Restore Database in SQL Server from BAK File – An Easy Guide

Summary:- Nowadays, many organizations use SQL Server to store their company’s database. However, searches state that the chances of database damage and corruption are quite high. As a result, the files can be lost or altered. Therefore, keeping a backup (.bak) file is a good choice. You can manually restore the database in SQL Server from the BAK file. Along with that, we have also suggested a SQL Backup Recovery Tool that comes in handy for quick retrieval of files.

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Methods to Restore SQL Database from BAK File

You can backup your files in SQL Server in different ways. These are:

  • Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • With Transact-SQL
  • Command Line Prompt
  • Professional Tool

The procedure to execute these methods is discussed in detail below. Let’s go through it to secure the files.

Method 1: Restore using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

To use this, you will need MDF/NDF files. Follow the steps below to continue.

  1. Open SSMS on your system and connect to the SQL Server.
  2. Next, select the database in Object Explorer, right-click, and select Tasks > Restore.
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 2
  3. After that, a window pops up. Select Device as Source and click the three-dot icon to insert the (.bak) file.
  4. Further, a dialog box appears, click Add, browse, and select your BAK file. Click OK.
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 4
  5. Lastly, hit the OK button to restore your files.

Method 2: SQL Restore Database from BAK File with Transact-SQL (T-SQL)

This method involves inputting a query to restore your files. The steps are as follows:

  1. Launch SSMS on your PC and firstly, connect to the SQL Server.
  2. Next, click on the New Query tab from the taskbar.
  3. The SQL Query window opens. Type the query:
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 3
  4. Finally, hit the Execute button to run the query and restore the database in the SQL server from the BAK file.

Method 3: Restore BAK Database SQL Server by Command Line Prompt

To restore, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt on your system.
  2. Now, to connect to the server and restore your database, use the command:
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 2
  3. To restore a differential backup– first, take a full backup, then a differential backup, and input the command:
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 3

Automated Tool to Restore Database in SQL Server from BAK File

The SQL Backup Recovery Tool is a flexible solution for restoring your databases from BAK files. Moreover, it has various features, such as:

  • There is no limitation on the size of the file for backup.
  • It is easy to use and supports all versions of SQL Server.
  • Also, it supports split and compressed (.bak) files for recovery.

Using this tool, you can also Restore Table From SQL Backup without much hassle. In addition, it ensures maintaining complete data integrity.

Steps for Restore BAK File In SQL Server

  1. Download and install the tool on your system. Run it as an administrator.
  2. Then, select the Browse button (…) and choose the BAK file to recover.
  3. Next, choose either of the two options to manage your files: Single Backup or Split Backup.
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 3
  4. Further, Add the BAK file to the tool.
  5. Then, choose the mode of recovery for your file. Subsequently, specify the location to save your backup file.
    SQL Backup Recovery Tool Step 5
  6. After that, hit the Extract File(s) button. A pop-up message will appear. Click OK.
  7. The added database dialog box appears. Select it and click OK.
  8. Finally, hit the Save button.

Conclusion

Are you still worried about how to create a BAK file in an SQL server? Well, the task is not too difficult. The write-up above has different manual methods to restore the database in SQL Server from the BAK file. However, this method is tedious and requires expert knowledge. Instead, you can use the professional tool suggested. It will ease the task of restoring your database within seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I recover SQL data from corrupt backup files?

Ans- Yes, you can recover SQL data from corrupt backup files using the professional tool. It repairs damaged files and provides compatible files to SQL Server. Additionally, it extracts MDF and NDF files from BAK files without losing data integrity. Therefore, it is a very safe and convenient tool.

Q. How to restore the database in the SQL server from the BAK file?

Ans- To restore the database in SQL Server from the BAK file, follow these steps:
1. In the first step, install the SQL Backup Recovery tool on your system and run it.
2. Next, click the (…) icon and select the BAK file to recover.
3. Further, choose Single Backup or Split Backup and Add the BAK file.
4. Subsequently, choose the recovery mode and specify a destination to save your file.
5. Furthermore, click the Extract File(s) button. A pop-up message appears.
6. Click OK. The added database will be shown, select it and click OK. Hit Save.

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About The Author:

Deep Shikha Pandey is a Tech Writing Expert having deep knowledge about Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, SQL, and other databases and email clients. She will guide you the best about email migration and SQL Database recovery using her expertise and making all the processes a cakewalk for the readers. Make your technical journey easy with simple layman’s blogs and accurate technical information.

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