In order to restore a database backup, you must first have a valid backup. If
you are unsure of how to take a backup of the database please see our
'Backing up a SQL Database' guide for assistance
A SQL database is composed of two files, a .mdf and a .ldf. These file must be
available on a drive which is physically loaded onto the server/local pc where
SQL is installed.
Launch SQL Server Management Studio from the Start Menu, All Programs,
Microsoft SQL Server (2008 R2/2015 depending on the version being used). The 'Connect to Server' window will open. Click 'Connect' to connect to the instance
If the server name is not displayed select the drop down arrow and choose
<Browse for more...>.
Choose the 'Network Servers' tab, for local databases you should use Local
Servers. The databases will load and a 'Database Engine' option will become
available. Expand the 'Database Engine' using the + sign. Choose your server
name from the list provided and select OK
Select 'Connect'
After connecting to the appropriate instance of the Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine, in Object Explorer, you will see an expanded server tree.
Right click on 'Databases' and select 'Restore Database'
'
At the 'To database:' type in the name you are restoring the database as, this is normally DRIVE_[PRACTICEINITIALS], for example DRIVE RS. Select 'From device:' and select the ellipses (box with 3 dots).
From here select the 'Add' option.
Browse to the location of the database backup file. The system is searching for a .bak file, you may need to choose the 'Files of type:' dropdown to all to locate the .bak file. Once located highlight it and select OK.
Select 'OK' again
On the 'Restore a Database' screen tick the box 'Restore' beside the newly populated database details and then choose 'Options' from the top left corner
From the 'Options' screen you can choose the location where the mdf and ldf are going to be created and stored. If you want to change this location use the ellipses to browse to the new location. Otherwise select OK
The progress wheel will show how much of the database has been restored. When this reaches 100% the database has been restored.
The database is now visible from Object Explorer.
.