Error # 3241 while restoring the database

  • Hi All,

    I'll quickly draw a picture.

    We got the backup file from client every day, overwritten backup file(with INIT). and a daily job that restores the database on another server. (Job is @ another server)

    Suddenly, we are facing the error "The media family on device 'D:\Backups\Sample.bak' is incorrectly formed. SQL Server cannot process this media family. [SQLSTATE 42000] (Error 3241) RESTORE DATABASE is terminating abnormally."

    We have different service packs on both the server. When I verified the backup file using the "RESTORE HEADERONLY" its showing me the "*** INCOMPLETE ***" as backup name.

    but before it was working.

    Abhijit - http://abhijitmore.wordpress.com

  • how big is the backup file? what time the copy job is scheduled? what time is the restore job scheduled? I think the copy task is not finished.....

  • That almost looks like the error that you get when trying to restore the backup to an earlier version of SQL. Get the service packs and versions to be the same on both source server and destination, then try restoring the backup again.

    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
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • As i mentioned ealier this is true we have dirrenent service packs installed on both source and destination server. I am bemused how it is working earlier with same specifications.

    we have one hour gap for backup & restoring the database. the backup size is just 40 MB.

    Abhijit - http://abhijitmore.wordpress.com

  • Can you get the service packs the same on both servers and then try again. That'll tell us if it is version mismatch or another problem.

    Please run this on both servers and post the results.

    SELECT @@version

    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
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I think the problem is with the backup file, can you try and take a fresh backup manually and then restore it some where?

  • any updates ?

    "Keep Trying"

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