SQL Server Error 3014 : Backup Terminating Abnormally Fixed

We’re getting user queries for backup-related errors in the SQL Server database these days. However, the most queried error is about the Microsoft SQL Server error 3014 code. As this method is related to the SQL Server backup, so we’re going to understand the SQL backup file, error causes, the best 3 methods to fix it & much more.

However, let’s have a look at this user query first to proceed further:

“I was randomly checking the error logs of my SQL DB, and that’s when I noticed the SQL 3014 error code. I knew it was somehow related to a backup file but couldn’t find out more about it. Now, I’m worried about it as my database is having very crucial data I don’t want to put at risk.”
– Ashley, United States

What is Error 3014 in SQL Server?

Users experience the MS SQL Server error 3014 in their system when the backup file of the database is affected. There can be numerous reasons for this, but the most common one is corruption in the backup (.bak) file. This error results in hindrances related to the backup operations. The message in most cases is like the one mentioned below:

Msg 3014, Level 16, State 1, Line X
BACKUP DATABASE is terminating abnormally.

In case, users are facing a similar error, they can cross-check it. Users just need to check the SQL Server error logs in the system.

1. Go to SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Click Object Explorer & Go to SQL Server Agent.
3. Click on Error Logs to check all of the error logs.

Moreover, users can see the same results with the help of this T-SQL command:

SELECT SERVERPROPERTY(‘ErrorLogFileName’) AS ‘Error log path’;

The SERVERPROPERTY function here helps to get the exact path of a particular error. Moreover, if users want to set up a stored procedure that will automatically look out for the SQL 3014 code, they just can set it as mentioned below:

EXEC xp_readerrorlog 0, 1, ‘3014’;

After this, users can be sure if there is a backup-related error or not. But if the findings are positive, then we must find out the causes of such errors.

All Causes of  SQL Server Error 3014 in Database

There can be multiple reasons for this “backup database terminated abnormally” error. However, all are somehow related to each other. Below are the causes mentioned to get a deep understanding of the error.

• Command Syntax Errors: Mistakes in the command syntax that users took for backing up files are a major issue. Therefore, users should always check commands.
• Corruption in the BAK File: Another most common reason is having corruption in the backup or .bak file. To proceed clean, users must fix this corruption in the files.
• The Concurrency Problem: If several users execute the restore command with the same backup file simultaneously, it’ll fail for sure.
• False File Path for Backup: The problem is not big always, as we assume. Therefore, putting a wrong file path will reflect error 3014 SQL Server in the system.
• Disk Space-Related Issues: Make sure that the disk where users are trying to store the backup file has enough space to accommodate the file.
• Storage Hardware Failures: Hardware failures like bad sectors in drives are another reason why users face this database terminated error.

Cross Examine Corrupt .bak Backup File

To examine the .bak file, users must know a few things very clearly. The best way to check the corruption issues in a backup file is by restoring it. However, only on a demo database not on the real one. If it shows an error, users can conclude straight away. If not, we can proceed further to fix MS error 3014 SQL Server. We can add condition to our command to verify the files first & execute the operation. The restore command is mentioned below:

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = ‘C:\BACKUPS\stellardb.bak’;

The SSMS method for the same is also present which looks like this:

1. Launch SSMS >> Connect Instance >> Go to Object Explorer
2. Right Click on Database >> Click Restore Database Option
3. Browse & Select the Files >> Click on Verify backup Media

If the database backup terminates abnormally and the backup job fails, the software will display the error message as shown in the image.

3 Best Methods to Fix Error 3014 SQL Server

Now, we have a total of three ways to fix this error. Two of these methods are manual & one is an advanced automated solution. At least any one of these solutions can solve the SQL 3014 error.

1. SQL BAK File Forensics/Deep Analysis – Checking the backup file integrity along with other database files in the system.
2. Trying Alternative Backup Version Files – Trying to fix 3014 in SQL Server using fewer older versions of the BAK file.
3. The Advanced Software to Fix Corruption – We have an advanced solution that is proficient in fixing the corruption of the backup files.

#1 Forensics of SQL BAK File

To fix the SQL Server error 3014 with ease, first of all, we need to analyze the database files closely. Not only the BAK files, but MDF, NDF, & LDF files also. This will make sure that the files are clear from all sorts of errors.

Here, users need to check two things. The integrity of the backup & the way data is transferred to the BAK file. It might take hours to do this manually. Thus, users can opt for the SQL Server Recovery Manager solution to be fast.

#2 Look Out for Alternate Backup Files

The second step we need to do is look for other backups. A particular backup version might be affected. Therefore, to protect the entire database, there is no loss in using an older backup file.

Using a fewer versions of old file can fix the issues. Later on, users can add the missing data themselves. This is the easiest way but requires old versions of the BAK file. Not all users store old versions. Thus, this method is only possible for limited users.

Also Read: How to Patch SQL Server Database Easily?

#3 Fix SQL 3014 with the Advanced Solution

Last but not least, the SysTools SQL Backup Recovery solution is what users can trust. This is because several IT experts, SQL MVPs, and millions of users recommend this tool. It can repair the backup file of the database having corrupted elements. To fix error 3014 SQL Server, users can easily use this interactive GUI solution.

It can not only repair the existing damaged objects but also hold the capacity to recover deleted records of the BAK file. Download the software & then follow the five easy steps, mentioned below:

Step-1. Launch the Application in the system & Click on the Open button.

Step-2. Click on the Browse button to Search for the BAK files.

Step-3. Now, Select Single or Multiple BAK Files to add.

Step-4. Preview the database Objects in the application.

Step-5. Finally, Click on Export to finish the recovery.

Conclusion

Finally, we know how to fix SQL Server error 3014 without any hassles because of the 3 best methods. Although, there is no surety of the manual solutions at all. We request users to choose their solution responsibility. To fix the damaged files & resolve 3014 in SQL Server, the automated solution is indeed a sure shot solution for users.