> Hi,
>
>> we are using FB 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 versions on Linux and Windows.
>> All FB clients are connected as SYSDBA.
>>
>> Is it possible to use the gfix utility to shut down the database
>> and make a copy of it (on the OS file level) for the backup? Till
>> now we are stopping the service for the daily backup/restore
>> process but we are thinking about rewriting our maintenance script.
>
> Use gbak to create a backup while your Firebird database is in use.

Yes, the gbak utility is OK to make backup of the FB. The problem is
we are making gbak/restore daily. And the restore of the database is
not possible, while users are connected.

>> I know in the FB2.0 it is possible to use gfix with the "-FULL"
>> parameter to make the "Exclusive shutdown". But what about
>> FB < 2.0?
>
> If you don't want to shutdown the server with FB < 2.0,
> then gbak is the only way.
>
> In Firebird 2.x, you can use nbackup to bring the database into
> a state where it can be copied at file system level safely, even
> while there are other users connected.
>
> Check out the nbackup guide here:
> http://www.firebirdsql.org/manual/nbackup.html

Yes, the only way is to force our customers to upgrade to FB 2.0.
Anyway, thanks for your comment.
Petr Jakes

> --
> Best Regards,
> Thomas Steinmaurer