How to Restore Specific Tables from SQL Backup File in Database?

Users can easily create a new database in SQL Server & paste database backup SQL table to that new database. Then they can restore specific tables from SQL backup using the new database to the main database where they need.

Yes, the process to restore one table from SQL backup is a bit different & might confuse some new users. However, it’s not that difficult for them to get the desired solution if they read this complete guide to its very end. We’ll begin with the case scenarios, followed by the possible ways & drawbacks for the same, respectively. In a nutshell, by the end of this article, users can easily SQL Server restore table from backup with ease.

Case Scenarios & Problems to Restore Single Table from SQL Backup

Now, we have different case scenarios where users need to restore the specific tables as per their requirements. The three major scenarios are mentioned here:

Case:1 Deletion of Rows from a Table

We have seen cases where users have tables with some deleted rows or missing data. Therefore, they only need to restore specific tables from SQL backup to get back the table with the deleted data. They don’t require to backup the entire database tables.

Case:2 Comeplete Table Backup Requirement

Now, we have other scenarios where we can say that the complete table is dropped from a database. One of the most common situations is when the complete data is deleted due to human error and incorrect use of DELETE command. This requires the users to know how to recover data after DELETE command SQL Server. Here, users need to restore one table from SQL backup file which seems tough without having a detailed tutorial. Thus, plenty of users get stuck here.

Case:3 Limited Damaged or Corrupted Data Fields Due to Uncertainties

There are several cases where users don’t have the case of deletion but there is corruption present in some of the SQL table components. In this case, users need to fix the damaged data to get the table ready.

Possible Ways for Specific Tables Restoration in SQL Database with BAK File

Now, there are just two ways available for users to fix the issues here & restore the desired tables. Users having technical proficiency can execute the T-SQL CMD method. Whereas users without in-depth knowledge can opt for the automated solutions for restoring backup SQL table. Let’s understand what each method provides to users.

T-SQL Command Method – There are different commands for all three cases & this is why this method becomes a bit challenging for all the users. This operation is something that users don’t run every day. Therefore, learning different commands for different cases is quite a long procedure to restore single table from SQL backup.

The Automated Tool Method – This kind of solution is capable of handling all causes and issues regarding a particular problem. Therefore, the wizard we will be suggesting will help take care of all the issues effectively. Also, it helps resolve the issues with just minor changes, without the complex commands.

How to Manually Restore Specific Tables from SQL Backup Step by Step in Database?

Case:1 Restoring Rows Deleted from an Existing Table

Here, what users need to do is very simple. We’ll create a new database & then copy the backup data to that DB. Then we’ll copy the required files from this newly created DB to our main database.

After creating a new database, users need to integrate the SELECT & INSERT commands for executing this task as mentioned in the commands below.

USE My_Database
GO
SET IDENTITY_INSERT my_table ON
INSERT INTO my_table_1 (column_name)

Now, enter the query below:

SELECT * FROM My_Database_Restored.my_table
SET IDENTITY_INSERT my_table OFF

Case:2 Restore Specific Tables from SQL Backup For Dropped SQL Database Tables

Now, we have some different commands for users who want to restore completely deleted tables back. For this, they need to execute the SELECT INTO CMD as shown below.

USE My_DatabaseGOSELECT * INTO my_table
FROM My_Database_Restored.my_table

Also Read: Repair SQL Server Database on Linux Ubuntu & CentOS Easily

Case:3 Fixing the Damaged Rows Using Backup for Selected SQL Tables

To update the damaged or corrupt data, users can take help from the MERGE command. 

USE My_Database
GO
SET IDENTITY_INSERT my_table ON
MERGE my_table dest
USING (SELECT * FROM My_Database_Restored. my_table src) AS src
ON dest.(column_name_1)= src.(column_name_1)
WHEN MATCHED THEN UPDATE
SET dest. (column_name_2) = src. (column_name_2), dest. (column_name_3) =
src. (column_name_3)
WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN INSERT
(column_name_1,column_name_2,column_name_3) VALUES
(src. (column_name_1), src. (column_name_2), src. (column_name_3));
SET IDENTITY_INSERT my_table OFF

Now, that we have covered almost all the manual commands to restore specific tables from SQL backup file, it’s time that we proceed further to get the perfect solution. However, before that, users must adhere to the drawbacks present in this manual method while restoring backup SQL table. It can help users understand the challenges and get the perfect solution for restoring SQL Server backup table with data with ease.

Critical Setbacks of Using the Manual T-SQL Commands

Complex SQL Commands: The manual SQL queries can be really complex at times. Users without having the right set of knowledge might end up getting even more confused than before. Also, there are chances that users will face negative effects.

No Advanced Capabilities: Manual solutions are so basic that they lack some serious features that can help users. There is no scanning mode, data filtering mode, or any other further customization.

Complete Data Loss Risk: There are cases where users have lost complete data in an attempt to restore single table from SQL backup, specifically. This happens due to a higher risk of the DBMS malfunctioning.

Inefficient Solution: The CMD & SSMS method is very inefficient for users as there is no certainty of how much time the manual method will take.

Plenty of Pre-Requisites: The manual solution involves various prerequisites. Missing any of these might result in errors to get the desired results. This makes it very tough for users to handle operations, like restore specific tables from SQL backup, as they are not aware of the work load in advance.

Best Way to Restore Single Table from SQL Database Backup

SysTools offers the SQL Backup Recovery Tool which is an all-rounder for restoring specific SQL tables from a BAK file. This one-stop solution can easily handle all the issues related to restoring the backup of the SQL Server database. Several IT experts have also recommended this solution to users out there because of the exceptional performance it has.

Download the tool & then follow the below-mentioned steps to get the desired solution.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Automated Solution to Restore Specific Tables from SQL Backup

Follow the five simple steps as mentioned to restore one single or other specific tables in the SQL database easily. Also, make sure to run the software with Admin account to don’t let any permission issues hamper the process.

Step-1. Launch the Software in the system after installation.

Step-2. Click the Open button to Add SQL Database BAK files.

Step-3. Now, let the Quick or Advanced Scan get completed.

Step-4. Set the Destination Database or file format and select the objects to restore backup SQL table.

Step-5. Click Export or Save button to SQL Server backup table with data.

Also Read: Import/Export BACPAC File to SQL Server Database

Best Practices For Restore Specific Tables from SQL Backup Process

Here are some safety measures that will help the users proceed with a safe restoration.

• It is crucial to back up the database table in SQL Server and restore it in a staging/testing environment first to prevent any risks or issues in the production environment. 
• With the help of the Export/Import wizard or by using SQL Scripts to restore specific tables from a full backup. 
• When restoring tables in a SQL database, first use a staging environment to ensure process efficiency. Next, validate the restored table data against the actual backup SQL table in the production environment to ensure that complete data has been restored. 
• Even though manual solutions can be effective for the SQL Server backup table with data process, it is still advised and is considered a safer option to choose a professional solution for precision. 
• Before proceeding with the process, it is required for the users to check the disk space and then continue with the restoration. After the restoration is done, monitor the activity to track and find any issues in the restored data.

The Final Say

Now, users must be aware of the all the technicalities. Also, they can understand that in all the scenarios, it’s only the automated solution that can work smoothly. The manual solutions might provide inaccurate results. However, users can restore specific tables from SQL backup using all the solutions mentioned above.