I created a backup of a database on SQL Server 2005 and I wanted to restore the backup file on a SQL Server 2000. However, I am getting this error
The media family on device [path] is incorrectly formed. SQL Server cannot process this media family. RESTORE database is terminating abnormally.
I have verified that I have transferred the backup file in binary rather than text.
Is what I am trying to do possible?
Best Answer
Not possible.
Here is an MSDN forum post that describes how to create scripts from the SQL 2005 database that you can run on a SQL 2000 server that re-create the database, including data.
Note that if all you have is a 2005 backup file, you'll have to restore it to a 2005 instance before you can create these scripts.