Note: This example is explained using SQL Server 2012; the backup procedure will vary in different versions of SQL server.

1. Log into SQL Management Studio.
2. Click the "+" next to Databases to expand databases.
3. Right click on the database to be backed up, and select Tasks > Back Up...
4. On the Back Up Database screen, ensure Backup type: is set to Full and Backup component: is set to Database.
5. Click Add in the Destination section.
   
6. Click on the ellipses "..." button to give the backup file a location and name.
   
7. Populate the File Name, and change the destination path if desired, then click OK.
   
8. Click OK again on the Select Backup Destination screen.
9. Press OK to create the backup. This may take some time depending on the size of the database.