I have a windows server 2012 with SQL Server 2012 configured with Merge replication with three subscribers.
I want to take a full back up the merge replication in case of total sql server crush. I am not sure how to take it or which databases to take a back up? for how long? so that if some thing happens then I will just restore all the configuration back.
any idea? thanks
You should take backups of these databases
The publication database at the Publisher
The distribution database at the Distributor
The subscription database at each Subscriber
The master and msdb system databases at the Publisher, Distributor and all Subscribers. These databases should be backed up at the same time as each other and the relevant replication database. For example, back up the master and msdb databases at the Publisher at the same time you back up the publication database. If the publication database is restored, ensure that the master and msdb database are consistent with the publication database in terms of replication configuration and settings.
For more information, refer msdn