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Restore a database backup using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

In the previous article, we have successfully installed both Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). In this article, we would be focusing on how to restore a database backup using SSMS.

How to restore a database in SQL Management Studio

Restoring a database is a critical task that allows you to recover from data loss, corruption, or system failures. It’s also useful when migrating databases between environments. Before starting the restore process, it's essential to ensure you meet certain prerequisites to avoid errors or incomplete restorations.

Prerequisites

  • Ensure you have appropriate permissions to perform restore operations (sysadmin or dbcreator role).
  • Have the full backup file (.bak) readily available and accessible. The database backup file to be shared by the nGenue team.
  • Confirm that no active connections are using the database you wish to restore.
  • Verify adequate disk space on the server to accommodate the database files.

Steps to restore a database

  1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to the appropriate SQL Server instance.

  2. Navigate to Connect > Database and right-click Databases and select Restore Database... rb_1

  3. In the Restore Database general screen, choose Source as Device. Select the browse (...) button to open the Select backup devices dialog box. rb_2 rb_3

  4. Click on Add button to select a local backup (.bak) file from your system. After you add the devices you want to the Backup media list box, select OK to return to the Restore Database general screen. rb_4

  5. In the Source: Device: Database list box, the name of the database will be auto-populated. rb_5

    Note

    If the database with the same name already exists, select Options in the Select a page pane and select the Overwrite the existing database (WITH REPLACE) checkbox.

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  6. In the Destination section, the Database box is automatically populated with the name of the database to be restored. To change the name of the database, enter the new name in the Database box.

  7. In the Restore to box, leave the default as To the last backup taken.
  8. In the Backup sets to restore grid, select the backup(s) to restore.
  9. Select OK. rb_7

Running a query for your database

  1. In the Object Explorer, expand Databases and locate your new database.

  2. Right click on the database and select New Query. rb_8

  3. A new query window appears, where commands can be typed, saved, and executed.

  4. Enter your query in the query window and click on the Execute button available just above the query window. You may alternatively hit the F5 key to execute the command. rb_9