> > To clarify: > > I'd expect a cluster to be workable, if I > > - disable VACUUM until backup completed > > - issue CHECKPOINT > > - backup clog (CHECKPOINT and backup clog are the "backup checkpoint") > > - backup all datafiles (which include at least all completed transaction > > data at checkpoint time) > > and then > > - restore datafiles and clog > > - bring up pgsql. > > Why is that a useful approach? You might as well shut down the > postmaster and do a cold filesystem backup, because you are depending on > the data files (including clog) not to change after the checkpoint. You > cannot make such an assumption in a running database.
I think there is a misunderstanding here. What I think is possible is the following (continuous backup of WAL assumed): - disable VACUUM - issue CHECKPOINT "C1" - backup all files - reenable VACUUM - restore files - adapt pg_control (checkpoint "C1") - recover WAL until at least end of backup The db is inconsistent until you recovered all WAL (PITR) that accumulated during file backup. I am not sure about clog, isn't clog logged in xlog ? Andreas ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 5: Have you checked our extensive FAQ? http://www.postgresql.org/docs/faqs/FAQ.html