SA0200 : Backup to tape syntax is deprecated |
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Deprecated syntax for specifying backup devices like TAPE in T-SQL script can lead to compatibility issues and is generally unused in modern environments.

In SQL Server, using the deprecated BACKUP { DATABASE | LOG } TO TAPE syntax can create problems because it relies on old technology. Modern environments typically use disk-based storage or cloud solutions for backups.
For example:
1-- Example of deprecated usage 2BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabase TO TAPE = 'MyTapeDevice';
The example above is problematic because:
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It depends on tape devices, which are becoming obsolete, leading to potential difficulties in maintaining hardware.
-
This syntax may not be supported in future versions of SQL Server, increasing the risk of compatibility issues.

To prevent compatibility and maintenance issues, it is recommended to use disk-based storage for backups by replacing the use of deprecated `BACKUP { DATABASE | LOG } TO TAPE` syntax with `BACKUP { DATABASE | LOG } TO DISK` syntax.
Follow these steps to address the issue:
-
Identify instances of the deprecated BACKUP TO TAPE syntax in your scripts or processes.
-
Replace the tape backup device with a disk-based solution by using BACKUP TO DISK syntax. Specify a valid file path on your disk storage.
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Modify any automated scripts or jobs that use the older syntax to ensure they utilize disk-based backups instead.
For example:
1-- Example of corrected query 2BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabase TO DISK = 'C:BackupMyDatabase.bak';

The rule has a Batch scope and is applied only on the SQL script.

Rule has no parameters.

The rule does not need Analysis Context or SQL Connection.


Deprecated Features, Bugs


SQL
1BACKUP DATABASE AdventureWorks2012 2TO TAPE = '.tape0', TAPE = '.tape1' 3MIRROR TO TAPE = '.tape2', TAPE = '.tape3' 4WITH 5 FORMAT, 6 MEDIANAME = 'AdventureWorksSet1'; 7 8 9BACKUP DATABASE AdventureWorks2012 TO TAPE ='.tape0' 10BACKUP LOG AdventureWorks2012 TO TAPE ='.tape0' |

Message | Line | Column | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | SA0200 : Backup to tape syntax is deprecated. | 2 | 3 |
2 | SA0200 : Backup to tape syntax is deprecated. | 2 | 23 |
3 | SA0200 : Backup to tape syntax is deprecated. | 9 | 38 |
4 | SA0200 : Backup to tape syntax is deprecated. | 10 | 33 |
