How to upload and restore a MSSQL database backup to Plesk?

You have built your web application locally and now you want to put it on a website and show the world. We will assume you have already uploaded all your site files and scripts to the httpdocs folder.

  • Backup your database from your local machine using the .bak format (eg, dbname.bak)
  • Log into your Plesk Control Panel and create a blank database:
    • Applications and Services > Databases > Add new database
    • Provide the db name
    • Create a user with a password (DBUser, DBPass)
  • Return to the Plesk control panel and upload your db backup for restoring:
    • Files > Backup Manager > Tools > Database Backup Repository > Upload backup file
    • Select the dabatase you created earlier to be restored
    • Click Browse and locate then upload your backup file from your local machine.
    • Choose to restore immediately or later.
    • Click OK.
    • Confirm restore (a message will advise you will be replacing the data on the existing database)
    • Click OK
  • Modify your web.config file so the data source is "MachineName" (where "MachineName" is the address of the VPS your account is being hosted on.
    • For example, a connection string in your web.config file could look like this:
      <add name="StringName" connectionString="Data Source=SERVERNAME;Initial Catalog=DBName;User ID=DBUser;Password=DBPass" providerName="System.Data.SqlClient" />

  • Navigate to your site


If you have any problems, contact us and we'll investigate for you. If you are unsure of what SERVERNAME is, use the address of your plesk control panel.

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