Restoring Multiple Backups

You can restore multiple full, differential, and transaction log backups that belong to the same backup set using the graphical user interface. For example, you can restore a full and differential backup for the same database at the same time. For details of how to use the graphical user interface to do this, see Restoring Backups.

You can restore multiple transaction log backups using the SQL Backup command line or extended stored procedure. To do this, use wildcard characters to enter a 'file search pattern' when you specify the DISK argument for the RESTORE command. The backup files that match the wildcard characters must belong to the same backup set.

You can restore multiple encrypted transaction log backups using the SQL Backup toolkit only if they all have the same password.

To restore transaction log backups, your database must be in an unrecovered state in order that the transaction logs can be restored to it, that is, it must have been restored using the NORECOVERY or STANDBY option. SQL Backup ensures that the backups are restored in the correct sequence. For example:

SQLBackupC -SQL "RESTORE LOG pubs FROM DISK = 'C:\Backups\Pubs\Logs\*.*' "

To specify a number of folders, use the DISK command repeatedly:

SQLBackupC -SQL "RESTORE LOG pubs FROM DISK = 'C:\Backups\Pubs\Logs\*.*', DISK = 'E:\OtherBackups\Pubs\Logs\*.*' "