Potential Complications/Problems

  • A SQL Server 200 database went down. It was backed up on tape, but I don't think it was a proper .bak backup, I think it was just a backup of the .mdb. (I don't have access to these things on this server). It is currently being restored. SQL Server lists the database as (Restoring...)

    What kind of problems should I look out for in this situation? Will the restoration simply fail if it isn't from a .bak?

    --------------------------------------
    When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
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    What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
    You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

  • if it was a full database backup, it holds the data from your mdf, ndf and ldf files.

    Still that isn't a guarantee your restore will be ok.

    After the restore operation, I would run dbcc checkdb to see if sqlserver can confirm the internal structure and system indicators are ok.

    - Wat was the recovery setting for the database ? (simple/bulk/full)

    - Do you also have log backups ?

    How will you handle the data loss ? (time between last backup and crash)

    Johan

    Learn to play, play to learn !

    Dont drive faster than your guardian angel can fly ...
    but keeping both feet on the ground wont get you anywhere :w00t:

    - How to post Performance Problems
    - How to post data/code to get the best help[/url]

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    press F1 for solution, press shift+F1 for urgent solution 😀

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  • ALZDBA (1/20/2011)


    if it was a full database backup, it holds the data from your mdf, ndf and ldf files.

    Still that isn't a guarantee your restore will be ok.

    After the restore operation, I would run dbcc checkdb to see if sqlserver can confirm the internal structure and system indicators are ok.

    - Wat was the recovery setting for the database ? (simple/bulk/full)

    - Do you also have log backups ?

    How will you handle the data loss ? (time between last backup and crash)

    As far as I know it wasn't a "database backup" is was a backup of all the files on the drive.

    --------------------------------------
    When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
    --------------------------------------
    It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
    What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
    You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

  • That's not backup but a file copy.

    That will only work if your sqlinstance has been shut down before copying the files unless you use special snapshoting software that knows to flush all sqlserver data to disk.

    Suppose your mdf file is usable, but is the only file you have, there may still be options for a single file attach.

    have a look at:

    - http://www.sqlteam.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=85187

    - at ssc you'll also find forum threads handling this issue.

    I hope you get this db back in a consitent and working state.

    Johan

    Learn to play, play to learn !

    Dont drive faster than your guardian angel can fly ...
    but keeping both feet on the ground wont get you anywhere :w00t:

    - How to post Performance Problems
    - How to post data/code to get the best help[/url]

    - How to prevent a sore throat after hours of presenting ppt

    press F1 for solution, press shift+F1 for urgent solution 😀

    Need a bit of Powershell? How about this

    Who am I ? Sometimes this is me but most of the time this is me

  • ALZDBA (1/20/2011)


    That's not backup but a file copy.

    That will only work if your sqlinstance has been shut down before copying the files unless you use special snapshoting software that knows to flush all sqlserver data to disk.

    Suppose your mdf file is usable, but is the only file you have, there may still be options for a single file attach.

    have a look at:

    - http://www.sqlteam.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=85187

    - at ssc you'll also find forum threads handling this issue.

    I hope you get this db back in a consitent and working state.

    I know it isn't a backup, that's why I'm worried. I'm not the one restoring it or "backing it up" in the first place. I just have to deal with it once it is restored.

    --------------------------------------
    When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
    --------------------------------------
    It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
    What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
    You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

  • If it isn't a true backup, but a file backup, you may not be able to do anything. If SQL Server was down while the file backup is run, you may be okay.

    You may want to be sure to set the user expectations as to what may happen when the restore is done.

  • Lynn Pettis (1/20/2011)


    If it isn't a true backup, but a file backup, you may not be able to do anything. If SQL Server was down while the file backup is run, you may be okay.

    You may want to be sure to set the user expectations as to what may happen when the restore is done.

    Thanks, that is one of the things we've been doing. When the end users hear there's even the slightest chance it'll all be fixed they jump right to "So everything will be fine?"

    --------------------------------------
    When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
    --------------------------------------
    It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
    What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
    You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

  • A state of RESTORING means that there was a backup and that it was restored WITH NORECOVERY

    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
  • GilaMonster (1/21/2011)


    A state of RESTORING means that there was a backup and that it was restored WITH NORECOVERY

    Excelent, thanks. There's been communication issues and I've been worried. I wanted to find out from people who know far more than I about such things what might actually be going on and how bad the situation really was. Thanks to everyone who replied.

    --------------------------------------
    When you encounter a problem, if the solution isn't readily evident go back to the start and check your assumptions.
    --------------------------------------
    It’s unpleasantly like being drunk.
    What’s so unpleasant about being drunk?
    You ask a glass of water. -- Douglas Adams

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