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SQL SERVER – FIX : Error 3154: The backup set holds a backup of a database other than the existing database

Pinal Dave
SQL, SQL Server, SQL Tips and Tricks
302 Comments

Our Jr. DBA ran to me with this error just a few days ago while restoring the database.

Error 3154: The backup set holds a backup of a database other than the existing database.

Solution is very simple and not as difficult as he was thinking. He was trying to restore the database on another existing active database.

Fix/WorkAround/Solution:

1) Use WITH REPLACE while using the RESTORE command. View Example

2) Delete the older database which is conflicting and restore again using RESTORE command.

I understand my solution is little different than BOL but I use it to fix my database issue successfully.

3) Sample Example :
RESTORE DATABASE AdventureWorks
FROM DISK = 'C:\BackupAdventureworks.bak'
WITH REPLACE

Reference : Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)

SQL Backup and Restore, SQL Data Storage, SQL Error Messages, SQL Scripts
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Pinal Dave is an SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and independent consultant with over 22 years of hands-on experience. He holds a Masters of Science degree and numerous database certifications.

Pinal has authored 14 SQL Server database books and 100 Pluralsight courses. To freely share his knowledge and help others build their expertise, Pinal has also written more than 5,800 database tech articles on his blog at https://blog.sqlauthority.com.

Pinal is an experienced and dedicated professional with a deep commitment to flawless customer service. If you need help with any SQL Server Performance Tuning Issues, please feel free to reach out at pinal@sqlauthority.com.

Pinal is also a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF-L1) and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2).

Nupur Dave is a social media enthusiast and an independent consultant. She primarily focuses on the database domain, helping clients build short and long-term multi-channel campaigns to drive leads for their sales pipeline.

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