How To Restore Database Failed in SQL Server?

When someone uses T-SQL or SSMS to restore SQL databases data, they may get an error Restore database failed because the database is in use. An issue in the database may also lead to a restore mark, which blocks you from any regular operation. This technical blog will describe the best solutions to restore database failed issues in SQL Server. You can also use the alternate solution, i.e., Sysinfo SQL Database Recovery, to recover data from corrupt MS SQL Database files or MDF and NDF file extension without harming the original data.

The below-mentioned error occurs when attempting to Restore database failed in SQL server.

Why Restore of Database Failed in SQL Server 2012 Access Denied?

There are plenty of reasons behind restoring the database failed in SQL Server.  Issues also occur when someone uses the database, the database file is synchronized during the re-establishing process, or users do not close the SQLQuery window after completing the specific task.

• Unfortunately, you are connected to the database you want to restore.
• While one is using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to restore the database data.
• Other users are connected to the master database(DB).

How to Restore Database Failed in SQL Server?

Firstly before performing the specific method, make sure SQL Server and SQL Server Management Studio are installed in your system. And if it is installed, proceed with the below top-notch solutions to fix the Restore database that failed.

Solution 1: Turn-Off the Existing Connections to the Database

Follow the steps below to close existing connections to SQL Server Database.

1. Start SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to the Database(DB).

2. After connecting to the database, the Object Explorer panel will appear on the SSMS wizard.

3. Here, right-click Databases, and then select Restore Database.

4. In the Restore Database pop-up, do the following:

• Opt for one database to restore.
• In the left panel, click Options.

5. On the Options page, check the option: Close existing connections to the destination database.

6. After this, the SQL Server connections get closed, proceed with the restore operation.

Solution 2:  Switch from Multiple-User Mode to Single-User Mode

In this procedure, you have to change the multiple-user mode(By default) into single-user mode and disconnect all the connected users. It is applicable when you disconnect all the users without notifying them. Follow the steps to force users to go offline (i.e., disconnect) from SQL Server, set the DB from multiple-user mode to single-user mode:

1. Start SQL Server Management Studio SSMS and connect to the database.

2. In the Object Explorer wizard, select New Query. 

3. After that, copy and paste the below T-SQL code snippet into the query window, and click on the Execute option.

USE master;

GO

ALTER DATABASE AdventureWorks2012

SET SINGLE_USER

WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;

GO

4. Finally, your multiple-user mode gets changed into a single-user mode.

Solution 3:  Restart the SQL Server Service

One another option is to disconnect the users by restarting the SQL service. You can renew the service using SQL Server Configuration Manager, SSMS, services console, or the command line.

Note:- This method is the last restoration process. That’s because you may only need to restore a single Database, but restarting the server will destroy connections to all databases.

1. Go to SQL Server Configuration Manager using any of the following paths:

SQL Server 2019             C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager15.msc

SQL Server 2017             C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager14.msc

SQL Server 2016             C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager13.msc

SQL Server 2014             C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager12.msc

SQL Server 2012             C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager11.msc

2. In the left pane of the SQL Server Configuration Manager window, click SQL Server Services. 

3. Now, right-click SQL Server service, and Stop and Start it.

4. Click OK to exit the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Solution 4:  Restore SQL Server Database with Recovery

1. You can also fix the restore database failed issue by restoring the problematic database with recovery.

2. Click New Query and enter this command in the window:

RESTORE DATABASE database name WITH RECOVERY

3. You have to execute this command when you disconnect the instance and connect it again.

4. Here, you will find the Restoring mark behind the database has been removed.

Alternate Solution: Recover SQL Database Without Error

If you are still facing a Restore database failed in SQL server issue, there is a problem with your Database, or the backup file used for restoring gets corrupted. Therefore, you can use the Free SQL Database Recovery tool to fix SQL server restore Database from file issues with ease. The software is competent enough to recover data from a corrupt SQL Server. It can also recover deleted Database SQL Server data.