How to Resolve SQL Server Error 3241: Quick & Easy Steps

Summary: The MS SQL Server DBAs always ensure to maintain a backup for unexpected situations. However, sometimes this backup file is corrupted during the restoration, and it results in media-related issues. This issue or error is known as SQL Server Error 3241. It is a general error that interrupts the SQL data backup, and the server is unable to process the database media. Thus, it is needed to fix this error in time to prevent major losses. Here, we find some quick solutions and an expert DatabaseFileRecovery BKF Recovery Tool for ideal recovery in minimal time.  Download Now Purchase Now

How Error 3241 Occurs in MS SQL Server?

This backup media corruption SQL database error 3241 generally arises for the following reasons:

• The media elements of SQL database metadata are corrupted.
• Failure of the physical media objects like disks, media tapes, etc.
• Corruption, damage, and inconsistencies in the complete backup file.
• Wrong implementation of the backup and restoration procedure.
• When you try to backup a new version file in an older version.
• The SQL Backup Agent service doesn’t have the necessary read permissions.

Thus, these are some of the major factors for the SQL Error Code 3241: RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally. It can result in the following issues:

• Downtime and interruptions in the database result in its unavailability on the server.
• Fails to restore database objects and causes SQL database inaccessibility.
• Server failures and compromised data integrity, or major business losses.

Fix SQL Server Error 3241: Know How?

To eliminate the error and prevent the database from major loss scenarios. Use the manual solutions or a backup restore tool given here in this section. It will be an easy way, like when you Resolve SQL Server Error 601 NOLOCK. Follow the step-by-step guides below for the methods, depending upon your requirements.

Troubleshoot Manually to Resolve MS SQL Error 3241

You can fix the error with the mentioned steps to locate another BAK file and create a new one from the old. 

1. First, check the available backup file with the RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backups\yourbakfile.bak’ command.
2. Next, check the media objects from the alternate BAK file and also verify the SQL Server versions.
3. Further, input the correct command for restoration. It is:

RESTORE DATABASE DBName FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backups\backupfilename.bak’ WITH MOVE ‘DataFileName’ TO ‘C:\SQLData\DBname.mdf’,      MOVE ‘LogFileName’ TO ‘C:\SQLData\DB_log.ldf’,      REPLACE;

1. If this doesn’t help, try restoring from the SQL Server Management Studio:

• Launch the studio and right-click Object Explorer to open Database.
• Then, right-click Database and select Restore to open the window.
• Next, add the BAK file and configure the recovery settings as desired.
• In the end, click OK to restore from the Microsoft SQL Server error 3241.

1. Now, the data should be recovered; if not, create a fresh, new healthy backup of the accessible database. 

By now, you must be satisfied with the backup recovery. If not, and you still encounter the error and face such limitations:

• Takes too much time to perform the restoration of the backup media and data.
• The process has no guarantee and can result in losses of the files inputted to restore.
• It is difficult for non-technical or beginner users to execute the process in a single go.

Then, it is best to use a professional backup restore tool to resolve error 3241 quickly and reliably.

Automated Tool to Fix SQL Error Code 3241

The BKF Recovery Tool is a full-fledged solution for all who worry about their affected BKF files. It helps repair the file instantly and restores it as a new one in no time. It is user-friendly and fixes all Windows backup file errors, including Microsoft SQL Server error 3241, with ease. Additionally, it has impressive recovery features that save data at the desired path. Moreover,  the tool supports all Windows and SQL Server versions. Users can also download its demo version to test the performance.

Steps to Fix SQL Error 3241 With the Tool

1. Download and launch the BKF File Recovery Tool and press Open.
2. Then, browse through the PC and select the BKF file to restore.
3. Next, choose the desired complete or partial BKF range and press OK.
4. Further, preview the displayed contents of the BKF file and select folders.
5. Afterward, click Save and choose a location to restore and give a file name.
6. At last, with the Save File(s) button, complete the process to restore data.

Now, you can check whether the error 3241 occurs or is fixed.

Conclusion

Overall, SQL Server error 3241 is a backup media error that interrupts data access. To fix it, there are two ways, and users can opt for any one as per their choice. Either the manual way with some cons or a proficient and trusted expert tool without flaws. Later, users can simplify their data by maintaining a reserve of it beforehand.

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