How to restore BAK file in SQL server? [A Complete Guide]

Unexpected data loss or corruption can strike you even in the most secure SQL Server environments. In such moments, having a reliable backup file is critical to restore data.

Whether you want to recover from accidental deletions, server failures, or migration mishaps, data restoration from a backup file is the best option.

You can easily restore BAK file in SQL Server with minimal downtime and continue your operations again. Here, we will provide a step-by-step guide to restoring data using manual methods.

 

Pre-Restoration Checklist: Prepare Before You Restore!

Make sure to prepare the following things before you restore SQL Server database from BAK file:

• Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) in your system.
• You must have admin privileges or the required roles (sysadmin, dbcreator).
• The .bak file is healthy and located on a local or accessible path.
• Source and destination SQL Server versions are compatible.

Top 4 Methods to Restore SQL Server Database from BAK File

Here are the different methods to restore BAK files from SQL Server. Go through them one by one to find the best method for yourself.

Method 1. Restore BAK File Via SQL Server Management Studio

Follow the given steps to restore BAK file using the SSMS:

Step 1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to SQL Server instance.

Step 2. Right-click on Databases under Object Explorer and tap on Restore Database.

Step 3. Go to the Source section, choose Device, and click on three dots.

Step 4. Browse to Add .bak file and click OK.

Step 5. The database name should appear on your screen.

Step 6. Navigate to Files and check the Relocate all files option.

Step 7. Go to Options and enable Overwrite existing database (WITH REPLACE) if necessary.

Step 8. Finally, click OK to begin the restore process.

Method 2. Use T-SQL Script to Restore Database from BAK File

Go through the following steps to perform SQL restore database from BAK file:

Step 1. Open SSMS and click on the New Query option.

Step 2. Execute the mentioned command to restore data with T-SQL.

Step 3. The BAK file data will appear in the databases after successful execution.

Method 3. Restore BAK File via PowerShell Command

Windows PowerShell is one of the best methods to restore SQL Server Database from BAK file. With this method, you can restore a complete database, file, and transaction logs. Use the following syntax to restore SQL Database with the help of PowerShell.

Note: Change the required fields to match your database and server name.

Method 4. Direct Solution: Restore Database Without SQL Server!

All the above methods can help you to perform the process of MS SQL restore database from BAK file. However, if the file gets corrupted then these methods may not work. Therefore, using automated tools like Recoveryfix for SQL Database Recovery will be the best option in this scenario. The SQL Database Recovery software helps you to restore corrupt database files and save them directly to SQL Server.

Get Quick Fixes: Troubleshoot Common Issues!

Issue: Is BAK file not visible or not restoring?
Solutions:

• File should be stored in a valid directory as SQL Server might not have access to some folders.
• Check the required user permissions for database restoration.
• Use RESTORE HEADERONLY to inspect the BAK file.
• Use WITH REPLACE to overwrite the existing database.
• Validate that the BAK file is not corrupted.

SQL Server Restoration: Smart Tips You Should Know!

Use the following tips & tricks to avoid potential errors and experience a smooth database restoration process:

• Always validate the backup file with RESTORE VERIFYONLY.
• Keep backup files in secure and redundant locations.
• Maintain consistent naming convention for backup files.
• Perform test restores regularly to verify backup integrity.
• Always backup existing databases before overwriting them.

The Ending Note

Here, we have covered several methods to restore BAK file in SQL Server. Make sure to validate the BAK file, check database compatibility, and ensure correct file paths before using manual approaches.

If the BAK file is corrupted, then go with the recommended solution. It will help you backup and restore databases in SQL Server without any prior knowledge.

FAQs: Before You Ask, Read This!

Q- How do you use a BAK file in SQL Server for database recovery?

A- You can use the BAK file SQL Server to recover the database. Run the RESTORE DATABASE command in SQL Server and provide the complete path of the BAK file to restore the database to its previous state.

Q- What is the restore database SQL Server script?

A- Here is the database restore script:

RESTORE DATABASE DBName FROM DISK = ‘C:\file.bak’ WITH REPLACE;

 
Use WITH MOVE to relocate files, if required.

Q- How to restore SQL Server database from BAK file using script?

A- You can use the given script to restore the database from the BAK file. But first, make sure the path is correct and that the SQL Server has access to the file.

RESTORE DATABASE YourDB FROM DISK = ‘C:\Path\YourBackup.bak’ WITH REPLACE;

Q- How to restore database in SQL Server from BAK file using query?

A- Use the mentioned T-SQL query to restore the database. Also, include logical file names and destination paths for data and log files.

RESTORE DATABASE YourDB FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backup\YourFile.bak’ WITH MOVE, REPLACE; 

Q- How to open BAK file without SQL Server?

A- You can’t fully open a BAK file without SQL Server, but third-party tools like Recoveryfix allow you to view the file’s content in its original hierarchy.

Q- Why does BAK file not restore in SQL Server?

A- It may fail due to version mismatch, incorrect path, file corruption, or missing permissions. To fix the issue, verify the SQL Server version and file access and make sure that the BAK file isn’t damaged.

Q- How to export BAK file in SQL Server?

A- You can’t export BAK files from SQL Server. Instead, use the following script to create a BAK file for later restoration.

BACKUP DATABASE DBName TO DISK = ‘C:\Backup\DBName.bak’;

 

Q- Can I backup and restore SQL database from one server to another?

A- Yes, you can. Go through the following steps to backup and restore database from one server to another:
Step 1. Backup the source database using:

BACKUP DATABASE DBName TO DISK = ‘C:\Backup\DB.bak’;

Step 2. Copy the BAK file to the new server and restore using the RESTORE DATABASE option.
Step 3. It will start the restoration process.