Quick Fix – SQL Database Restore Failed, Database in Use

Summary: When working with SQL Server, database administrators, and developers often encounter the error message “Restore failed because the database is in use.” This error normally occurs during the process of restoring a database from a backup while other users or processes are accessing the database. In this blog, we will proceed with the causes of this error and provide manual and automated solutions. SQL Recovery Tool to resolve the issue of “SQL database restore failed database is in use”. Download Now   Purchase Now

User Query: I’m currently facing an issue while trying to restore a database in SQL Server. Whenever I attempt to restore the database, I receive an error message. I confirm that no users are actively connected to the database. Thus, I’ve also tried setting the database to single-user mode before performing the restore. However, I keep facing the same error. Could you provide a detailed guide on how to resolve this issue?

Recently, we received this query from the end of the user. Further, we will describe the distinct approaches to get over this issue. Let’s start to resolve the query “SQL database restore failed database is in use”.

Understanding the Error and the reason for their occurrence

The error message “SQL Database Restore Failed: Database Is in Use” indicates that the database you are attempting to restore has active connections. SQL Server prevents a database restore operation if the database is currently in use to avoid potential conflicts and data corruption. Here are some common reasons related to the occurrence of this error:

• If users or applications are actively connected to the database can lead to errors “SQL Restore failed, Database is in Use.”.
• Apart from that, jobs running in SQL Server Agent could be accessing the database.
• This error typically arises when other background processes or services might be maintaining a connection.
• Also, ongoing transactions or uncommitted changes can lock the database.
• Applications that use the database have continuous connections. Otherwise, it can lead to the given issue of “ SQL database restore failed database is in use.”.
• Another reason can be connections from tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or other database management tools.

The above-mentioned reasons can prevent exclusive access needed for a successful restoration operation, which we will discuss further.

How to fix SQL database restore failure since the database is in use?

There are numerous methods to resolve the issue of “SQL Restore failed, Database is in Use”. In the upcoming section, we will discuss the distinct methods to fix the given error. Some prevention tips can easily overcome the error. If it does not then continue with the reliable one to do the same in just a few clicks.

Method 01:- Select Single-User Mode for the Database to fix the “SQL Restore failed, Database is in Use” issue

To set a SQL Server database to Single-User Mode is a common technique used when you need to perform maintenance tasks such as restoring a database. This mode allows only one user at a time to access the database, effectively disconnecting any other users or processes that may be connected. Here’s how to set a database to Single-User Mode:

• First of all, launch SSMS and connect to the SQL Server instance where your database resides.
• After that, go to the Object Explorer and open a new query window.
• Now, execute the below-mentioned code

USE master;
GO
ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabaseName]
SET SINGLE_USER
WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;
GO

Now, it will show that the database is in the SINGLE_USER state. Single-user mode allows only one connection at a time, so be cautious while performing actions in this mode.

Method 02:- For SSMS database restoration, choose the “Close Existing Connections to Destination Database” option

When restoring a SQL Server database using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), sometimes you might encounter an error stating that the database is in use. Then, prevent the restore operation. This issue arises because active connections to the database interfere with the restoration process. One effective way to resolve this is by using the “Close existing connections to destination database” option in SSMS:

• First, launch SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance.
• In the Object Explorer, expand the server tree.
• Right-click on the Databases node or the specific database you want to restore.
• Make sure no connections are active before attempting to restore a SQL Server database.
• You’ll need to disconnect the active users to fix the problem.
• After that, select Tasks >> Restore >> Database.
• In the Restore Database dialog box, under the Source section, choose the location from where the backup is to be restored.
• In the left pane, click on the Options page.
• In the Restore options section, check the box labeled Close existing connections to the destination database.
• This option will forcefully close any active connections to the database, ensuring that the restore process can proceed without any interruptions.

Method 03:- Restart the SQL Server Applications

To restart SQL Server services, you can use various methods depending on your environment. Here are the most common approaches using using SQL Server Configuration Manager:

• On Windows, search for “SQL Server Configuration Manager” in the Start menu.
• Open the Configuration Manager for SQL Server. It is available at the following places:

SQL Server 2022 : C:\Windows\SysWOW64\SQLServerManager16.msc

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

• In the SQL Server Configuration Manager window, expand the “SQL Server Services” node.
• Right-click the SQL Server service (usually named “SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)” for the default instance).
• In the last step, choose “Restart” from the context menu.

Method 04:- Turn Off the Database to resolve the “SQL database restore failed database is in use”.

Taking the database offline is the manual solution to resolve the “SQL Restore failed, Database is in Use” issue. This method ensures that all active connections are terminated, which allows the restore process to proceed without interruptions:

• Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
• Subsequently, connect to your SQL Server instance.
• Right-click the database that has to be taken offline in Object Explorer.
• In the next step, select Tasks >> Take Offline.
• Once the database is offline, you can proceed with the restore operation.

Method 05:- Direct and Superficial Solution to fix the “ SQL Restore failed, Database is in Use”

The SQL Recovery Tool is a simple and risk-free solution to resolve database-related issues. For accurate SQL Server database restoration, SQL Recovery Software provides Standard & Advanced recovery mode options. Moreover, you can restore the database’s tables, views, triggers, defaults, programmability, and other features. Also, it is used to recover SQL Server databases with ASCII and Unicode XML data types. Along with that, it allows users to see recovered SQL Server data before saving it. It has the option to save all of the recovered SQL database file’s table records in CSV format. This utility is compatible with all versions of the Windows operating system. All your SQL data is recovered in just a few steps. These steps are as follows:

Simple Steps to Restore the Failed Database

• Primarily, launch and open the given software on your PC.
• Now, tap on the Browse button to add the damaged MDF file.
• Next, select the Recovery Mode to scan the corrupt database file.
• After that, you can preview the scanned MDF files >> Next.
• Input the SQL Server account details and verify the database connectivity.
• Lastly, press the “OK” button, the restored SQL database is successfully saved to the specified location.

Conclusion

After going through the complete blog, you get the various solutions to resolve the error of “ SQL database restore failed database is in use”. It is a common issue when trying to restore a database that is currently being accessed by other users or processes. To resolve this, you need to ensure that the database is not in use by terminating active connections and setting the database to single-user mode if necessary. However, using methods such as an automated solution gives an accurate result and performs a smooth recovery of your database file.

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