Fix “SQL Database Restore Failed” Error

Read time 4 minutes

SQL is a common database used by various organizations for managing their application data. Also, it is a popular choice of DBA because it is reliable, easy to use, and easy to maintain. The most crucial task in MS SQL Database for administrators is to backup and restore the databases whenever required. But while restoring the database, most DBA often encounter a common error – “Restore Failed to the Server.”

You won’t be able to restore the databases to the SQL server unless you fix this Error. One primary reason behind this Error could be multiple active users. When you are restoring the database to a SQL server, you need to disconnect all the users with the ‘Close Connections’ option.

In this article, we will discuss how you can resolve the “Restore Failed to the Server” error, and make your application work after restoring the database.

Methods to Fix “SQL Database Restore Failed” Error

Before you begin to implement any of the below methods, make sure you have installed both SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio on your system. After installation, you can pick the below means to resolve the Error.

1. Check Active Users by using sp_who
   To begin the database restoration process, consider initiating it with the ‘close connections’ option, which necessitates disconnecting all users. Alternatively, if you prefer not to disconnect users, you can utilize the ‘sp_who’ command. This command, widely used in SQL Server, enables you to identify active processes and users associated with the database.

   This command proves most valuable in situations where you wish to avoid disrupting users engaged in critical server tasks.

2. Restart the Service
   Another method to disconnect all users involves restarting the SQL Server using various tools such as SSMS, service console, command line, PowerShell Management, or SQL Server Configuration Manager. It’s advisable to resort to this option if the previous method fails. In this explanation, we will focus on utilizing SQL Server Configuration Manager to restart the service.
   • If you are using Windows Server 2008 or 2003, then open the SQL Server Configuration Manager by the following Start>>Programs>>Microsoft SQL Server>>Configuration Tools>> SQL Server Configuration Manager.
   • To proceed, navigate to SQL Server Services on the left panel within the SQL Server Configuration Manager. Once there, you will find a list of services on the right-hand side. Right-click on the SQL Server Service, and then choose the “Restart” option from the context menu.

Note: You should opt for this solution if there are no other options left to restore the databases.

3. Run SQL Server in Single-user Mode
   A recommended method for disconnecting active users from SQL Server without sending them notifications involves transitioning from multi-user mode to single-user mode. To make this mode switch, you should execute the following T-SQL SQL command:
   USE master;
   GO
   ALTER DATABASE AdventureWorks2012
   SET SINGLE_USER
   WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;
   GO

   Executing this command will terminate all active connections prior to the database restoration process.

4. Fix Corrupt SQL Database
   The “Restore Failed to the Server” error may primarily result from corrupted SQL databases. Therefore, if the methods mentioned above do not yield results, it is indicative of database corruption. Now, when it comes to SQL database recovery, the available options are rather limited. Thus, it is recommended to use a tool that can quickly repair SQL Databases.

   We believe, Kernel for SQL Database Recovery is an excellent tool that can quickly repair the database with a simple working process. It boasts intelligent functionalities that enhance the ease of SQL Database repair. These features include the retrieval of all database components, automatic detection of SQL Server versions, support for recovering UNICODE and ASCII characters, comprehensive database preview following the repair process, the ability to restore recuperated MDF/NDF files to a live SQL Server, and numerous other capabilities.

   With this amazing tool, you can efficiently mend SQL Database files, regardless of their size. Once the database is successfully repaired, you can restore it to SQL Server without encountering the “Restore Failed to the Server” error.

Wrap Up

Recovering the SQL database on the server might pose a challenge when confronted with the previously mentioned error, often stemming from concurrent user activity. Nevertheless, there are effective solutions to rectify this error. If you encounter persistent difficulties in restoring the SQL database, we offer guidance on employing an automated utility for repairing the database and subsequently returning it to the server.