Restore database backup over the network

Question

How do you restore a database backup using SQL Server 2005 over the network? I recall doing this before but there was something odd about the way you had to do it.

Answer 1

You have few options to use a network file as a backup source

1. Map network drive/path, hosting file, under SAME user as MS-SQL Server.
2. Use xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure to map network drive from inside of MS SQL (such way, command shell will have the same privilegies as the user account running SSMS)

-- allow changes to advanced options  EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1 GO -- Update currently configured values for advanced options. RECONFIGURE GO -- To enable xp_cmdshell EXEC sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell', 1 GO -- Update currently configured values for advanced options. RECONFIGURE GO EXEC xp_cmdshell 'NET USE Z: \\Srv\Path password1 /USER:Domain\UserName' 

Afterwards drive Z: will be visible in Server Managment studio, or just

RESTORE DATABASE DataBaseNameHere FROM DISK = 'Z:\BackNameHere.BAK' GO 

Answer 2

The database is often running as a service under an account with no network access. If this is the case, then you wouldn't be able to restore directly over the network. Either the backup needs to be copied to the local machine or the database service needs to run as a user with the proper network access.