How to Restore a Database from a .Bak File in SQL Server 2014

In reality, a ".bak" file is an image file. These are backup files that end with the ".bak" file extension when you save a backup of an MS SQL database to a single file on your hard drive. You can use them to restore a database backup through Microsoft SQL Server. Having backups is a straightforward way to recover your Microsoft SQL database in case it gets damaged.

How to Create a BAT File Yourself

How do I create a .bak file myself? Here's an example of how to back up MS SQL using SQL Server Management Studio:

Step 1. Open SSMS, right-click the database, and choose Tasks > Backup.

Step 2. Next, you can back up your database as needed. When backing up, you can specify where you want to store the database backup.

There are several ways to restore an MS SQL database. Here's a general outline of the process, assuming you have a backup file: 1. **Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):** - Open SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance. - In Object Explorer, right-click on "Databases" and select "Restore Database." - In the "Restore Database" dialog box, under "Source," choose "From device" and click the ellipsis button to browse for your backup file. - Select the appropriate backup file(s) and click "OK." Ensure the "Type" is set to "Full" for full database restoration. - Under "Destination," specify the target database name if different from the original. - Choose the "Overwrite the existing database" option if you want to replace the current database. - Review the settings and click "OK" to start the restore process. 2. **Using T-SQL Commands:** - Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your SQL Server instance. - Open a new Query window and execute the following command, replacing `backup_file_path` with the path to your backup file, and `database_name` with the name of your database: ```sql RESTORE DATABASE [database_name] FROM DISK = N'backup_file_path' WITH FILE = 1, NOUNLOAD, REPLACE, STATS = 10 ``` 3. **Using PowerShell:** - Open PowerShell and ensure you have the SQL Server PowerShell module installed (`Install-Module -Name SqlServer`). - Connect to your SQL Server using the `Connect-SqlInstance` cmdlet. - Run the following command, replacing the placeholders accordingly: ```powershell Restore-DbaDatabase -SqlInstance YourServerName -Path 'backup_file_path' -DatabaseName 'database_name' -ReplaceDatabase ``` Remember that these methods assume you have a valid backup file. Always test your backups in a non-production environment before attempting a restore on a critical system.

Now that we know the differences and how to create a backup, let's dig deeper into how to restore an MS SQL database. There are multiple ways to restore a database with or without a .bak file. You should choose a different method depending on your situation.

Method 1: Restore a SQL Database from a bak File Using T-SQL

You can restore a .bak file by right-clicking on "Databases" in SQL Server Management Studio and selecting "Restore Database." You can also use T-SQL for this. This will be very useful if you want to automate these tasks.

**RESTORE DATABASE F FROM DISK = 'c:\sql\F.bak' WITH FILE = 1, NOUNLOAD, STATS = 5, RECOVERY GO** 将以上英文翻译成中文如下： **从磁盘 'c:\sql\F.bak' 恢复数据库 F，指定文件号为 1，不卸载数据，每 5% 显示进度统计，选择恢复模式。 GO**

Replace "F" with the name of your database. The "RECOVERY" is optional, as it is a default option. If you need to recover multiple backups, use a command line like this:

This SQL statement translates to: Restore the database 'F' from the disk location 'c:\sql\F.bak' without performing recovery. GO

**RESTORE LOG FROM DISK = N'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL14.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\Backup\F_LogBackup_2019-8-4_12-24-25.bak'** **WITH RECOVERY** **GO**

Method 2: Restore MS SQL Server Database without BAK File

If you don't have a .bak file and your database components (tables, triggers, indexes, keys, rules, and stored procedures) are corrupt, you can opt for professional SQL Database Recovery Software. It effectively and swiftly resolves errors. With the help of MS SQL Recovery tools, you can recover (.mdf and .ndf) files, repair database log files, and restore damaged objects. Follow these steps to recover and repair your SQL database.

Step 1: Stop the SQL service from the Task Manager or the SQL Server Management Console.

Step 2. Run the tool "MS SQL Recovery" and click on "Browse" (two dots) or "Search" to select the location where the corrupt database is saved. Thereafter, click on "Repair" to start the analysis of the specified database.

Step 3. Once the scan is finished, select the files you want to fix, and click “Export.”

Step 4. Launch SQL Server Service. You can choose to export the repaired file to a database or as a SQL script.

Method 3: How to Recover Deleted BAK Files (Additional Help)

If you accidentally delete or lose your .bak files, they can also be restored. We do not recommend deleting any .bak files in case you need data recovery in the future. If you do want to restore deleted .bak files or extract .bak files from an inaccessible device, you can use the Data Recovery Wizard tool, which provides an easy and quick method. Follow these steps to recover the .bak file itself:

Step 1: Select the location to scan

Select the specific device or drive from where you had Shift deleted or emptied the Recycle Bin to permanently remove the files. Click on the “Scan” button to retrieve the lost files.

Second step: Check the results

The software will automatically start scanning everything on the selected drive. Once the scan is complete, select the "Deleted Files" and "Other Lost Files" folders in the left panel. You can then use the "Filter" function or click the "Search for a File or Folder" button to quickly locate your deleted file.

Step 3: Recover the deleted files

Select the deleted files you want to restore and click “Preview.” Then, hit “Recover” to save them to another secure location or device.

Conclusions

SQL database recovery is a straightforward process, but one wrong step can corrupt your database and render all your data inaccessible. Therefore, you should use tools like MS SQL Recovery that can restore SQL data even from a damaged database.