SQL Server Backup Files

Question

Is the structure of SQL Server database backup BAK file similar to NTBackup BKF file? Is there any reference which can be redirected to understand the difference between NTNAckup and SQL Server Backup (*.bak) files?

Answer 1

No, the SQL format and the NT format have absolutely nothing in common.

For an overview of SQL Server backup semantics, see Backup Overview (SQL Server).While the NT backup format is documented at NT Backup File and there is an API for access, the SQL's backup format is undocumented and the only access API is via the T-SQL BACKUP and RESTORE statements. The SQL backups (format, semantics, API) long predates the existance of NT as an operating system.

Answer 2

Thanks for the quick response. The basis for the question was that when you open the .BAK i.e. SQL Server Backup file and NTBackup in a HEX Editor

a. The markers are found to be same like TAPE, SPAD etc. b. There seems to be some similarity in the begining but after that the tags are found to be different.

The question seem to be if this is the case can I use NTBackup tool to generate backup of the SQL Server database. Is there any place where I can get details of the SQL Server backup file internals.