Wendell,
You're pretty much right on. Couple of things though. You can download the database and move it to the other. I have tried it many times.
Careful, though, because the databases are connected to the SQL Server engine, and not only can things like LogMeIn not going to be able to stop services, etc. or back up master, msdb or model (which you don't necessarily need to do -- but if they become corrupted, you are in trouble for a while) there is a good chance those databases may be corrupted. This is why you can copy the Amazingmeds database and move it. You can but you risk corruption. No real connection strings involved. That's the program to the databases.
However, you are completely right about the backup.
Kevin, do this exactly. Start from scratch. Go to other computer. Download a new AC and SQL Server Express. This will be your new program. Now, take a AC Backup without the Imported Items (for now), and run AC Restore and restore. It will ask you if you want to overwrite everything, and say yes. Then you will have the exact same AC you had before. Of course, you must back up everyday.
Wendell has a good point about using a different software program to back up the imported items. Yes, the AC Backup (in its infinite wisdom to help computer-illiterate users (sorry), puts the backup in the Backup Folder (I am writing a script for this -- to limit those). But, don't do AC Backups w/imported items without deleting it from that folder. But, you can back up the whole shebang to another hard drive and then delete.
That would be the simplest way. Back up once to an external hard drive and delete the backup in the Backup Folder. Then back up offline and again to another folder on the external drive without the imported items. Now you are all set.
The .bak file can be used if you have the right (free) software and know the sa password. LogMeIn and Carbonite are not going to tell you they can back up Exchange and SQL or they would end up getting sued left and right. It's just too difficult for them. And, Carbonite and LogMeIn Backup ARE NOT MADE for backing up serious server stuff.
So backup everything to external and delete the one in the AC folder.
Backup just the AC without the imported items offsite and to the same hard drive and keep a copy, if you want, in the AC folder.
Restore from there.
Kevin,
You are to be commended for doing this. It will serve you will. In the IT backup business part of the routine of backups are restores to check how it works. More people should do this.
Let me and Wendell know how it turns out.
