SQL Server: Make sure a SQL Server backup is useable

It is Always recommended that before restoring a database, Please check whether database is corrupt or not as it will save your time for sure.

What exactly we can gain from RESTORE VERIFYONLY:

The RESTORE VERIFYONLY command checks the backup to ensure it is complete and the entire backup is readable. The does not do an actual restore, but reads through the file to ensure that SQL Server can read it while you are actually restoring the database.
Case 1: Backup Is Useable

restore verifyonly from Disk='E:\Daily Backup\Local\master_backup_201005030500.bak'

Output: "The backup set is valid."

Case 2 : Backup is Corrupt

restore verifyonly from Disk='E:\Daily Backup\Local\master_backup_201005030500.bak'

Output A Or B:

A) Msg 3242, Level 16, State 2, Line 1
The file on device 'D:\SQL_DBBackup\MARINE_backup_201303040300.BAK' is not a valid Microsoft Tape Format backup set.
Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
VERIFY DATABASE is terminating abnormally.

B)

Brgds,

Chhavinath Mishra

Database Administrator

Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP)