Restore SQL Database From Backup Manually

Read time 6 minutes

Many organizations encounter a multitude of challenges with their SQL Server, including problems related to database connectivity, issues with database replication, sudden terminations, transient errors, and the presence of malicious malware. Unfortunately, these issues often result in data loss for users, necessitating a time-consuming database restoration process.

However, the most reliable and easiest option to restore the SQL database is using the SQL backup file. Generally, there are two methods to restore the SQL database with SQL backup. Here, we will discuss them in detail, and if you are unable to restore the Database with these methods, then you can use SQL Database Repair utility.

Methods to Restore SQL Database

You can recover the SQL database from the backup file using either T-SQL commands or SQL Server Management Studio. In the following sections, we’ll provide a concise overview of both approaches.

The T-SQL command is widely recognized as a fundamental and versatile method for recovering SQL Server backups. Now, let’s explore the specific commands employed for restoring a complete SQL server backup.

• Restoring Full SQL Backup with T-SQL Commands

Now, let’s assume that your full backup is stored in C:\Kernel_full.bak, and you need to restore it to the Kernel database. To do so, execute the following command:

RESTORE DATABASE Kernel FROM DISK =

‘C:\Kernel_full.bak’

Running this command will recover the entire backup in SQL Server. If you intend to apply a differential or transaction log backup after restoring the full backup, you must include the NORECOVERY option. Utilizing this option will maintain the restoration process in a pending state, enabling the subsequent restoration of additional transaction log backups.

RESTORE DATABASE Kernel FROM DISK =

‘C:\Kernel_full.bak’ with NORECOVERY

SQL Server Management Studio stands out as an excellent tool for database restoration. If you have the management studio installed on your system, you can seamlessly restore a database backup right from its user-friendly interface. To gain further insight, please proceed by following the steps outlined below:

Note: Prior to initiating the Database restoration process, ensure that you possess a complete backup of your SQL server databases stored in a .bak file.

1. Start the SQL Server Management Studio and right click on the Database.
2. In the opened menu, expand the Task menu, select Restore, and then click Database.
3. Upon selecting the “Database” option, a window titled “Restore Database” will be displayed on your screen.
4. You can either choose a particular database for restoration or create a new one while initiating the restore. In this instance, we’ve opted for the “From Device” option.
5. In the next step, add the backup file that you want to restore and click OK.
6. The .BAK file will be listed on the Database restore window. Here, specify the Database’s name and click OK to start.

The SQL Database will be restored to the server.

The methods mentioned above prove beneficial solely when the backup file remains accessible and in good condition. However, if the SQL backup file becomes corrupted, using these methods for restoration becomes impractical. In such a scenario, an automated solution is necessary to repair the file before proceeding with the restoration to the SQL Server Database.

Kernel SQL Backup Recovery Tool is amongst one of the best SQL backup recovery tools that allow users to repair corrupt/damaged BAK files and then restore them to the SQL server. It offers advanced functionalities such as selective object restoration and SQL database preview. Furthermore, its uncomplicated yet robust workflow renders it a perfect solution for users with varying technical backgrounds. To initiate the process of repairing and restoring a BAK file to SQL Server, please adhere to the following steps:

1. Download and configure the software on your PC/Laptop.
2. After launching the tool, a popup window will emerge on your screen. Choose the particular BAK file you wish to recover into SQL Server, then pick the recovery mode, and finally, click the “Next” button.
   
3. The tool will display the uploaded file, select the file, and click Next.
   
4. Now, click Finish.
   
5. The tool will repair the file and display it in the left pane of the tool. You can click any object in the file to preview its content.
   
6. After reviewing the content, select the specific objects that you want to restore to SQL server, and then click the Save button. The Saving mode window will appear on the screen.
   
7. In the saving mode, you can provide the SQL Server details to restore the data to SQL Server, or you can save the file on your system by providing a specific location.
   
8. If you choose to save the file on your system, then click OK. A notification window will appear on the screen to confirm the saving process. Click OK to end the process.
   

That’s how you can restore the BAK file without any hassle and data loss.

Conclusion

Recovering SQL databases from backup is a straightforward process, even when using manual methods. However, when dealing with a corrupted or damaged backup file, manual techniques are not the recommended approach for restoring SQL databases. In such scenarios, the Kernel SQL Backup Recovery tool offers a solution, enabling you to repair the compromised backup file and subsequently restore it to your SQL Server.