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

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

This is a follow up of the blog post I have posted on error 3154 few years ago. I have received quite a few emails that how we can fix the same error with the help of SQL Server Management Studio. In this blog post, I will explain how we can do the same with SSMS. Here is the error code:

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

You can fix that with the help of T-SQL with the following command. 

RESTORE DATABASE AdventureWorks
FROM DISK = 'C:\BackupAdventureworks.bak'
WITH REPLACE

If you want to do the same with SSMS, you can follow the steps here:

Step 1: Create a database with your preferred name. (In our case AdventureWorks)

Step 2: Write click on the database and click on Tasks >> Restore >> Database…

SQL SERVER - FIX : Error 3154: The backup set holds a backup of a database other than the existing database - SSMS 3154-1

Step 3: On the restore screen go to third selection of Options. Now select the checkbox “Overwrite the existing database (WITH REPLACE)”

SQL SERVER - FIX : Error 3154: The backup set holds a backup of a database other than the existing database - SSMS 3154-2

Step 4: Click OK. It should successfully restore the database.

Note: When you restore a database WITH REPLACE it will overwrite the old database.

Relevant Blog Post:

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

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

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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 90 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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