The console command prompt utility displays backup and restore messages when backing up to or restoring from tape dump devices, and is used by the person responsible for backing up and restoring a database.
console [/S server_name] [/P pipe_name]
The console utility must be running before a BACKUP or RESTORE statement can proceed for tape dump devices.
Because the console workstation (which can be any screen group) displays prompts and messages for the operator, run it in a window on the same Microsoft® Windows NT® Workstation running Microsoft SQL Server™.
If two tapes (that is, two backups or restores) are being used at one time, only one console is needed. The program prints messages one at a time, waiting for a response before displaying the next prompt. For this reason, the messages include the name of the physical drive to which they pertain.
To stop a backup or restore to a tape, enter n in response to any prompt to mount a new tape.
The console utility uses Named Pipes. If you want to use console on an alternate pipe, you must set up the connection using SQL Server Client Network Utility.
Note If the console utility has been started and appears to be unusable, wait for one minute and try to use it again. (SQL Server may be in the process of fixing a broken console connection).