---
title: Starting the DBMS backup
description: Shut down the server and run the backup command.
component: pingdirectory
version: 9.3
page_id: pingdirectory:pingdatametrics_server_administration_guide:pd_met_start_dbms_backup
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingdirectory/9.3/pingdatametrics_server_administration_guide/pd_met_start_dbms_backup.html
revdate: September 13, 2023
section_ids:
  steps: Steps
---

# Starting the DBMS backup

Shut down the server and run the backup command.

## Steps

1. Before a backup or restore, shut down the PingDataMetrics server.

2. To backup the entire DMBS run the command:

   ```shell
   $ tar -cf backup.tar  <path-to-postgres-data-directory>
   ```