We have an SQL server 2005 with SP4, x86. When we attempt to take the differential backup, we are getting the following error message.
Cannot perform a differential backup for database "ABCD", because a
current database backup does not exist. Perform a full database backup
by reissuing BACKUP DATABASE, omitting the WITH DIFFERENTIAL option.
[SQLSTATE 42000] (Error 3035) BACKUP DATABASE is terminating
abnormally.
Any help in resolving this issue is appreciated
Best Answer
A differential backup is a "changes only" backup, and therefore can only be done when there is a previous full backup to work from. If you create a new database (or attach one from another server), and don't take a full backup, there no "original backup" to get changes since.