SQL Server: DB Backup - Part 2

• Creating a Backup Device

EXEC sp_adddumpdevice @devtype='disk',
@logicalname='AWBackup',
@physicalname='D:\backup\AWBackup1.bak'

EXEC sp_adddumpdevice @devtype='tape',
@logicalname='AWTapeBackup',
@physicalname='\\.\tape0'

• Removing a Backup Device

Sp_dropdevice @logicalname='AWBackup'  

This command only removes the backup device definition—it doesn’t automatically delete the files contained therein. Use this command to remove all the files in addition tothe device definition: 

Sp_dropdevice @logicalname='AWBackup', @devfile='DELFILE'

• Managing Backup Devices

BACKUP DATABASE AdventureWorks
TO AWBackup
WITH EXPIREDATE = '12/05/2007'

or

BACKUP DATABASE AdventureWorks
TO AWBackup
WITH RETAINDAYS=7

The first option causes that specific backup to be removed after December 5, 2007at midnight. The second option forces that particular backup to be
removed after seven days have passed.