AlwaysOn Database Block Restore Overview

An availability database can be restored to the original location, the same availability group, or a new location which can be either a new availability group or a new local SQL instance. SQL Server AlwaysOn database restore requires that a database with the same name as the restore target database be present on the primary replica. Due to a Microsoft limitation a database on an availability group cannot be restored.

AlwaysOn Database Block restore supports three restoration scenarios:

• Restoring to the Original Location This scenario restores an AlwaysOn availability database to its original availability group. Verify that the availability group contains at least one database. An empty availability group will not display as a restore target in DPX. The required database for the restore should be listed in the local instance of the primary replica, listed under the Availability Replicas within the SQL Server management console.

• Restoring to a New Availability Group This scenario restores an AlwaysOn availability database to an availability database in a new availability group.

• Restoring to a New SQL Instance This scenario restores an AlwaysOn availability database to an availability database on a local SWL instance of any type. For example, a standalone node or a SQL cluster instance.

Related Topics:

• Block Restore

• DPX Protecting SQL Server: General Considerations

• Protecting AlwaysOn Availability Groups: Concepts and Considerations