There are 2 methods for restoring the internal database.
- Online, which is run through the Graphical User Interface (GUI).
- Offline which is run via the Command Line Interface (CLI)
What is the difference between the two and which is best for restore?
Online
in a disaster recovery scenario the Online restore would require the reinstallation of the Data Protector Cell Manager software and a reimport of the latest Internal Database backup. This would require locating the media through the Media.log or Obrindex.dat file*, importing the media and running the restore and recovery through the GUI in the restore context.
Offline
Same DR scenario, this does require reinstalling the DP Software and then locating the original Obrindex.dat file*, copying it to the new install location and running a few commands to export the variables to a text file and then to read them in exceuting the restore and recovery.
Which is best?
There a few considerations. With the online you can pick and choose files for restore, choose an alternative location for restore - say if you wanted to find a single file for restore or some Config data. on a full IDB restore the downside is that the IDB will need to be restored to an alternative location, for example C:\ProgramData\Omniback\Server\db80_new\. this is because the process takes place with the services up and running. With the Offline restore the process will restore the IDB back to the original location. While there is no functional downside to the new location in regards to the online restore it does leave the installation in a changed state.
Conclusion. The choice is yours. There are good points ot both but i would recommend testing eacjh of these so that when the time comes and you need to recover the Database or installation as quickly as possible you are familar with the necessary steps.
* OBrindex.dat and Media.log. with either method its important that you have a copy of the Obrindex.dat file or the Media.log. I would recommend making sure you have a backup plan on securing these files to a safe location.
Search the blogs for "Obrindex.dat" there is another article covering this file, how to secure a backup copy and how to recover the IDB with it using the CLI.