How to Restore SQL Database Backup from Another Server Safely?

While the process to restore SQL database backup from another server might sound new to some users, it is often practiced by database administrators. Restoring the SQL server backup file from a different server helps the users and database administrators with several tasks, including testing and disaster recovery processes. So, to understand the process and its benefits better, we will explain all the crucial aspects associated with this process. 

 

How Does SQL Server Restore Backup From One Server to Another Help?

If we talk about whether the method is worth implementing, the answer is yes. Restoring SQL Server BAK file from a different server can help in multiple ways. Here are some of the benefits and common scenarios of this transfer.

• With the restore .bak file to a new server, the entire process of server upgradation becomes easier. Users can efficiently take the backup file of an older version and further restore it to the database of a new server. 
• For developers, this process helps to clone a database to test new features or upgrades. Using the backup file of a database from one server, that stores all the crucial and sensitive data, to another server can help the developers test the codes without affecting the original database.
• Database administrators can restore SQL database backup from another server and further change the permissions to only allow specific users to access the database. This will help them protect the database from any malicious activities or access. 
• Next, the SQL server restore backup from one server to another process also helps the users to migrate on-premise servers to cloud servers.

These are some of the benefits availed due to the execution of this process. However, as easy it might seem, there are a few challenges that are commonly encountered by the users during the process. We will now take a look at these challenges and further find effective ways to proceed with the restore SQL database backup from another server process. 

Common Challenges During SQL Server Backup File Restoration Process

While moving ahead with the process to restore a database from a SQL Server backup file, the user is supposed to follow and take care of many things. Here are some of the common challenges they might encounter during restoration.

• In case the user who is trying to restore the database doesn’t have specific permissions, it might create issues for them. To restore the database from another server, a user is supposed to have sysadmin access and permissions. 
• To restore the database, it is also important for the users to take care of the versions of both the backup file and the server they are using. In case it’s a restoration from an older to a newer version, it might be done smoothly. However, if it’s vice versa, the user might encounter version compatibility issues. 
• When the restoration is done from a different server, there are higher chances of encountering orphaned users. This happens because the users of the old server are transferred during restoration, but their logins are broken in the new server. This further leads to permission issues and authentication issues in the server. 
• Along with the other challenges, one of the biggest challenges encountered is a corrupted SQL Server backup file. This becomes a major reason for the failure of the restoration process and can further affect the entire database altogether. 

With these challenges, it becomes complex to carry out the restoration process from one server to another. Now, to fix these issues and carry out the process seamlessly, we will try a few methods. Let’s take a closer to these solutions one by one to understand how they can resolve the issue. 

How to Restore SQL Database Backup From Another Server? Top Ways Explained

After learning the challenges and the issues encountered during the restoration process, here are the suggested ways to resolve the issues effectively. But before following the steps for SQL Server restore backup from one server to another, let’s first look at the way to fix the corruption in the backup file. For proceeding with any method, it is crucial to have a healthy SQL backup file. To repair the damaged or corrupted database .bak file in SQL, it is better to use a reliable and trusted solution.

One such solution is the SysTools SQL Backup Recovery Tool, a utility that helps users fix any minor or severe corruption in the SQL BAK file. Another reason to trust this solution is its ability to carry out the restore SQL database backup from another server process efficiently, without affecting the data integrity. Let’s now move to other approaches that can help database administrators with the restoration process. 

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Method 1: Restore SQL Server Database Backup Using SSMS

The first approach for restoration is using SQL Server Management Studio. With SSMS, users can restore the .bak file from another server to the desired server. Here are the steps of this approach:

1. The first step is to open SSMS and connect it to the SQL Server Instance.
2. Now, from the object explorer section, right click on the database. 
3. Next, go to the Restore database option, and select device as source. Click on the ellipsis (…) button to locate the backup files from the device. 
4. Click on the Add button and then locate the backup file. Select the backup file and next click on the OK button.
5. Configure the other required settings.
6. Once done, click on the OK button to restore the database.
7. And when the restoration is completed, click on the OK button again. 

These steps will help you efficiently restore SQL database backup from another server. Moving on with the next method, let’s see how this approach will help with the process of restoration. 

Method 2: SQL Server Restore Backup from One Server to Another With T-SQL

This method involves the use of a T-SQL command to restore the SQL Server BAK file from a different server. Let’s now take a look at the command to help the users to carry out seamless execution of the process. 

Executing this command will let users restore SQL database backup from another server easily. Now, as this command is technical, the users must understand the command and its parameters properly before execution. Any mistake during the implementation of this command can lead to various errors or issues. 

Best Practices For Safe SQL BAK Restoration Process to Another Server

Here are some of the safety measures that will allow the users to carry out the entire process without compromising data safety. 

• It is important to check the backup file integrity before initiating the restoration process to ensure that the database backup file is not damaged or corrupted. 
• The next thing to keep in mind during the process is to check the backup file version and server version before initiating the process. This will ensure there are no compatibility issues during the process. 
• Storing the SQL BAK files in a centralized location or space will allow the users and database administrators to easily access them during restoration. 
• Document the entire process for future restorations and other migrations. 

Bringing It Together

With the help of this technical write-up, we have learned thoroughly about restoring the restore SQL database backup from another server process. We have also discussed how this restoration is beneficial for the users. Along with the benefits, several challenges can be encountered during the process. After learning the challenges, we have mentioned the effective ways that can help the users safely execute the SQL server restore backup from one server to another.