Restoring SQL Server databases and files

You can restore legacy backups of SQL Server databases, file groups, and files by using Microsoft™ Management Console (MMC).

Setting single-user mode for restore operations
You might have to start an SQL Server instance in single-user mode during certain restore operations. For example, you might use single-user mode when you are restoring a damaged master database or a system database, or when you are changing server configuration options.
Setting data restore options in Microsoft Management Console
To optimize the data restore process for your environment, modify the default options that are available in Microsoft Management Console (MMC).
Restoring SQL Server data
You can restore SQL Server databases or parts of databases only from full, differential, and log backups. You can also restore availability databases with SQL Server 2012 and later versions.
Restoring an SQL Server database to an alternative instance
By using Microsoft Management Console (MMC), you can restore an SQL Server database backup to an alternate SQL Server instance or database. You can also restore availability databases to an alternative location on any availability replica in an availability group. You can restore to an alternate instance by using Microsoft Management Console (MMC), Windows PowerShell cmdlets, or the command-line interface (CLI).
Restoring the master database
A damaged master database can prevent the SQL Server from starting and cause other errors. To protect your data if the master database is damaged, you must routinely complete a full database backup of the master database (msdb).
Restoring SQL Server databases with full-text catalogs and indexes
You can protect SQL Server 2005 and 2008 data with full-text catalog files.
Restoring SQL Server databases from virtual machine snapshots
You can restore SQL Server databases from virtual machine snapshots when IBM Storage® Protect for Virtual Environments, Version 7.1 and later is used to back up the data. Before you restore the SQL Server database, you must verify that the data is backed up correctly.
Restoring SQL Server databases on Windows Server Core
To restore Microsoft SQL Server databases, use the restore command.
Restoring SQL Server file groups and files from legacy backups
By using Microsoft Management Console (MMC), you can restore SQL Server file groups and files from legacy backups. You can also restore availability databases to any availability replica in an availability group.

Parent topic: Protecting data