SQL backup corrupted or unreadable

[maitakeboy]

I did a backup of a 36GB SQL database to a USB hard drive, which completed
successfully. When I went to copy that backup to my archive server, at around
40% it errored aaying the file was unreadable or corrupted. Of course, I had
already deleted the database since I needed room on my server and thought I
had a good backup.
I've tried everything I know, including trying to undelete the databse files
from the server, which found nothing and running chkdsk on the USB drive. Of
course, when I did that, it showed the file as having 0 KB!
So am I hosed or what? is there anything else anyone can suggest to try and
recover this file from my USB?

 

[Greg Russell]

In

I did a backup of a 36GB SQL database to a USB hard drive, which
completed successfully. When I went to copy that backup to my archive
server, at around 40% it errored aaying the file was unreadable or
corrupted. Of course, I had already deleted the database since I
needed room on my server and thought I had a good backup.
I've tried everything I know, including trying to undelete the
databse files from the server, which found nothing and running chkdsk
on the USB drive. Of course, when I did that, it showed the file as
having 0 KB!
So am I hosed or what? is there anything else anyone can suggest to
try and recover this file from my USB?

At this time, after you deleted the original database, you are indeed
"hosed". Is your USB drive formatted as FAT32? If so then the maximum file
size is only 4GB.

You may wish to apply as a poster child for what not to do when making
backups. So very many people make backups and never test the integrity of
them before making the fateful decision to delete the originals, just as you
did.

 

[Allan]

In

At this time, after you deleted the original database, you are indeed
"hosed". Is your USB drive formatted as FAT32? If so then the maximum file
size is only 4GB.

Wait a second, he may have used backup software such as drive imaging that
breaks the image into small pieces. I use Clonezilla to back up partitions.
It does sound though like he needs more than one USB hard drive or other
media to ensure his data integrity.

 

[Greg Russell]

In

Wait a second, he may have used backup software such as drive imaging
that breaks the image into small pieces.

You should've spent at least a second reading the OP before replying.