Can you create a backup, move it, and restore a database on a separate computer if the server doesn't currently have a reference to said database?

>>Can you create a backup, move it, and restore
>> a database on a separate computer if the server
>> doesn't currently have a reference to said database?

Once you have a Backup file _if_ you have the CATALOG you can restore it anywhere.

i.e.

BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabase AS "MyDatabaseBackup" TO STORE "Backup"

Creates a backup file, but no catalog, so it can only be restored into a session which already contains a definition (catalog file) for that database.

BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabase AS "MyDatabaseBackup" TO STORE "Backup" INCLUDE CATALOG

... includes the catalog ... so now you can restore it wherever you like.

--

Your users will only access a restored database if you Server Session points to it (i.e. your server session includes a database definition which points to the restored database).

<< Can you create a backup, move it, and restore a database on a separate
computer if the server doesn't currently have a reference to said database?
>>

The only requirement is that you restore the database into an existing
database that has been created using CREATE DATABASE.  It doesn't have to be
the same database name, nor does it even have to have the same metadata if
you have chosen to restore the database catalog also.

--
Tim Young
Elevate Software
www.elevatesoft.com