Working with Restore Sequences for SQL Server Databases

SQL Server restore can be used to accomplish simple operations quickly and easily, yet it gives you the control to restore the minimum data necessary in the least time. The topics in this section describe how you can combine multiple RESTORE statements into restore sequences that copy data, roll it forward, and bring it online at the end of the rollback phase.

Note

For an introduction to the redo phase, during which roll forward occurs, see Understanding How Restore and Recovery of Backups Work in SQL Server.

Catalog views, the msdb database, and backups contain necessary information for constructing a valid restore sequence, such as the log sequence numbers at which a backup set starts and ends. Catalog views also provide information about the state of the database and associated files. This state information helps you determine the next step to take when you are restoring data.

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