SQL doesn't see .bak file?

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SQL doesn't see .bak file?

k1ngB

Right there with Babe

Points: 780
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July 22, 2013 at 11:09 am

#395179

Sorry, this is probably a really dumb question, but when I go to do a restore in SSMS, when I get to the step where it asks to locate backup file, my .bak file is not seen in the tree view. I can see the file in explorer, and it has a .bak extension, so I'm not sure why SQL doesn't see it. I am trying to restore a full backup from another server if that makes a difference.

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calvo SSChampion Points: 12930 More actions · Answer 1

Your issue is probably file permissions. Try running a script to restore the database and see if it errors out, look for "Access Denied" or "Can't find the file path specified".

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k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 2

Thanks for your response. I'll give it a try and let you know.

k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 3

Operating system error 2(The system cannot find the file specified.).

calvo SSChampion Points: 12930 More actions · Answer 4

1: make sure the path really does exist via windows explorer

2: make sure the service account has proper permissions to the folder/file

3: make sure YOU have proper permissions to run the restore command

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Luis Cazares SSC Guru Points: 183698 More actions · Answer 5

Are you checking that the .bak file exists on the server and not on your desktop?

Luis C.
General Disclaimer:
Are you seriously taking the advice and code from someone from the internet without testing it? Do you at least understand it? Or can it easily kill your server?

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k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 6

Yes, I copied it over to the server I want to restore to. I can see it in Windows Explorer, but SQL is unable to see it. It just doesn't show up in the list. Scripting the restore doesn't work either.

calvo SSChampion Points: 12930 More actions · Answer 7

and the service account has permissions to the file and folder?

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k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 8

SQL is running as local system. I gave system full permissions to the new folder I copied the backup into. The weird thing is, when I browse for the .bak file, SQL doesn't even see the new folder I put on the C: drive, even though I can see it in Windows explorer.

calvo SSChampion Points: 12930 More actions · Answer 9

Try putting the .bak in the data directory with all your other MDFs if possible.

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k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 10

I'll try that. It'll take probably 30 min. to copy over.

k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 11

k1ngB

Right there with Babe

Points: 780

July 23, 2013 at 8:03 pm

#1635185

Still nothing 🙁

k1ngB Right there with Babe Points: 780 More actions · Answer 12

I think I figured it out. When I right click on the database I want to restore over, select tasks - restore, SQL is unable to find the .bak file. However, when I right click on 'Databases', select 'restore database...", select the database name, then try to locate the file, it sees it!!!

JJR333 Default port Points: 1469 More actions · Answer 13

I am having the same issue.

Some .bak files are not visible to Restore/Select file. (2008 R2)

Pasting the path and file name works though.

valentinb SSC Rookie Points: 35 More actions · Answer 14

Hi,

I had the same problem and it solved by moving the backup file to the SQL default backup location. This folder didn't have permission and got it when I accessed it for the first time.

Hope it will work for you as well.

Regards.