Identify SQL Server Version from BAK File

jstevens
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Identify SQL Server Version from BAK File

Post by jstevens »

Is it possible to identify which SQL Server version a BAK file was generated from?

I have tried various SQL recovery programs but they are unable to read the file. I don't believe the file is corrupt.

I've tried to restore the BAK database file in a Windows 2000 environment (2000 SSMS) and Windows 10 environment (2014 SSMS) without any luck.

Your suggestions are appreciated.
Regards,
John

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HansV
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Joined: 16 Jan 2010, 00:14
Status: Microsoft MVP
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Re: Identify SQL Server Version from BAK File

Post by HansV »

Best wishes,
Hans

jstevens
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Posts: 2617
Joined: 26 Jan 2010, 16:31
Location: Southern California

Re: Identify SQL Server Version from BAK File

Post by jstevens »

Hans,

I tried RESTORE HEADERONLY (2nd URL) and received an error message which I have seen in my previous testing.

Msg 3241, Level 16, State 0, Line 1
The media family on device 'C:\Users\myAccount\Desktop\DBA.bak' is incorrectly formed.
SQL Server cannot process this media family.
Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
RESTORE HEADERONLY is terminating abnormally.
Regards,
John

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HansV
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Posts: 78236
Joined: 16 Jan 2010, 00:14
Status: Microsoft MVP
Location: Wageningen, The Netherlands

Re: Identify SQL Server Version from BAK File

Post by HansV »

It looks like the backup is corrupt... :sad:
Best wishes,
Hans