How to Extract the Data from Corrupted Backup File in MS SQL?

How to Extract the Data from a Corrupted Backup File in MS SQL?

In SQL Server, the backup (.bak) file is a vital file that contains all the data from the database. The .BAK file helps to restore the SQL database lost because of server failure or human error. But sometimes, this (BAK) file gets corrupted due to various reasons. In this write-up, we will discuss the significant factors behind this issue and how to extract the data from corrupted backup files using effective SQL database repair solutions.

But before we proceed, let’s check out the common causes that may lead to backup file corruption.

What Causes SQL Database .BAK File Corruption?

Here, we have shortlisted the possible reasons for corruption in backup files-

1. Sudden system shutdown due to hardware malfunctions or power failure while the SQL database is opened.
2. Malware or virus attacks on your PC where you store the SQL backup file.
3. Bugs in the SQL server. 
4. Upgrading from the SQL Server 2014 version to 2016 can lead to .bak corruption issue.
5. Interruption during the backup or restore process due to any reason (like accidental cancellation), the .bak file might be inconsistent.

How to Check If .Bak File Is Corrupted in SQL Database?

Before performing a corrupt SQL backup recovery, it is important to examine if the .bak file is corrupted or in a healthy state. In order to check this, you have to run the below command:

Check .BAK File on a Disk:

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = ‘D\backup\databaseName.Bak’
GO

Check .BAK File on a Disk for Specific Backup:

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = C:\AdventureWorks.BAK WITH FILE = 2
GO

In case, if a backup isn’t corrupted, then the SQL Server Database Engine will display a success popup message on your screen.

But if there are any errors or corruption, then you have to run the below command to continue for corrupt backup file recovery in SQL Server:

CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR

After knowing the reasons now, let’s check out the SQL backup recovery solutions.

How to Restore SQL Server .BAK File Which Is In Good State?

If the .bak file is in healthy condition, then you can use the T-SQL command to restore the .bak file.

Step 1- First of all, connect to a SQL Database engine.

Step 2- Then, click on the New Query.

Step 3- In a RESTORE statement, you have to stipulate a physical or logical backup device in order to use for a backup process:

RESTORE DATABASE AdventureWorks2012
FROM DISK = ‘Z:\SQLServerBackups\AdventureWorks2012.bak’

How to Extract the Data from a Corrupted Backup File?

Frankly speaking, there’s no manual solution to perform corrupted SQL database .bak file recovery. Therefore, you should directly go for an advanced SQL database backup repair software, such as Stellar Repair for MS SQL Technician. It can repair damaged SQL database (.MDF & .NDF) files, extract the data from corrupted backup (.BAK) file, and recovers passwords.

Moreover, it has the ability to recover inaccessible objects, like tables, triggers, defaults, keys, indexes, rules, etc. from the corrupted database. Also, this SQL Database Recovery tool is 100% safe, secure & easy-to-use.

Key Features:

• Recover the database from the ransomware-affected SQL Server.
• Shows a preview of the recoverable SQL database objects.
• It has multiple saving options.
• Its advanced scanning option deeply scans a corrupt MDF file.
• It supports database recovery of SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2008 R2, & older versions.

Therefore, just download & install this SQL database repair tool on your PC to know how this tool works.

Please NOTE: Ensure to fulfill the following requirements before you run this program:

• SQL Server must be installed on your PC.
• SQL services must be running.

How to Recover Corrupt Backup (.Bak) File?

Step 1- Launch Stellar Repair for MS SQL technician tool on your computer.

Step 2- From the main interface of the software, you have to click on the box “Extract from MS SQL Backup.”

Step 3- Then, the Stellar Backup Extractor for MS SQL window will be displayed. Now, click on the Select File in order to select a backup file that you need to repair.

Please NOTE: If you don’t know the location of the file, then click on the ‘Search in Folder’.

Step 4- After selecting a .bak file, you have to click on the Scan option. This will start the scanning procedure.

Step 5- Next, choose the BackupSet dialog box with information on all backups created in the different backup methods.

Step 6- Choose the backup file that you want to bring back from the list of Backup Type >> click Next option to start the scanning procedure.

Step 7- Once the database scanning process is over, a window seems to show the total number of records existing in a backup file as the Logs.

Step 8- At this time, the program will display a preview of the database records number. In order to save a recovered file, you will have to go to the File menu & click the Save option.

Step 9- Under a window, go to the Save As section and select MSSQL >> Browse option to choose the destination in order to save a recovered file. Then, Click OK.

Step 10- In the Saving Option, choose Live Database or New Database.

Step 11- Under the Connect to Server, you have to fill in the necessary details >> click on the Connect button.

Step 12- Finally, you will see the message ‘Recovery process successfully completed’ on your screen, then click OK.

And you are done. The recovered file will be automatically saved in a chosen location.

Wrap Up

Creating extra copies of the backup is the best precautionary measure to avoid data deletion. Nevertheless, if a backup is corrupted, then the situation is worse. To outcome this situation, we have specified the most reliable SQL Backup Recovery Tool. This program can effectively extract the data from corrupted backup files in no time. Moreover, it’s totally a standalone tool that doesn’t need any tech skills to run it.

I hope you liked this post.