append backups and other mtn plan stuff

Hello:
I am editing a backup maintenance plan. For some reason, the plan is doing
an append backup. I realize that the word "Append" appears in the window.
But, it is grayed out. So, I cannot edit it and choose "Full". Any ideas o
n
how to fix this so that it will do a full backup rather than an Append?
Also, what is the difference between "Target server connection" and "Local
server
connection" when configuring maintenance plans?
Upon reviewing the .bak files in Windows Explorer where the maintenance
plans are placing database backups, I noticed the letter "A" in the Attribut
e
column. Does this mean that the backup job was an "Append" job?
I temporarily disabled my maintenance plans and re-enabled them this AM. In
SQL Server Agent, I noticed that the phrase ".Subplan" appears not at the en
d
of the name of my jobs. Why is that, and is that "bad"?
Thanks!
childofthe1980sHi
"childofthe1980s" wrote:

> Hello:
You don't give the version you are using, have you applied SP2 and the
hotfixes?

> I am editing a backup maintenance plan. For some reason, the plan is doin
g
> an append backup. I realize that the word "Append" appears in the window.
> But, it is grayed out. So, I cannot edit it and choose "Full". Any ideas
on
> how to fix this so that it will do a full backup rather than an Append?
The append/overwrite option is applicable when you choose the file/files to
backup to rather than the directory option.
You can create a maintenance cleanup task to remove unwanted files.

> Also, what is the difference between "Target server connection" and "Local
> server
> connection" when configuring maintenance plans?
A new connection must have been created with this name look at the manage
connections option in the maintenance plan designer to see the properties of
each one.

> Upon reviewing the .bak files in Windows Explorer where the maintenance
> plans are placing database backups, I noticed the letter "A" in the Attrib
ute
> column. Does this mean that the backup job was an "Append" job?
No the A is the archive file attribute.

> I temporarily disabled my maintenance plans and re-enabled them this AM.
In
> SQL Server Agent, I noticed that the phrase ".Subplan" appears not at the
end
> of the name of my jobs. Why is that, and is that "bad"?
Not sure but it will only be part of the job description.

> Thanks!
> childofthe1980s
HTH
John