Best Ways to Backup And Restore Database In SQL Server

Summary: MS SQL stores databases in MDF, NDF, and LDF formats separated into different files and filegroups. In case your database is small then no issue exists. However, if you have a large database with overfilled files then a backup is essential to avoid unforeseen data loss. In this blog, learn how to backup and restore database in SQL Server and about a SQL Database Recovery Tool. The tool will help with an instant and secure backup.
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What is the Need for SQL Server Backup and Restore?

Users must be aware of the three backup types in MS SQL. These are:

• Full Backup, which creates MDF files, also known as complete backup holds the complete database information.
• Differential Backup, which creates NDF files, is also known as a partial backup. As the name suggests, it is the difference between the current and last backup and takes less space.
• Transaction Log Backup, which creates LDF or Log files stores all the transaction data. It isn’t included as a primary database but is important.

Any damage to these results in the need to restore an SQL Server database.

Furthermore, it is necessary to backup and restore SQL database from one server to another for these reasons:

• It will help to access data in case of hardware or system failure.
• To restore data from a corrupted or damaged MDF, NDF, or LDF file.
• Backup is beneficial if a virus or malware attack happens that affects data badly.
• If transferring SQL data between two different databases, a backup is helpful to protect from loss.

Which Ways Backup and Restore Database in SQL Server?

Generally, there are only two manual solutions, i.e., using SSMS and T-SQL to backup and restore SQL data. Yet, it is not the only way as we have a professional tool to help you with this. It is a more optimum option because experts have tested and verified it as a quick and secure solution. Let’s begin to know all about them in the following section of the blog.

Manual Methods for Backup of SQL Server

As stated above, we have two solutions. We will go through them one by one and discuss their limitations at the end.

Method 1: SQL Server Database Backup and Restore Step by Step via SSMS

1. Start SQL Server Management Studio on your PC.
2. Move to Databases from Object Explorer and right-click on a selected database.
3. Further, click on Tasks, and then from the expanded menu, pick Backup.
4. The Back Up Database dialog opens. Here, choose a desired Backup Type.
5. Afterward, select a Destination and check other options (as needed).
6. In addition, if you need a new backup path, click Remove and later, Add to provide the path.
7. Finally, click OK to take a backup of the SQL Database.
8. Now, to restore the database, click Restore Database.. from the right-clicked database menu.
9. Afterward, in the open dialog, choose your Device and press (…) to find the .bak file.
10. Click Add and OK to select the (.bak) file. Lastly, click OK to restore the SQL database.

Method 2: Backup and Restore Database in SQL Server Using Query

Note: You can execute the Transact SQL (T-SQL) query in any cmd window with which your SQL Server is connected. Follow these steps:

1. Run the T-SQL window and create an MS SQL database.
2. Next, run the following command to take a backup of your SQL data:
   
3. Subsequently, to restore the SQL database, run the command:
   
4. Lastly, run the given command to clean the created database with its backup history:
   

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

• Lengthy, difficult, and time-consuming methods with no data security.
• Chances of losing data, its integrity, original structure, and confidentiality.
• Need high technical expertise for correct execution of the steps.
• These solutions don’t work if the database or MDF/NDF file is corrupted.

Expert Tool to Backup And Restore Database In SQL Server

As we learned, if the SQL database file is corrupted, manual solutions cannot help. In this case, SQL Database Recovery Tool is the best solution. It completely restores all the database items present in the MDF/NDF files at once. Additionally, with this tool, you can also see deleted records. The tool provides two unique recovery modes and has no file size limits. Moreover, you can save the recovered data either into a SQL database or in the form of scripts. Some other benefits that this tool gives are:

• Supports all MS SQL and Windows OS versions without restrictions.
• Provides Solutions for SQL Metadata Corruption with its recovery.
• Offers various filter and data export options to the users.

Procedure for SQL Server Backup and Restore

1. Run the software on the desktop and click Open from the top.
2. Click (…) to add the MDF file path and opt for Standard/Advanced recovery.
3. Further, check the other options and click OK to start the database scan.
4. Preview the recovered data by double-clicking any table, record, or folder.
5. Afterward, click Save SQL Data from the top and choose a saving mode.
6. Set other filters and options as per the need and at last, click OK.

Conclusion

To sum up, in this blog, we discussed all SQL backup types and the need for backup and restore. Then, we learned appropriate solutions to backup and restore database in SQL Server. The manual methods are complex and tiring and also, contain a high risk of data. Therefore, it is better to use a professional tool for the same and avoid any kind of hassle. Additionally, with the tool, you don’t have to worry about data security and it will save you time too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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