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Back up and restore SQL database instance using a .BAK file for the SolarWinds Platform

In this article, you'll learn how to back up and restore a SQL database instance using a .BAK file for the SolarWinds Platform.

First published date

11/29/2018 10:37 PM

Last published date

9/18/2025 5:11 PM

Overview

When you have the BAK file moved over to your new SQL box, you restore the database from the BAK file and name it with the same database instance name you had on the old SQL server.

Before you begin

Review and consider the following requirements before you begin backing up and restoring your database:

You must have db_owner rights to be able to restore the BAK file, otherwise, importing the BAK file will fail due to permissions.
Use the 'sa' or sa-equivalent account when attempting to back up and restore to achieve the best results.
Be particular about the account you use for creating the backup, even if you decide to use another file type for the backup, such as MDF or LDF files. Administrator-like accounts with all rights give you the highest chance of creating the backup file successfully.

SolarWinds Support is not responsible for supporting the BAK file itself. If Microsoft tools are used to create the BAK file, Microsoft Support is responsible for supporting it should it become corrupted.

Product section

Orion Platform

Resolution

Back up the database into a BAK file

Open the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
Select the database instance to back up in the left navigation pane.
Right-click > Tasks > Backup.
For Destination, select Disk.
The destination file should have the extension *.BAK.

Restore the database from a BAK file

Open the SQL Server Management Studio in Object Explorer, right-click on Databases Node, and select Restore Database. You can refer to the Restore a Database Backup Using SSMS Microsoft article for reference.

Right-click on the database server in the left navigation pane, click Tasks, and click Restore.

a. The name of the restoring database appears in the To database list box. To create a new database, enter its name in the list box.

b. Select ‘From device’.

c. Click the button to display the ‘Specify Backup’ Dialog.

d. Click ‘Add’ to browse the .bak file from the directory and click OK.

2. Click on the "Files" tab, and ensure the "Restore As" column does not already have the files with the same file name. Otherwise, the restore will fail. Ensure all the files are unique.

NOTE:
In the above example, the Data file is stored in D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10_50.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\SolarWindsOrion.mdf

If the file exists on the SQL Server in the exact same path, rename the file or change its path.

Disclaimer: Please note, any content posted herein is provided as a suggestion or recommendation to you for your internal use. This is not part of the SolarWinds software or documentation that you purchased from SolarWinds, and the information set forth herein may come from third parties. Your organization should internally review and assess to what extent, if any, such custom scripts or recommendations will be incorporated into your environment. You elect to use third-party content at your own risk, and you will be solely responsible for the incorporation of the same if any.