Restore database backup over the network

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.

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

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.

You cannot do this through the SSMS GUI, but you can do it using a script. RESTORE DATABASE from DISK='\unc\path\filename' If you need this process automated, the best way is to setup a SQL Server Job and run it as a user with access to the file location.

Make sure that the user running your SQL services in "Services.msc" is an active directory "Domain User" this will fix the issue.

You can use the SP xp_cmdshell to map the networkdrive for sql server, after that it will show up in the file browsing window.

EXEC xp_cmdshell 'NET USE Z: SERVERLOCATION PASSWORD /USER:DOMAIN\USERNAME'

more info here: DB Restore from Network Drive

Worked for me!