User`s guide

Configure Database Recovery Settings
SQL Server supports these recovery models, which you can set differently for each database:
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Simple. In Simple recovery, the only information kept in the transaction log is data that is necessary to
recover the database to a known good state when the server restarts. It is a misconception that this
setting does not cause the transaction log file to grow. In this mode, SQL Server is in what is known as
“Auto Truncate” mode, which means that the log file is periodically “rolled over” as data is moved
from the log file to the data file. In this mode, transaction log backups are not allowed, and “point in
time” recovery is not available. Due to the nature of VCM, use the Simple recovery model for all
VMware databases, and use the nightly FULL or INCREMENTAL backups.
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Bulk Logged. In Bulk Logged recovery, the transaction log retains all “normal” transaction information
and effectively discards transactions that result from a bulk operation. VCM makes extensive use of the
IROWSETFASTLOAD interface, which is bulk logged.
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Full. In Full recovery, the transaction log retains all information until it is effectively purged through
the use of a SQL Server LOG backup operation, which is used when the Database Administrator wants
to perform point-in-time recovery. It is also used to allow incremental backups of the database. Factors
in VCM weaken the point-in-time recovery model, so do not use point-in-time recovery.
If you decide to implement Full Recovery, you must set up scheduled daily backups of the transaction
log. The log files will continue to grow and accumulate changes until they are backed up, so a Full
Recovery database without scheduled backups can quickly fill its disk and stop the system.
NOTE VCM database settings are set to Simple by default. If you change the VCM database recovery
setting to Full, you must manage your own log backups.
To configure the database recovery settings, follow these steps:
1. Select Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2008R2 > SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Expand the SQL instance.
3. Expand Databases.
4. Right-click VCM and select Properties.
5. Click Options.
6. In the Recovery model drop-down, select either Simple, Bulk-logged, or Full and click OK.
Create a Maintenance Plan for SQL Server 2008 R2
Because VCM relies heavily on its SQL databases for its operation, set up routine maintenance for SQL
Server 2008 R2. Set up the automated maintenance functions on SQL Server 2008 R2 servers that host the
VCM database to ensure that VCM runs at peak performance and requires little operator intervention
during its lifecycle.
Follow these steps to create a maintenance plan for SQL Server 2008 R2.
1. Select Start > All Programs > Microsoft SQL Server 2008R2 > SQL Server Management Studio.
vCenter Configuration Manager Installation and Getting Started Guide
240 VMware, Inc.