Troubleshooting Backup and Restore
Common Issues
Backup fails with “Insufficient disk space”
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Verify that the target drive has enough free space for the backup file. Consider using WITH COMPRESSION or splitting the backup across multiple files.
BACKUP DATABASE MyDB TO DISK='D:\Backups\MyDB.bak' WITH COMPRESSION;
Restore error 3013 – “Backup or restore operation terminated abnormally”
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This usually indicates a problem with the backup set or insufficient permissions. Ensure the backup file is not corrupted and that the SQL Server service account can read it.
RESTORE DATABASE MyDB FROM DISK='D:\Backups\MyDB.bak' WITH MOVE 'MyDB_Data' TO 'C:\Data\MyDB.mdf', MOVE 'MyDB_Log' TO 'C:\Data\MyDB_log.ldf';
Long backup times
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Use backup compression, limit I/O contention, and consider snapshot backups for large databases.
BACKUP DATABASE LargeDB TO DISK='\\backupserver\Backups\LargeDB.bak' WITH COMPRESSION, BUFFERCOUNT = 10, MAXTRANSFERSIZE = 262144;
Error Messages Reference
| Error | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| 2625 | File not found or inaccessible | Check file path and permissions. |
| 3156 | Backup set expired | Validate backup history and recreate backup set. |
| 4214 | RESTORE failed due to foreign key constraints | Disable constraints before restore or use WITH CHECK option. |
Tools & Resources
FAQ
Can I restore a backup to a different SQL Server version?
Yes, backups taken on an older version can be restored on newer versions, but not the reverse.
What is the difference between a full and differential backup?
A full backup captures the entire database, while a differential backup records only changes since the last full backup.
How often should I test my restore procedures?
At least quarterly, or after major changes to the backup strategy.