Recover a deleted SQL Express database

One of my SQL Express databases was deleted by mistake through MS SQL Server Management Studio Express. It is not in the Recycle Bin and I have tried to use a tool such a Active@. Undelete to recover the file but it cannot find the deleted file.

I have a backup file *.bak in the ...MSSQL\Backup folder I made using MS SQL Server Management Studio Express. When I try to use the restore database feature in SSMSE I get various errors.

Any Suggestions on how to recover the deleted file or

Any suggestions or documentation on using the restore feature in SSMSE?

Any help at all?

Thanks

George

You are in luck you have a .bak use the link below to download the eval version of SQL Server install it as a named instance and right click at the top of management studio and register the Express. Then use the Backup and restore wizard to restore in .bak to recreate your database. In the Backup and Restore wizard choose the restore from device option. Post again if you need more help.

Hope this helps.

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/downloads/trial-software.mspx

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Does anyone know why I can't recovery a deleted SQL Database file like I can most other deleted files. Is there something special about this file. I can't believe someone hasn't developed a procedure or application that can do this.

In addition is there a known error in SSMSE that prevents it from restoring a backup made with SSMSE through SSMSE.

Frustration is mounting!

Thanks

George

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The reason is database files are system files when you delete it you are undoing a task so there is no file to recover. That is the reason you use either the.bak which is the best or Transaction Log to recover. Run a search for SQL Server recovery in the BOL (books online).

There is nothing preventing it from recovering but you need the Backup and Restore Wizard which is part of Management Studio to do the Restore. That is the reason I gave you the Eval version or you could buy the developer edition it is about $32 on the web.

Hope this helps.

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Can I install the eval version of SQL Server on my XP Pro machine. At the present I do have access to a Window Server 200X. If so what will it conflict with the SQL Express that I have installed?

Thanks for you help.

George

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Yes you can the eval is Microsoft way of getting users comfortable with the product so SQL Server 2005 eval almost self install after you choose components please choose all components. One more thing the reason you need the Backup and Restore Wizard is when you choose the restore from device option SQL Server chooses the file part for you through the .bak file so you need the Wizard and it is part of Management Studio.

There is no conflict just install the eval as named instance right click at the top of Management Studio and register the Express so you it becomes local to the eval which is Enterprise edition and choose restore from device option in the Backup and Restore Wizard. Post again if you need more help. Hope this helps.

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Thanks, for your patience and explanation. I have restore from the backup. I was able to restore it through SQL Server Manager Express, as advertized.

George