups must create a new file and should not append or replace an existing file. Multiple transaction log backups to the same physical file are not supported.
  • Backups must not be compressed or encrypted.
  • CDC Replication requires physical access to the transaction log backup files on disk.
  • You must retain transaction log backup files for as long as CDC Replication is shut down or latent. CDC Replication requires the transaction log backup files until all changes contained in the files are replicated to the target system. Use the dmshowlogdependency command to determine which backup files are still required.
Note: It is beneficial for CDC Replication performance if transaction log backups are kept to a size of 1 GB or less (if data volume permits).

If you need more information on how to complete this task, see your database administrator or refer to your Microsoft SQL Server documentation.