Configure Database Mirroring

1. On the Principal SQL Server, open SMSS, right-click the database from the Object Explorer, select Tasks, then the Backup Database Window appears. Select the appropriate database from the Source drop-down menu.

2. Select Full from the Backup Type drop-down menu.

3. Select the Backup File Path. Then, Save with the <file-name>.bak extension and click OK.

"Back Up Database" Window

4. Similarly, select the same database. Right-click and select Tasks, then select Restore Database.

5. Select Transactional Log from the Backup Type drop-down menu.

6. Select the Backup File Path, then Save with <file-name>.trn extension. Click OK.

7. Copy the Backup files to the Mirror SQL Server. Restore the database on the Mirror SQL Server.

8. On the Mirror SQL Server, open SMSS, right-click on the Database and select Restore Database.

9. Select the Device radio button and select the newly created Backup Files.

10. Select the Options and choose RESTORE with NO RECOVERY from the Recovery State drop-down menu. Click OK.

This will restore the database from the Principal SQL Server to the Mirror SQL Server.

11. On the Principal SQL Server, select the same database. Right-click and select Tasks, and then select Mirror Database.

12. The Configure Database Mirroring Security wizard appears. Click Next for another two wizards.

13. Select the Witness Server checkbox.

14. Click Next on the Principal SQL Server wizard.

Configuring Database Mirroring Security Wizard

15. Select the Mirror server instance from the drop-down menu. Click Connect and then click Next.

Configuring Database Mirroring Security Wizard

16. Select the Witness server instance from the drop-down menu, click Connect, and click Next.

Configuring Database Mirroring Security Wizard

17. Enter the Domain Admin Account for Principal, Witness, and Mirror Instance. Click Next.

Configuring Database Mirroring Security Wizard

18. Verify the details and click Finish.

19. When the Database Properties pop-up appears, select Start Mirroring.

Database Properties Wizard

Database Properties Wizard

21. On the Principal SQL Server, expand the Databases and locate the appropriate database, which shows Principal, Synchronizing after its name.

Database Properties Wizard

22. Similarly, on the Mirror SQL Server, expand the Databases and locate the appropriate database, which shows Mirror, Synchronized/Restoring after its name.

Database Properties Wizard