BAK is an extension that stands for a backup copy of a file, and in our guides’ context, it is associated with SQL Server Database. One can restore the backup file to select SQL Server Database, but the most important thing is that the backup files shouldn’t be corrupt or damaged. Now assuming, that you have all the incremental backup files ready for restoration but confused about the process of doing so? In this article, we’ll walk you through the help topic on how to restore database in SQL Server 2008 R2 from bak file, and afterward shed some light on what you would do if the backup file (bak) corrupts or gets damaged. Before we move on to the process, if you’re new to Microsoft SQL Server and can’t figure how to create database backups, then go through how to backup SQL server database. We have used Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio for the restoration of the database in SQL Server from incremental bak (backup) files. Follow the below steps sequentially:

Restore Database in SQL Server 2008 R2 from BAK File

1. Launch Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio > Databases.
2. Right-click on Databases > click Restore Database,
3. Under Source for restore section, select From Device > click on Browse button,
4. Browse and select the Full backup file. Then click OK.

Note: The Full backup file you select should be the first file in the list.

5. In the specify backup window,

Confirm the Full backup file > click Ok,

6. Under the Destination for restore section,

Select the database to which you want to restore from Backup file, Under Select the backup sets to restore section, Checkmark the same Full backup file selected in step-4,

7. Restore Database window will pop on-screen now,

Click on Options – in the left pane, Under Restore options, checkmark on Overwrite the existing database (WITH REPLACE), Under Recovery state, checkmark on Leave the database non-operational, and do not roll back uncommitted transactions. Additional transaction logs can be restored. (RESTORE WITH NORECOVERY)

8. Click Ok to initiate database backup restore process.

Repeat steps above to restore each incremental SQL Server database backup file, including the .trn file as well. Stop when the restoration of last database backup incremental file is done which contains the point-in-time file to which you wish to restore.

What to do When SQL BAK File Corrupts

Creating bak files (backup files) is a good and suggested practice to ensure data safety & availability when needed. But in uncertain scenarios, when even the SQL Server database backup file turns corrupt or gets damaged, the data stored inside stands on the high risk of loss. Due to the issue of file corruption, it becomes inaccessible and guessing what caused the SQL Server database backup file corruption is quite hard because of multiple feasible reasons which can lead to the same situation. Internet search is a great tool to look at solutions for generic problems, but not all problems are generic, and here comes Kernel for SQL Backup recovery. It is an advanced tool made to handle all issues including SQL backup recovery. Kernel for SQL Backup Recovery allows you to restore both corrupt or damaged SQL backup files with ease and no technical expertise required throughout the whole process of database backup file restoration. As a standalone tool, it is accompanied with useful & meaningful features to help enhance the user experience such as Restore Data to Live SQL, Batch File from SQL backup files, Live Preview of database backup files before saving, and more. With a focus on database backup files repair & recovery, the tool maintains original file structure & integrity of data throughout the process. Thus, the end file that comes is ready to use. Kernel for SQL Backup Recovery is made widely compatible with range of Microsoft SQL Server versions such as 2005, 2008, 2012 to 2017 (the latest version) and with Windows ecosystem, it doesn’t mean which version of SQL Server or Windows operating system is running on your system, you can start on using the tool without any worries at all.

Wrap

If the BAK (backup) file corrupts or gets damaged, it can result in SQL Server database to be marked with the SUSPECT stamp (SUSPECT mode) which makes the database inaccessible if tried to restore the database with damaged BAK files. To fix this, go through tips to recover SQL database from suspect mode.