Getting started - SQL Virtual Restore

SQL Virtual Restore enables you to mount a backup file as a fully functional database, giving you access to the backed-up data. Unlike a normal restore operation, almost no additional disk space is required.

SQL Virtual Restore works with backup files created by SQL HyperBac and SQL Backup, as well as with native SQL Server backup files. SQL Virtual Restore supports the same compression and encryption processing as SQL HyperBac and SQL Backup (version 6.x), so you can keep your backup files in their compressed or encrypted state when they are virtually restored.

You install SQL Virtual Restore on the server that hosts your virtually restored databases, but it remains separate from your SQL Server instances. You can access virtually restored databases with the same tools and scripts you already use to access other SQL Server databases (for example, using SQL Server Management Studio).

Supported platforms

Microsoft SQL Server versions:

SQL Server 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005, and 2000 (SP3 or later)
Developer, Standard and Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit) editions

Windows operating systems:

Windows Server 2008 R2, 2008, and 2003 with SP1 and SP2 (Standard and Enterprise editions; 32-bit, and x64)
Windows 7, Vista, XP Professional with SP1 and SP2, and 2000 (Advanced Server, Server, and Professional editions)

Worked examples

These worked examples describe how to virtually restore a database from a backup file, and how to verify a virtually restored database:

Create a database by virtually restoring backup files
Verify a backup file using DBCC CHECKDB on a virtually restored database

Related products

SQL HyperBac works with backup data as it is streamed to disk, adding silent compression and encryption to your existing backup, restore, export, and import routines.

SQL HyperBac uses the same technology and server components as SQL Virtual Restore. If you are already using SQL Virtual Restore, you simply need to purchase a license for SQL HyperBac, and then activate the software that's already installed.