How to backup MySql SQL Server with Nordic Backup Pro

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The first steps to setup a MySQL backup job with Nordic Backup Pro is to verify that the settings of the MySQL server are correct. We recommend that you use a dedicated account for Nordic Backup, and verify that the account permisions are correct for access to the MySQL server on your MySQL manager software or command line tools as follows: There must be a MySQL account can be used to connect from localhost Add two new MySQL accounts for AhsayOBM mysql> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON . TO 'root'@'localhost' -> IDENTIFIED BY 'some_pass' mysql> GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON . TO 'root'@'localhost.localdomain' -> IDENTIFIED BY 'some_pass' mysql> FLUSH PRIVILEGES Please refer to MySQL documentation if you need assistance configuring these permissions.

Open Nordic Backup Pro, then click on the "Backup Setting" button at the bottom.


At the top of the Backup Setting screen, click on the Plus sign to start a new backup set. Nordic Backup is designed to maintain a separate backup job for each type of backup (File, Database, System State, etc.) and run them simultaneously if their backup times overlap.

Set a descriptive name for the backup set, for example "Server 01 MySQL". Change the backup type to ‘MySQL Server’.


Once the backup type is selected, the MySQL server connection info will appear. These settings specify the server and login information to connect to the local server. By default, the fields will be populated with the default server information, including the ROOT account, however it is important to change the account information you wish to use for backups. We recommend using an account dedicated to Nordic Backup. Click “Next”.

Select the databases to backup by clicking on the box next to it, then click “Next”. If there are no databases shown, an incorrect Login ID or Password was supplied in the previous screen.


Set the schedule options for the database backup set. By default, the full database backup is scheduled on Fridays at 21:00 hours. To modify these schedules, click on the schedule and then click “Properties”.

Change backup times and days to run as you would like. Click “Ok” when done, then “Next” in the New Backup Set Wizard. Note: You can have more than one schedule in a backup set, i.e. you can perform intra-day backup by adding more than one daily backup schedule to your backup set.


On this screen you may set the encryption for this backup set. You can choose between “Default” and “Custom". If you choose "Default” your files will be encrypted with the password you use to log into the Nordic Backup Pro. Note that the encryption key then is fixed and does not change if you subsequently change the password of your account. We recommend that you select "Custom" and enter an encryption key of your choice in the 2 bottom boxes. It is important that you choose an encryption key which only you know, thus assuring that you are the only who can access your files through Nordic Backup. Please note that your databases cannot be restored without the encryption key. It is important that you keep it in a safe location, in case you lose your computer. We recommend that you select the following options for encryption: AES algorithm CBC mode 256 bits Your encryption key must be at least 8 characters including upper case letters and lower case letters and at least one number. Click "OK" to continue.

Click "OK" to finish creating the backup set.


After the MySQL backup set has been created, there are some advanced settings to check. You will need to ensure that the temporary location for storing the backup has enough free space and is not included in a regular file backup. You should also verify the Retention and In-File Delta settings. By clicking the "Backup Settings" button on the main screen, you can see and change settings for each backup set.

In the "Backup Setting" screen you can adjust any of your backup sets. To select which set to change, click on the drop down arrow button on the main screen, you can see and change settings for each backup set.


Options Here you can select the folder for temporary files. We recommend that you select the drive which has the most free disk space.

Retention policy Retention is an important part of any backup because it specifies how long a changed or deleted database from the source server is retained on the backup server. By default, Nordic Backup is configured to retain data for 7 days. However, Nordic Backup Pro can retain all changes for as long as you want, but be advised that all data is counted toward your backup quota. If you would like to increase or decrease your data storage limit, it can also be managed through the Nordic Backup website at any time. We recommend you set Retention time to 30 days minimum.

In-File Delta

Delta Block mode is very suitable for backup of large files, as it only takes backup of the changes in the file itself. Even if a file is 1 GB, it can easily change as little as 50 MB. After the initial full backup, changes are then the only part of the large file that is backed up.

We recommend that you adjust the default settings by clicking on the "Advanced" button.

Change Delta Block settings for large files

Adjusting the In-File Delta settings are recommended due to constant changes of the database. As the database is backed up with the In-File Delta technology, the default of 100 delta backups will be created before the original file is uploaded again.

By setting a monthly override of the delta upload, it ensures that the database will be backed up in full at Nordic Backup. Another benefit of the monthly override is to reduce the number of delta blocks and reduce the restore time.

Check all the boxes for each month then select the radio button for the specific day. We recommend choosing the last weekday of the month.

Adjust advanced settings for a monthly full backup

US v1.0

You have now completed the configuration of a MySQL Server backup set in Nordic Backup Pro.