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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Veeam Explorer for Microsoft SQL Server is the recovery tool for restoring, publishing, instantly recovering, and exporting SQL Server databases or schema objects from Veeam restore points. The correct procedure depends first on whether the restore point came from an image-level backup, Veeam Plug-In for Microsoft SQL Server, or an RDS backup. Identify that path, verify SQL Server and permission compatibility, then choose the target and recovery time before opening the restore wizard.
Identify your recovery path first
Veeam Backup & Replication build 13.1.1.18 can expose restore points from Veeam Backup & Replication backups, snapshot replicas, CDP replicas, VeeamZIP backups, storage snapshots, and backups made with Veeam Plug-In for Microsoft SQL Server in managed or standalone mode. Those sources do not use identical requirements or data flows.
| Path | What to verify | Recovery considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Image-level Veeam backup | Supported SQL Server version and edition; Full or Bulk-logged recovery model when transaction-log replay is needed | Explorer uses the mount server and a temporary mounted filesystem during recovery |
| Veeam Plug-In for Microsoft SQL Server | Supported SQL version and edition, plug-in backup availability in Veeam Backup & Replication, and transaction-log backups for point-in-time recovery | Uses the plug-in recovery service and deployed restore component |
| RDS backup | RDS-specific recovery service and deployed component requirements | Its data path differs from image-level recovery |
Veeam describes the product as allowing administrators to “restore, publish, instantly recover and export Microsoft SQL Server databases and schema objects from restore points created by Veeam Backup & Replication.”
Check SQL Server compatibility
Veeam Plug-In for Microsoft SQL Server
The plug-in requirements list SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, and 2014 SP3. Supported editions are Standard, Developer, Web, and Enterprise. SQL Server Express Edition is not supported for this plug-in path.
The Tool Desk
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Image-level backups
The image-level list includes SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, and 2017 for Windows, plus SQL Server 2016 SP2, 2014 SP3, and 2012 SP4. All editions except LocalDB are supported. For transaction-log replay, the database must use the Full or Bulk-logged recovery model.
Record the exact SQL Server major version, service pack or cumulative-update context, edition, and recovery model rather than assuming that compatibility for one backup path applies to another.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Confirm permissions and infrastructure
Explorer launch account
- On the Explorer machine, the account must belong to the local Administrators or Users group.
- In Veeam Backup & Replication, it needs the Backup Administrator or Restore Operator role, or a custom role that includes at least Manage restores, the Explorer restore option, and access to the target server and backup.
Target and staging SQL Server accounts
- Restore, publish, and instant recovery require local Administrators membership and SQL Server
sysadminrights on the target. - A connection to a staging SQL Server also requires
sysadmin. - Restore operations may require an available staging SQL Server; it is conditional on the recovery operation, not a universal prerequisite.
Prepare the network and service placement
Have the target instance reachable from the Explorer and mount-server components, and ensure enough free space for the database files and transaction logs. If Microsoft SQL Browser is not running and the instance uses a custom port, enter the server as hostname,port or IP-address,port.
How do I restore a SQL Server database with Veeam Explorer?
The following sequence uses the Explorer console. The product also provides an Explorer Web UI; labels can vary slightly, so confirm which interface and build you are using before documenting a runbook.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Record the environment. Write down the Veeam Backup & Replication build, backup source (image-level, SQL plug-in, or RDS), SQL Server version and edition, intended target instance, and whether a staging SQL Server is available.
- Verify the restore point. Confirm that the required restore point is visible and accessible. For a plug-in backup, the backup job that created it must be present in Veeam Backup & Replication.
- Launch Explorer with an eligible account. Confirm the local group membership and Veeam role before the recovery window, not after the wizard fails.
- Open the restore operation and connect to SQL Server. Supply the server or instance name and database name. Choose the current account or enter supplied credentials. The SQL account used for the target connection must have
sysadmin. Current-account authentication is unavailable when Explorer and the mount server are on separate machines. - Select the restore point and recovery time. For a plug-in backup, choose a specific point in time only when the required SQL Server transaction-log backups exist. Without those logs, recovery stops at the selected restore point’s time.
- Choose the destination. Restore to the original server or another SQL Server. When restoring to a different server, perform the operation on the target server where the database will be placed, and verify that the target has the required rights and capacity.
- Review the operation. Check the database name, target instance, files, recovery time, overwrite or new-database choice, credentials, and any staging-server selection before starting.
- Validate the result. Confirm that the database starts as expected, required schema objects are present, and applications can connect. Record the resulting database state and recovery timestamp.
- Create a new full backup immediately. Veeam recommends a full backup after recovery so subsequent differential or transaction-log backups are based on the newly recovered full backup.
Can I restore a SQL database to another server?
Yes. Explorer can restore to the original SQL Server or another server, provided the destination is compatible and the account has the required local Administrator and SQL sysadmin permissions. For a different server, run the operation on that target server. If SQL Browser is unavailable, use the comma-port syntax described above. Plan for sufficient free space and, where the operation calls for it, an available staging SQL Server.
Can I restore to a point in time?
Point-in-time recovery is available for a plug-in restore when SQL Server transaction logs were backed up and are available to the operation. Select the required time in the wizard. If no suitable transaction-log backups exist, Explorer can restore only to the time represented by the restore point. Image-level transaction-log replay also depends on the database using the Full or Bulk-logged recovery model.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What happens during image-level recovery?
For an image-level restore, Explorer connects to the target and checks conditions such as whether the database already exists and whether enough free space is available. It sends the restore command to the Veeam Mount Service on the mount server associated with the repository. That service mounts the required filesystem under C:VeeamFLR on the target SQL Server. Deployed components copy database files and transaction logs from the mounted filesystem to the target’s native filesystem and start the restored database. After a successful restore, the mounted filesystem is unmounted.
This description applies only to image-level backups. Plug-in and RDS recoveries use a recovery service and deployed restore component, with different data paths; do not use the image-level sequence as a generic diagram for every restore source.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Pre-flight checklist
- Backup source and deployed Veeam build are documented.
- SQL Server version, edition, and (for image-level log replay) recovery model are supported.
- The restore point is accessible; plug-in backups have their creating job present in Veeam Backup & Replication.
- The Explorer account has local group membership and the required Veeam role.
- The target and any staging SQL Server can be reached, and the SQL account has
sysadmin. - Database and log-file capacity is available.
- Transaction-log backups exist if a plug-in point-in-time restore is required.
- The post-restore full-backup job is ready to run.
The Bottom Line
Start by classifying the restore point, then validate the matching SQL compatibility, permissions, target connection, and recovery-time evidence. That preparation prevents the most common Explorer failures and lets you restore to the right server and point in time with a clean backup chain afterward.
Quick Recap
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