How to restore a database using SQL Server
I am a massive fan of Postgres, and I rarely use any other database type for developing with Mendix. However, there are many companies that prefer SQL Server. As SQL Server isn’t my favorite database management system, there have been a few times I wished there was a guide for how to work with them. That's why I’m writing this now, so that if you ever have to restore a backup, you will know what to do.
Before you start
It’s always best to be prepared before you start, so double check these things before we begin:
- You will need sufficient rights on the database (CREATE DATABASE and RESTORE) — You can read more about these permissions here
- The Mendix database is maintained using the plan described here by Mendix
- You have a valid database backup file for the database
- Valid log files exist for the database you want to restore
Now LET’S GO!
First, you need to connect to the appropriate instance of the Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine. You can click on the server name to expand the server tree in the Object Explorer.
Open available databases, you can either select a user database or expand the System Databases and select a system database.
Right-click on the database, select Tasks, Restore and then Database, this will open the Restore Database window.
In the Source section of the General page, you will have to specify the source and the location of the backup set to restore by selecting Device and then add Add and then locating the backup file:
In the Destination section of the General page, the Database field is automatically populated with the name of the database to be restored. It’s possible to change the name of the database, so enter the new name in this field if you want.
After that, in the Restore plan section of the General page, leave the default as To the last backup taken or only if you want to, click on Timeline to access the Backup Timeline dialog box. Here, you can manually select a point in time to stop the recovery action.
Next, we get the Backup sets to restore grid. This grid displays the backups available for the specified location. Select the backups to restore.
By default, a recovery plan is suggested. In order to override the suggested recovery plan, change the selections in the grid. Any backups that depend on the restoration of an earlier backup will be ignored if you deselect the earlier backup.
If you want, you may click Files in the Select a page pane to access the Files dialog box. From here, you can restore the database to a new location by specifying a new restore destination for each file in the Restore the database files as grid.
Click OK to perform the restore job.
Final thoughts
While most people can get away with only learning one database management system, you never know when you may be asked to do something which requires skills in one you aren’t familiar with. It’s always a good idea to experiment with new and different technologies and to find the one that suits you best.
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