Resolved – SQL Server Restore Failed Because Database Is In Use

SQL Server Restore Failed Because Database Is In Use – Solved Here!!!

While trying to re-establish the SQL Server database file from a backup file, it is usual that users might encounter the inconsistency error as mentioned. Restored failed for Server ‘xxx’ (Microsoft.SqlServer.SmoExtended) Additional Information: System.Data.SqlClient.SqlError: Exclusive sql server restore failed because database is in use

Let’s observe the below- mentioned information. It will help us to repair the SQL Database Restore Failed, Database in Use error such as reasons, how-to and alternative solutions.

Why the Inconsistency issue ‘SQL Database Restore Failed, Database in Use’ occurs?

Below-mentioned is some reasons that might interrupt the re-establishing process. And then you might receive a database inconsistency error in SQL Server i.e. ‘restore of database failed because the database is in use’.

• Your database file is synchronized while the reestablishing process.
• There might be more than one Windows running in the background while working with the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to restore a database file.
• More than one user is utilizing the master DB.

Now, Let’s discuss the various alternatives to resolve the error.

Prerequisites

You must make sure that you have some things prepared before resolving an issue. 

• A SQL server must be downloaded on your local machine.
• Also, to resolve the error a relevant SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)must be installed on your PC.

Now, moving forward to the solutions to resolve error ‘’SQL server restore failed because the database is in use’’.

Also Read: How to Fix SQL Database in Recovery Mode?

How to Repair ‘can’t restore SQL database because it is in use’ Issue?

While restoring the SQL Server DB, remember no database should be connected within. If there is any database that seems to be running in the background. It will fail the restoration process eventually. Also, to repair the inconsistency issue, disable the connected user from the database file:

NOTE: To confirm if any user is connected with the database run the following command ‘sp_who’. If you observe any user performing the unfinished task, inform them about disconnecting them for a while. For more information look link sp_who.

Method 1 – Disconnect the database from existing connections

To disconnect from existing connections of SQL DB, follow the below-mentioned procedure.

Step 1: Launch SSMS and synchronize it to the Database.

Step 2: After synchronization, Object Explorer pane will display on the left side of the SSMS dialogue box.

Step 3: In Object Explorer pane, right-click the Database file, and then choose Restore Database.

Step 4: In Restore Database dialogue box, perform the following instructions:

• Pick one of the database files you wish to re-establish.
• In the left window pane, go to the Options tab.

Step 5: In the Options window, tick the checkbox named ‘close existing connections to destination database’.

After all the SQL Server connections are disabled, continue with the restoration process.

Method 2 – Switch from single mode to multiple user mode

Step 1: Launch SSMS on your local machine and associate it to the database.

Step 2: In the Object Explorer pop-up, choose New Query. Copy and paste the below T-SQL code segment into the query pane, and then hit the Execute tab:

Running the above commands, you will be able to switch from multiple user mode to single mode.

Method 3 – Reboot the SQL Server Service

NOTE: Opt this method only if the above two don’t work properly. In most cases, the user feels the need to restore a single database. Rebooting the server might disable the connection to all database files.

Below- mentioned are the steps to reboot the SQL Server Configuration Service)service:

Step 1: Navigate SQL Server Configuration Manager with the help of the following path locations:

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

Step 2: In the  SQL Server Configuration Manager left-side panel, opt the SQL Server Services. Likewise, in the right pane, right-click on the SQL Server service, and stop and reboot it.

Step 3: Hit the OK button to close the SQL Server Configuration Manager.

Restore of Database failed in SQL Server 2014 Professionally?

If it has been a tedious job to work with the above manual process, the user can utilize a third-party solution instead. One such exception is SQL Database Recovery. The utility can be used to recover the corrupted database files including error ‘SQL server restore failed because the database is in use’. The tool aims in recovering SQL file objects, recovers MDF file using two different modes of handling corruption, claims supporting ROW as well as PAGE compression, fixes MDF as well as NDF file of SQL database, etc.

Summing It Up

Lastly, Restoring a SQL Server database may fail with a “SQL Database Restore Failed, Database in Use” error because of active connections or synchronization issues. Common causes include multiple Windows sessions, users accessing the master database, or ongoing connections. To resolve this, run sp_who to check for active connections and disconnect them via SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) by selecting “Close existing connections” in the Restore Database options. Alternatively, switch to single-user mode using T-SQL commands or reboot the SQL Server service. If these steps don’t work, use a third-party tool like SQL Database Recovery to handle corrupted files and restore your database effectively.

Donna

As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.