SQL doesn't see .bak file?

Question

SQL doesn't see .bak file?

k1ngB

Right there with Babe

Points: 780
More actions
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.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 17 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply

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".

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Forum posting etiquette.[/url] Get your answers faster.

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

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Forum posting etiquette.[/url] Get your answers faster.

Luis Cazares SSC Guru Points: 183706 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?

How to post data/code on a forum to get the best help: Option 1 / Option 2

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?

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Forum posting etiquette.[/url] Get your answers faster.

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.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
Forum posting etiquette.[/url] Get your answers faster.

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.