Consider backing up the event databases frequently, depending on the volume of audit data you collect and your established disaster recovery strategies. For best results, use the following guidelines:

• Perform a full backup, including the transaction logs
• Schedule the backup during off-hours, or times when you expect the least audit activity
• Back up all event databases during the same backup procedure
• Save each database to a separate backup file
• Back up the SQLcompliance database during the same backup procedure to ensure audit data integrity remains intact

To back up the event databases:

1. Use SQL Server Enterprise Manager or Management Studio to take the SQLcompliance database offline. If you cannot take the SQLcompliance database offline, stop the Collection Service.
2. Use a tool such as IDERA  to perform a full backup, including transaction logs, of the SQLcompliance database.
   For each event database, perform a full backup, including the transaction logs. Each registered SQL Server instance has a corresponding event database. For more information, see Product components and architecture.
3. Use SQL Server Enterprise Manager or Management Studio to bring the SQLcompliance database online.