SQL server 2005 SP4 differential backup is failing We have an SQL server 2005 with SP4, x86. When we attempt to take the differential backup, we are getting the following error message.


  Cannot perform a differential backup for database "ABCD", because a
  current database backup does not exist. Perform a full database backup
  by reissuing BACKUP DATABASE, omitting the WITH DIFFERENTIAL option.
  [SQLSTATE 42000] (Error 3035) BACKUP DATABASE is terminating
  abnormally.


Any help in resolving this issue is appreciated
A differential backup is a "changes only" backup, and therefore can only be done when there is a previous full backup to work from. If you create a new database (or attach one from another server), and don't take a full backup, there no "original backup" to get changes since.