How to restore a database backup (Transact-SQL)

To restore a database backup

Important The system administrator restoring the database backup must be the only person currently using the database to be restored.

1. Execute the RESTORE DATABASE statement to restore the database backup, specifying:
   • The name of the database to restore.
   • The backup device where the database backup will be restored from.
   • The NORECOVERY clause if you have a transaction log or differential database backup to apply after restoring the database backup.
2. Optionally, specify:
   • The FILE clause to identify the backup set on the backup device to restore.

Examples

This example restores the MyNwind database backup from tape without using a permanent (named) backup device.

USE master

GO

RESTORE DATABASE MyNwind

    FROM TAPE = '\\.\Tape0'

GO

See Also