Because Practice CS utilizes a Microsoft SQL database, there are special considerations when restoring a backup of a database. The procedure below outlines how to restore a database through the Practice CS application.

Practice CS databases can also be restored outside the application using the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express utility. See Restoring a database using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express for instructions.

To restore a Practice CS database, follow these steps.

1. Copy the backup file to any location on your database server.

   Notes

   • To restore a SQL database, the backup file must reside on the database server.
   • After you make a backup, you may need to place the .BDF file within your SQL data structure — and not in the root of C: on the server — before you try to restore it. The default path is C:/Program Files (x86)/Microsoft SQL Server/MSSQL_10_50.xxx/MSSQL/Data.
2. Choose File > Restore.
3. In the Backup file\directory field, enter the path, and optionally, the file name, of the database backup, or click the More button and navigate to the file.

   Notes

   • Backup files have a file extension of BDF or BAK.
   • The backup file must be saved on the drive where SQL is installed.
4. Enter a new name for the database in the New Firm name field.

   Notes

   • It is necessary to enter a new name for the database, because the application does not overwrite existing databases and does not allow two firm databases with the same name.
   • If you do want to restore a database using the same name as an existing database, you must first open the existing database, delete it (File > Delete Firm), open another database (such as Sample), choose File > Restore, and select the database you want to restore.
5. From the list at the bottom of the Restore dialog, select the database you want to restore.
6. Click OK.
7. At the confirmation that the database has been restored, click OK.

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