Performing a Complete Recovery
If the server has completely failed and all the backups must be restored onto a new server, follow these steps:
1. Build the Windows server, and restore the domain logins to support Windows authentication.
2. Install SQL Server and any service-pack, cumulative updates, security upgrades, or hotfixes.
3. Start SQL Server in single-user mode, and restore the master database.
4. Verify that SQL Server Agent is stopped. Restore the msdb database.
5. If the model database was modified, restore it.
6. Restore the user databases.
Best Practice
Performing a flawless recovery is a “bet your career” skill. Take the time to work through a complete recovery of the production data to a backup server. The confidence you gain can serve you well as a SQL Server DBA.