SQL Server Backup File Repair Software
SQL Backup Recovery Tool to Repair Corrupt BAK Files
SQL Backup Recovery repairs corrupt BAK files and recovers tables, views, stored procedures and records without a restore. You preview all data first, then export it to a live database, SQL scripts or CSV files.
- Repairs full, differential and compressed backups
- Recovers MDF, NDF and LDF data stored in the BAK file
- Shows deleted records in red
- Supports SQL Server 2025 to 2000
- Free DemoPreview all objects
- 30 Day RefundDemo test comes first
- Card or PayPalHosted store checkout
- Fast License KeySent by email
- 24x7 SupportChat and email
1Is this my error?
Which Backup Errors Does SQL Backup Recovery Fix?
Match your message to the list. SQL Backup Recovery opens the BAK file without a restore and shows what the file holds before you export.
- Error 3241SQL Server says the media family on the device is incorrectly formed.
- Error 3013SQL Server reports that RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally.
- Error 3041SQL Server reports that the backup command failed to complete.
- Error 3154SQL Server says the backup set holds a database other than the existing one.
- No Backup Set SelectedSSMS finds no backup set to restore in the file.
- Corrupt File HeaderThe BAK header is damaged and SQL Server cannot list its backup sets.
Virus and Driver Bugs
Malware and disk driver bugs can damage a BAK file while you save or move it.
Compressed Folder Storage
Saving a BAK file in a compressed folder can leave the file damaged.
SQL Server Account Changes
Changes in the SQL Server account can corrupt a backup file.
RESTORE VERIFYONLY confirms that a backup set is complete and readable. Microsoft notes that the command does not verify the structure of the data inside. Even a clean pass does not prove the data is healthy.
Match your files before you blame corruption. Differential backups depend on a base full backup. Backups also cannot restore to an older SQL Server version than the one that created them. Microsoft explains these checks in the RESTORE VERIFYONLY reference and the restore and recovery overview.
2What changes?
What Does a Scanned Backup File Give You?
Before
- Restore fails with error 3241 or 3013
- SSMS shows no backup set to restore
- Data inside the BAK file stays out of reach
After
- Databases in the backup set open as a browsable tree
- Deleted tables and records show in red
- Data you choose goes to a live database, scripts or CSV
3What can it do?
Which Features Come With SQL Backup Recovery?
Three BAK Types Supported
Repair all three BAK types. Compressed backups need a SQL Server installation on the computer.
MDF, NDF and LDF Inside the Backup
Recover the primary, secondary and log files stored in the BAK file.
Single or Many Backup Files
Add a file or a folder. Auto detect finds the linked BAK files or you select them yourself. Browse files on a network system too.
Backup Set Selection
Select the backup set to recover when one file holds several sets.
Full Object Preview
Check tables, views, functions, stored procedures, rules, triggers, indexes, columns and keys before you export. Primary and foreign keys show in the tree.
Deleted Items in Red
Deleted objects and deleted table records show in red so you spot them fast.
Complex Data Types
Recover XML, JSON, vector and Unicode stored procedure data. Identity columns and BLOB data come back with the tables. Word and PDF files stored in columns show as binary data.
No Duplicate Exports
Exporting to an existing database adds no duplicate objects. Choose schema only or schema with data.
Selective and Batch Export
Export chosen databases and tables or send everything in one batch to a local or network server.
4Is it easy?
How to Try SQL Backup Recovery Free in 4 Steps
Preview all recovered objects in the free demo. Buy the license after you see your data.
- 1Download
Install the Demo
Download the 18.40 MB Windows installer. Copy your BAK file to a separate folder before you scan.
- 2Add
Add Your Backup File
Select Open and choose Add File or Add Folder. Auto detect finds linked BAK files or you select them yourself.
- 3Preview
Check Your Data
Select the backup set and browse tables, views and procedures. Deleted items show in red.
- 4Export
Export With a License
Buy the license and enter the key to export every record. Demo mode stops at 25 records per table.
Select Save to store a finished scan and Load to bring it back later. That saves a second scan of a large BAK file. Screenshots of every step sit in the SQL Backup Recovery user guide.
5What will I see?
Which Screens Appear in SQL Backup Recovery?
Start From the Main Window
Open, Load, Save and Export sit on the toolbar. Databases, tables, views, procedures, rules, triggers and functions sit in the tree.
Add One or Many BAK Files
Add File or Add Folder builds the list. Auto detect links the BAK files of one backup or you select the files yourself. Duplicates from one location are skipped.
Preview Tables Then Export
Browse tables with their columns, keys and indexes. Select Export when the data looks right.
Finish the Export
An export to scripts shows the save location and the batch file steps that restore the scripts on your server.
6Demo or full?
SQL Backup Recovery Demo vs Full Version
| Feature | Free Demo | Full Version |
|---|---|---|
| Add SQL BAK file | Yes | Yes |
| Differential and compressed backups | Yes | Yes |
| Preview of all recovered objects | Yes | Yes |
| Deleted items shown in red | Yes | Yes |
| Records exported per table | 25 | All |
| Other objects exported | 5 | All |
| Price | Free | From $149 |
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for SQL Backup Recovery
| Product Version | 12.0 |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 18.40 MB |
| Supported Files | BAK files (full, differential and compressed) with MDF, NDF and LDF data |
| SQL Server Versions | 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000 |
| Windows | Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7 (32 or 64 bit) or Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008 |
| Mac | Not available. SQL Backup Recovery works on Windows only. |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 at 2.40 GHz |
| RAM and Disk Space | 4 GB RAM and 100 MB free disk space |
| Framework | Microsoft .NET 4.5 or above |
| File Size Limit | None. Testing covered a 1.4 TB BAK file. |
| SQL Server Needed | Not for an ordinary BAK file. Compressed backups need SQL Server on the computer. Exports to a live server need credentials and admin rights. |
| Launch Method | Open the shortcut with administrator rights from the right click menu. |
8What is the price?
How Much Does SQL Backup Recovery Cost?
Choose a license by the number of computers and your type of use. Prices are in US dollars.
Personal License
$149
- Works on 1 computer
- Home and private use only
- 1 year of free updates
- Limited time 24x7 support
- Cannot move to another computer
Business License
$399
- Up to 100 computers
- Business, school, office or government use
- One location in one country
- Issued in your organization name
- Unlimited 24x7 support
- 1 year of free updates
Enterprise License
$1,199
- Up to 500 computers
- Offices in many countries
- Issued in your organization name
- Not transferable
- Unlimited 24x7 support
- 1 year of free updates
Want more SQL tools with it? SQL Recovery Bundle adds SQL Recovery for $299 instead of $398. SQL Decrypt and Recovery Toolkit adds SQL Recovery, SQL Password Recovery and SQL Decryptor for $399 instead of $536. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded. Compare every bundle on the RecoveryTools offers page.
9Is it safe?
Can You Trust SQL Backup Recovery With Your Backups?
See Results First
Scan your own BAK file in the free demo and preview every recovered object before you pay.
In Business Since 2007
RecoveryTools stands on a company that began in 2007 and now helps users in over 100 countries. Find more about RecoveryTools.
ISO Certified
Standards ISO 9001:2015 for quality and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for information security back the company. See the awards and certifications page.
Terms in Plain Sight
Refund, privacy and usage terms are public before you pay. See the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use.
10Need a hand?
Which Support Options Cover SQL Backup Recovery?
Support answers before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.
Live Chat
Talk to an expert on live chat at any hour.
Email Support
Email support@systoolsgroup.com with your SQL Server version and the error message.
Remote Session
An expert connects to your computer and solves a hard case for you.
Secure File Sharing
Upload your BAK file to a secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign a Non Disclosure Agreement first.
11Still have a question?
SQL Backup Recovery Questions and Answers
Can SQL Backup Recovery repair a corrupt BAK file?
Yes. Damaged BAK files open and give back tables, views, stored procedures, functions, rules, triggers, indexes and keys. You preview the recovered objects and export them to a database, SQL scripts or CSV files.
Can SQL Backup Recovery open differential and compressed backups?
Full, differential and compressed BAK files all work. Compressed backups need a SQL Server installation on the computer.
What does the free demo of SQL Backup Recovery include?
Demo mode previews every recovered object. Export 25 records per table and 5 other objects before you pay. Test it on your own BAK file.
Will SQL Backup Recovery help with restore errors like 3241 and 3013?
Yes. Error 3241 means SQL Server finds the media family incorrectly formed and error 3013 means RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally. Your BAK file opens without a restore so you can preview the data and export it.
Is SQL Backup Recovery useful for errors 3041 and 3154?
Yes. Error 3041 means the backup command failed and error 3154 means the backup set holds a database other than the existing one. Your BAK file opens on its own so these messages do not block the preview. Check the backup set in the preview before you export.
Can SQL Backup Recovery recover a deleted BAK file?
No. SQL Backup Recovery repairs BAK files that still exist on a drive. Bring a deleted file back with a data recovery tool first and scan the restored file afterward.
Should I use SQL Backup Recovery or SQL Recovery?
Use SQL Backup Recovery when the damage sits in a BAK file. Use SQL Recovery when the damage sits in a live MDF or NDF file. Both products work together in one bundle.
Which SQL Server versions does SQL Backup Recovery support?
BAK files from SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000 work. Auto detect finds the version of your backup.
Is there a file size limit in SQL Backup Recovery?
No size limit applies. Testing covered a 1.4 TB BAK file. Recovery time grows with the file size and the level of corruption.
How do I export recovered data from SQL Backup Recovery?
Select Export and choose a SQL Server database, SQL scripts or CSV files. Database exports go to a new or existing database on a local or network server and need credentials and admin rights. Choose schema only or schema with data.
How fast do I receive the SQL Backup Recovery license key?
Payment by card or PayPal at the hosted checkout triggers an email with your license key within 15 minutes.
Can I get a refund on SQL Backup Recovery?
Yes. Refund requests are accepted for 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org. Bundle purchases cannot be refunded.
Test SQL Backup Recovery on Your Own BAK File
Download the free demo, preview your backup data and buy the full version when it fits.