Restoring the R/3 database after a disk crash

This topic describes how to restore the database when the R/3 database disk system is damaged or the transaction log disk system is damaged. This process is only applicable to a configuration with three disk systems: one system for the R/3 database, one for the R/3 transaction logs and one for all others.

Note:

The R3 database must not be in use when you are performing a restore operation. Make sure that all SAP services are stopped before you attempt a restore with NetBackup.

Warning:

If the disk system on which the R/3 database resides is damaged, it is vital to immediately back up the currently active transaction log. This log backup is done to prevent loss of data. Without a backup of the current log, the database can only be restored to the status at the time of the last transaction log backup. If work has been carried out on the R/3 system since then, this work is lost.

To restore the R/3 database after a disk crash

  1. Back up the current transaction log.

  2. Replace damaged disks.

    Replacing damaged disks in a RAID disk system is normally a straightforward procedure. If you are uncertain how to proceed, see the documentation of your hardware vendor to learn how to handle the disks. The new disks must be formatted and assigned the same drive letter as the old disks.

  3. Restore the database logs and transaction logs.

    The central phase of a restore operation is the reloading of the database backup and the application of the available transaction logs. When the database backup is reloaded, the database files are automatically recreated. The data is copied from the backup device to the newly created files. Once this copy has been done, the transaction logs are applied in the same sequence as they were originally made. In a final step, open transactions that were not completed at the time of the database failure are rolled back.