How to Restore Database Backup in SQL Server 2012

Posted by Chandrabhan Gupta on May 25th, 2021

Whenever someone thinks of creating software, application, or website, they all need to create a database, and for that SQL, has always secured the first choice of preference. But keeping the database safe is most important and hence creating a backup in SQL server is a must.

So, in this blog, we will learn about different methods to restore databases in SQL Server 2012. But before discovering that, let us first read about the system requirements to do the latter.

System Requirements 

For restoring a backup database SQL Server, the SQL backup file should be available on the system and you should have appropriate permission to access it. It should be free of any errors or corruption. Also, remember that you can’t restore a backup from a lower version of SQL to a higher variant, although vice-versa can be done. It means that you can restore a backup in SQL Server from SQL Server 2012 to SQL server 2016 but the reverse is not possible.

You have now understood the basic requirements to start the process. So, let us quickly move towards learning the procedure.

Manual Method to Restore Database Backup in SQL Server 2012

Just proceed with the below steps for initiating the SQL server backup and restore.

• Launch your SQL Server Management Studio and type in the details of the source SQL server instance.

• On the object explorer pane on the left, right-click on the Databases and then click on Restore Databases from the resultant menu.

• Recheck the source database from the source option. In case of any discrepancy, select the database from the drop-down menu.

• Select the destination database from the destination option. Or you can type in the name of the new database to restore the backup to a new database.

• Click on the Timeline button and choose the last backup taken or select the specific date and time for your database as per your choice.

• If you want to rename the database, select the Files option from the left pane. You can also reshuffle the database file to the desired folders of your choice.

• Also, you can select different options such as Overwrite the existing database (WITH REPLACE), Preserve the replication settings (WITH KEEP_REPLICATION), etc., according to your needs to restore the backup in SQL server by clicking on Options from the left pane.

• Choose the recovery state of the database from the drop-down menu next to the Recovery State box. You can opt to restore the database with RECOVERY, NORECOVERY, or STANDBY as per your needs.

Note: Close all the existing connections by checking the box next to Close existing connections to destination database to ensure smooth restoration for SQL restore database.

• Now you are ready to initiate the restoration process by selecting the OK button.

• You can check the progress of the restoration from the message box with the process indicator.

• Press OK on the succeeding message window with the message Database <database name> restored successfully and finish the process.

In this way, you can restore database backup in SQL Server 2012. But this method has several limitations which can create enormous troubles for you. You can find some of those limitations below.

Limitations of Manual Method to Restore Backup in SQL Server 2012

• Technical expertise is a must to complete this process successfully.

• You need ample time because of the various steps involved in this process.

• You can’t restore a corrupt file.

• It is version-dependent.

• Network failure can cause massive losses.

As discussed earlier, the manual approach is incapable of coping with data loss and several other problems and accordingly is not the perfect choice. Hence, I advise you to use third-party software for the safe restoration of backup in the SQL server.

How to Restore Database Backup in SQL Server 2012 Using Third-Party Software

To overcome all the limitations, I would recommend you SQL Data Recovery software to restore your databases safely. It will first create a backup SQL database and then import it to any SQL version of your choice. Also, it has several other features to help you throughout the process before-mentioned as:

• Fixes corrupt MDF & PDF files

• Dual recovery modes

• Smart Preview 

• Convert SQL Database into SQL scripts

• Creation of Log Report

• Compatible with all versions of Windows OS

Looking at the features of this third-party software, it is the best tool available for smooth SQL recovery.

Conclusion

By now, you would have surely understood the various system requirements and the precautions which you should take while restoring database backup in SQL Server 2012. You learned the manual and the recommended third-party software methods to do the latter. I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog and found it useful for your concern.

Thank You