Use the Point in Time tab to change the date and time of the data included in the virtual database.
You can pick any date and time included in the data sets of the selected backup files. If you do not see the point in time you want, you may need to choose different backup files.
A point in time provides a historical perspective of a physical database at the specified date and time. You can create multiple virtual databases, representing different points in time, from the same set of backup files. For example, you can create three virtual databases that represent the physical database on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. You can then access data and objects from the database as it existed on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
A point in time can help you:
- Analyze different versions of the same database
- Copy different versions of the same object
- Compare changes in data and schema objects from one time period to another
- Report on data that existed at a given date and time
Use the slider to pick a point in time during any hour of the most recent day in the selected backup files. As you hover over the slider, the available time intervals display. To pick a time, click the corresponding interval.
Use the calendar interface to choose a date and time in any available month by selecting the appropriate area on the displayed day. As you hover over a day, the available hour intervals display. To pick a time, click the corresponding interval.
The calendar interface indicates whether data is available for a given date and time, based on the backup files you selected. The calendar shows when different types of backups were performed to help you choose the correct files so that you have the data you need.
Actions and tasks
Pick a date and time
You can use either the slider or the calendar to pick the exact date and time you want to recover. After you select a date and time, SQL Virtual Database lists which data sets will be used to create the virtual database up to the selected point in time.
Pick an LSN
SQL Server 2005 and later allows you to use a LSN (log sequence number) to identify the point at which you want to recover data. To recover up to a specific LSN range, select LSN from the drop-down menu, and then choose the appropriate backup file.
Verify data sets
Use the grid to verify which data sets will be used to create the virtual database up to the selected point in time. Depending on the point in time you selected, SQL Virtual Database may not need to use all the data sets available in the backup files.