How to Restore Schema in SQL Server? Advance Tutorial

Users often ask about restoring the SQL database objects and there are plenty of articles out there for the same. However, when it comes to learning how to restore schema in SQL Server, there is still some gap. To fulfil this gap, we are going to provide the answers through this article.

Therefore, the reasons for executing SQL Server restore database schema only task, challenges, manual & automated solutions with their benefits or drawbacks are mentioned below. We are sure that by the end of this article, users can easily get the expected results. However, if users skip any of the sections here, they might miss out on any crucial information.

Reasons for SQL Server Restore Schema Only Operation

Just like every user is different from the others, their reasons for SQL Server schema data restoration are also different. Still, some common reasons exist due to which most users prefer to undergo such an operation.

• Database Setup and Configuration: Only schema data is necessary for users whenever they wish to prepare a test environment or development database. Similarly, schema changes in bulk on multiple servers also require this operation.

• Data Management and Migration: Database migration is quite common nowadays & for this users need to restore the schema first to maintain table structures. Also, to keep only the selective data, restoring only the schema is a good choice for users. 

• Storage management: To save storage space, restoring the schema only takes less disk space as there is no data in the tables to make it bulky. Thus, learning how to restore schema in SQL Server fixes the storage issues.

• Disaster Recovery and Repair: In case of data corruption, when the schema remains intact, users can easily restore the entire table structure with the schema restoration to make the database work again asap.

• Time Constraints: When users only need to restore the schema of the SQL without data, the task becomes quite fast. Thus, due to time limitations, several users prefer to restore only the schema instead of all data in it.

Challenges in Learning How to Restore Schema in SQL Server

Before users straight away jump into executing this operation, we must alert them. This operation looks easy & in fact is actually easy. However, they must have to be aware of certain challenges in advance to be prepared for them. These challenges are:

Interdependent Objects: There are some objects like functions, logins, etc that are not covered in the schema. Therefore, users need to create them manually.

Missing Schema Data: The most common limitation is missing data. Therefore, users need a solution that can switch to only schema & schema with data options for restoration. 

Compatibility Errors: Not all schemas are compatible with all SQL Server versions. So users must pay attention on this factor as well for future concerns.

Method Selection: There are both manual & automated solutions but beginner users might get confused among the two for the ideal one.

In addition, there can be challenges for users on their individual levels as well. However, the most common ones are listed for users ease.

Also Read: How to Find Empty Tables in SQL Server Database? 

SQL Server Restore Database Schema Only Step by Step

To get the task done with ease SysTools SQL Database Recovery Tool is undoubtedly the pioneer in the field. This software is quite advanced and offers various functionalities other than just SQL Server restore schema only.

Download the tool & then follow the steps mentioned below to get accurate & precise results.

Step-1. Launch the Software to begin schema restoration only.

Step-2. Click on the Open button to Add MDF Files to this application.

Step-3. Select the Quick or Advanced Scan mode for the corruption.

Step-4. Set the Destination as SQL Server, CSV file, or SQL script.

Step-5. Finally, Click on “with only schema” & Hit Export button.

Benefits of Opting for the Advanced Automated Tool

To help users learn how to restore schema in SQL Server database, the automated tool comes with various out-of-the-box features. Some of these features are mentioned below:

• Repair capability for the damaged SQL database.
• Recovery of deleted objects from the QSQL Server.
• Dual Scan modes for corruption scanning in MDF file.
• Option to work on MDF corresponding NDF files if required.
• All of the SQL Server versions supported from 2000 till 2022.
• Three export modes for the data as CSV, T-Scripts, & SQL Server.
• Option to export only schema & schema with data as per user needs.

Various other features like saving scanned file, selecting objects, displaying deleted data, etc makes this utility way ahead of its competitors.

How to Restore Schema in SQL Server Manually?

Now, Manually, there isn’t any direct solution. There are some processes by which users might get a result closely related to their expectations. Here users can rely on two ways as mentioned below for SQL Server restore database schema only task.

Restoring Backup to A New Location: First of all, here users need a backup file or .bak file. After that, they have to restore the database to a new location using the SQL Server Management Studio.

Full Recovery Model: In case users always opt for the Full Recovery model, then they can execute the recovery with norecovery clause. This way, the schema gets restored but not the transactions that bring data into a database.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, learning how to restore schema in SQL server database is way easier than than complete database restoration. Moreover, by using the above-mentioned solutions in the right way, users will not have to face any issues. As per experts, it’s critical for everyone to define their needs first and then select the methods accordingly.

However, for schema restoration, the manual method does have a couple of drawbacks. That’s why the automated solution is best for the SQL Server restore schema only operation.