Overview of SQL Server Error 3013

One of the most frustrating situations that a user experiences while working with SQL Server is when errors are encountered. These errors disrupt the normal functioning of SQL Server and in worst case scenario may even lead to data loss. Sometimes, SQL Server Backup Detected Corruption In the Database Log. In this write-up, we are going to discuss about one such SQL Error 3013.

Error Description

SQL Server Error 3013 mainly occurs when the backup process to a disk/tape or a restoration process from a disk/tape is under process.

What is "Restore Database Terminating Abnormally" in SQL Error 3013 ?

The error message and the occurrence factors of SQL Server error 3013 vary according to the SQL Server version the user is currently working with.

SQL Server 7.0

In this SQL version, the error is encountered when the clustered index has been created in all the filegroups of the table.

SQL Server 2000

In this case, if the database of size 2 GB already exists and a separate database of size more than 2 GB is restored in the existing database, the error is generated.

SQL Server 2005

In the instance of restoration of both the data and log files at the same time, the Error 3013 is encountered.

Reason behind Its Occurrence

The dominant reason behind the occurrence of this error is the inability of the database to read the filemark present in the backup device or inaccessibility of the filemark itself. Before proceeding further, let us know what filemark actually is.

A filemark in a backup device is the element that does not store user data. In order to organize and unify the storage patterns, the filemarks, divide the partition in smaller segments. Their primary task is splitting data of all the individual files that are stored in the backup device.

The other reasons, which also play an important role in the occurrence of SQL error 3013, are:

• Media failure on the device in which the backup has been stored.
• Write failure whilst the execution of the backup process.
• Connectivity loss during the network backup process.

Workaround

1. The error can be removed by manual deletion of the device and ensuring that the server performs new backup to the device. The command to do so is:

2. In case the restoration process is the reason behind the error occurrence, it is possible to retrieve the other backup data by specifying the file number in the device.

In order to check the presence of multiple backup sets on the device, run the following code:

For indicating a specific set of backup, run the following command:

Note: The FileNumber term is used to represent the file series that the user wants to restore

Conclusion

In the blog, we discussed about the SQL Server Error 3013. With the help of the workarounds mentioned in the above section, the users can easily remove this error and continue with the restoration and backup process. In case if you failed with manual solution then you can also try SQL BAK recovery tool to successfully repair corrupt SQL .bak file.