SQL database corrupt, restore refuses due to existing db
Restore WITH REPLACE forces overwrite. First verify checksum on backup file itself.
Try this first
- 1RESTORE VERIFYONLY on the bak file
- 2RESTORE DATABASE x FROM DISK = ... WITH REPLACE, RECOVERY
- 3Verify with DBCC CHECKDB after restore
- 4Schedule a health job after every critical restore
When to bring us in
On multiple corrupt pages or suspect mode
See also
- We have backups but we do not know if they workA backup that cannot be restored is not a backup. Testing matters as much as taking the backup.
- Suspected ransomware: what to do RIGHT NOWThe first 30 minutes are critical. One wrong move spreads the damage. Read before acting.
- Someone accidentally deleted an important folderUsually fine to recover. The trick: do not save anything new on that drive until you know how.
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