MS SQL Backup Requirements

When backing up MS SQL using N-able Backup, there are several requirements that must be met.

Using Backup Manager, you must back up at minimum a single database

It is not possible to exclude certain tables or files from a backup selection.

The Backup Manager must be installed on the same MS SQL server that you want to back up
There must be sufficient free space in the VSS Shadow Copy storage area, as MS SQL backups depend on VSS Snapshots

When a backup session is completed, snapshots are automatically deleted.

If the MS SQL Server has the Azure AD Connect feature enabled, we recommend running a test backup.
We highly recommend setting the database to the Simple Recovery Model before starting backups

MS SQL Server Configuration: Azure AD Connect

If the backup session fails with a VSS error, this may be due to an Azure AD Connect upgrade released in October 2017. If this version is of use on the device, ensure you update to the highest version.

You can also resolve the issue by changing the "Log On" account for the SQL Server VSS Writer service from "Local System account" to a domain administrator account. To learn more about possible solutions, see the help articles listed below.

Simple Recovery Model

Under this model, inactive virtual log files are automatically removed after each checkpoint (or shortly after it). This saves space and helps avoid unnecessary processing.

Set the model selection by:

Start the SQL Server Management Studio
In the Object Explorer, right-click a database and then select Properties from the context menu that opens
In the Recovery model list, select Simple

The simple recovery model makes it possible to restore a database only to the end of the most recent backup. We recommend scheduling backups frequently enough to prevent the loss of recent changes.

If you choose to back up a database under the full recovery model, you are responsible for truncating the logs.