Restore Database Backup in SQL Server Using Effective Methods

Being database administrators, we are all well aware of how important it is to secure database backup files. Numerous situations require users to restore database backup in SQL Server. However, there are various challenges that the users might encounter during the backup file restoration process. We will discuss these issues thoroughly in this write-up and will try to find the best ways to restore database backup file SQL Server. 

So, without any delays, let’s begin by learning more about this process. 

 

Why Restore Database Backup File (.bak) in SQL Server? Reasons Explained

As we all know how database backups play an important role in several situations, some of which include errors like SQL Server Error 3154.  We will now take a look at some of the similar reasons that demand the restoration of SQL backup files in the database. 

• One of the most common scenarios that requires the user to restore database backup in SQL Server is for Disaster Recovery. In cases of server crash or hardware failures, where the SQL database gets directly affected, it is required for the users to restore the database backup to access the database again.
• Human errors such as incorrect execution of the DELETE command, require users to recover data after DELETE command in SQL Server. This can also be done using the backup file of the affected database.
• Another common reason is due to corruption in the database. When a SQL Server database is corrupted, it requires the user to use the database backup file to restore the database in SQL Server. 

With all these reasons, we can understand how crucial it is to have a healthy SQL backup in the database. Now, there are various challenges a user might encounter when they try to restore database backup in SQL Server. Let’s understand the common obstacles that a user encounters during the backup restoration process. 

Issues During Restore Database Backup File SQL Server

Here are some of the issues confronted by users during the restoration process.

• When a user tries to restore a backup file of a newer version to an older version, intentionally or unintentionally, it can result in version incompatibility. This can further result in the failed process of restoring the database backup file. 
• If the user trying to restore the database doesn’t have sufficient permissions to carry out the process, they might end up facing errors. 
• Another issue often encountered during this process is a file path issue. If the path specified to restore database backup in SQL Server is different from the actual location where the backup file is residing, it can create errors. 
• Several errors occur during the backup file restoration. Some of these errors are SQL Server Error 3241 and SQL Error 3041. Such errors have a common cause, which is the backup file corruption. 

With these challenges in the database, it becomes quite troublesome for the users to restore or deal with the SQL Server backup files. Now, to resolve and fix such issues, we will take a look at the effective solutions that will help resolve the issue in a seamless way. Before jumping into the ways, we will first take a look at the prerequisites for carrying out the process effectively. 

Prerequisites For Safe Restore Database Backup in SQL Server

To carry out the process in a systematic way, it is required for the   users and database administrators to fulfill these requirements.

• The user must have the required sysadmin and other permissions to restore database backup. 
• Next, to restore the database file, it is required to have enough disk space in the desired setup to store the MDF, NDF, and LDF files of the database. 
• It is also required for the users to check the version compatibility of the destination server and the backup file being restored. If they are from different versions, it can result in version compatibility issues. 
• Also, it’s crucial to ensure that the database is not being used before proceeding with the process. Put the database in SINGLE_USER mode to ensure efficiency during the restore database backup file SQL Server process. 

After understanding the prerequisites for the process. Let’s jump to the methods and steps to ensure a smooth restoration. 

Best Ways to Restore Database Backup in SQL Server

To securely restore the backup files in SQL Server database, we will follow the most effective approaches. Furthermore, we will understand the steps thoroughly to ensure smooth execution of the process. The first method we will talk about is using SSMS for restoring the backup(.bak) files. Let’s take a look at how the method works. 

Method – 1: Use SSMS to Restore Database Backup File in SQL

1. The first step is to launch the SSMS and connect it to the SQL Server Instance. 
2. Then right-click on the existing database and go to tasks.
3. Now, from tasks, select Restore and then select database. 
4. After that, a dialog box will open, from the dialog box, then browse for the specified backup file from the device. 
5. Next, from the options tab, choose the option to overwrite the existing database. 
6. Then, click on the OK button to carry out the restoration process. 

Following these steps will allow the users to restore database backup file SQL Server database. However, if there is any issue within the specified SQL database backup file, such as a damaged backup or corrupted .bak file, SSMS might not be helpful with restoring the database backup easily. To fix this issue and proceed with the process, we will now focus on a professional approach. 

Method – 2: Professional Way to Fix Damaged or Corrupted Database Backup File

As we learned earlier, one of the challenges the users were facing was a damaged or corrupted database backup file. These files cannot be used to restore the database and can lead to bigger issues, like permanent data loss in the database. Now, to resolve that issue and further restore database backup file in SQL Server, we will use a professional approach. The SysTools SQL Backup Recovery Software is one of the reliable and expert-recommended solutions.

This utility not only helps with fixing the backup file corruption, but also allows users to restore the file to the desired location. Let’s understand the working of this solution for better execution. 

1. Install and launch the tool. Click on the Open button to add the .bak file to the software.
2. Next, after the file is added, the tool will scan for corruption in the backup file.
3. Preview the files and database objects recovered from the backup file provided.
4. Next, click on the Export Tab to export the recovered SQL backup file to a desired location.
5. In the Export window, add the authentication details of the destination SQL Database. You can also choose to create a new database or restore database backup in SQL Server to an existing database.
6. Then, select the database objects to be restored after recovery, and then click on the export button to successfully initiate the restoration process.

With the help of these steps, it becomes much easier and precise to fix backup file corruption and restore SQL database backup to a desired destination. 

The next approach we will be using is quite tricky, but helpful for users who have a strong technical background and understand the commands and queries properly. 

Method – 3: Restore SQL Database Using T-SQL Commands

Now, we will take a look at the T-SQL commands that will help the users restore the backup files in the database. This method is one of the effective ways for restoring a database with SQL BAK file; however, it is equally risky as well. As the method includes command executions, the users must understand each step before executing it, as they can lead to bigger issues. 

Here is the explained method for a safer execution. 

1. Set the database in single-user mode to avoid interference during the process. Use the command given below for the same:
   
   ALTER DATABASE ‘DB_Name’ SET SINGLE_USER;
2. Next, use the following lines of code to restore database backup in SQL Server.
   
   RESTORE DATABASE DBName
   FROM DISK = ‘D:\Backups\DB_Name_Full.bak’ (Path of backup file)
   WITH MOVE ‘DB_Name_Data’ TO ‘D:\SQLData\DB_Name.mdf’, (Path of MDF file)
   MOVE ‘DB_Name_Log’ TO ‘D:\SQLLogs\DB_Name.ldf’, (Path of LDF File)
   REPLACE;
3. After executing this command, set the database back to multi user mode.
   
   ALTER DATABASE DBNAME SET MULTI_USER;

These commands will allow the users to restore the database backup along with the database files and log files of the SQL Database. This method can be effective for restoring the database using commands, but the approach is not helpful when the backup file is corrupted or damaged, therefore, the users are supposed to proceed with the professional approach for a safer restoration. 

To Sum It Up

This technical write-up covers all the possible aspects of the restore database backup in SQL Server process. Additionally, we have discussed the reasons and the challenges that can be encountered by the users during the process. Lastly, we have also explained the top and most effective ways to restore database backup file SQL Server easily.