sql restore error

  • Dear all,

    I'm trying to restore an SQL Server database from one server to another but I get the following error:

    The media family on device 'G:\FULL_databasename.bak' is incorrectly formed. SQL Server cannot process this media family.

    RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally. (.Net SqlClient Data Provider)

    Would anyone let me know what I should do to resolve the issue please?

    Thank you.

  • A couple of things could be going on here:

    1. The backup is not good.

    2. You are restoring to a lower version level than the server the backup was taken. Run select @@version on both servers to verify that you are on the same version.

    You can verify the backup by restoring it to the same machine (using a different database name) that the backup was taken, but I would check the version of each server first.



    Microsoft Certified Master - SQL Server 2008
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  • Thank you for your reply!

    The backup is taken by a third[arty tool (RedGate), I have fond the versions for both servers and they are both the same.

    I have also tried to restore the backup on the server which I have taken the backup from and I get the following error:

    The media family on device 'G:\MSSQL\Backup\FULL_databasename.bak' is incorrectly formed. SQL Server cannot process this media family.

    RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally. (.Net SqlClient Data Provider)

    I'm not sure what else needs to be done in order to resolve the issue.

    Thank you.

  • How are you restoring it? If the backup was taken via Red Gate's SQL backup, it needs to be restored via Red Gate's SQL backup. If you're already doing that, then the backup is likely damaged, get a new backup from the source DB.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
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