Backup Database is Terminating Abnormally – Fix SQL Error 3013 Restore

Andrew Jackson ~ Modified: August 10th, 2026 ~ SQL Backup & Restore ~ 6 Minutes Reading

The SQL Server environment often requires users to be prepared for various errors that may arise when performing necessary tasks. One such error is SQL Server error 3013 – Backup Database is Terminating Abnormally. With such errors, it becomes difficult for users to proceed with their day-to-day operations and further access their data in the database. With this write-up, we will learn more about the error and how to resolve it in a much easier, more professional way.

Understanding the SQL Server Error 3013

The SQL Server Error 3013 can be specified as a backup and restore error that often signifies that the operation was terminated unexpectedly. The error can often occur due to issues like damaged database files, I/O problems, or backup corruption. Below is the message a user might encounter when the error occurs.

Msg 3201, Level 16, State 1, Line 4
Cannot open backup device 'D:\Adventureworks.bak'. Operating system error 5(Access is denied.).
Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 4
BACKUP DATABASE is terminating abnormally.

Common Causes For SQL Server Error 3013

As we read above, there can be many causes for the error. Now, we will take a look at some of the common causes for the error to occur.

One of the common causes for the error is corruption in backup files of the database.
Insufficient disk space also becomes one of the causes for the error to occur.
In various cases, the database files also get damaged or corrupted further leading to SQL Server error 3013.
Many underlying errors in the SQL database can become a primary cause for the occurrence of this error.

Due to these reasons, the error can be seen in the database and can lead to bigger challenges. Now, as we are aware of the causes of the error, it is time to move to the solutions that will help database administrators resolve the error efficiently.

SQL Error 3013 Restore Database is Terminating Abnormally – Error Versions

The error 3013 depends on the SQL versions; you may receive different messages when encountering the error.

MS SQL Server 7.0– SQL database error 3013 occurs when you create a clustered index on each group of files in the table.
SQL Server 2000– If the database whose volume is less than 2 GB is already available and you are trying to save another database whose volume is larger than the existing volume, the result is error 3013 in SQL Server.
SQL Server 2005– A 3013 error occurs when the backup administrator attempts to restore data files and log files together in a single instance of time.

Fix Backup Database is Terminating Abnormally Error Manually

Method 1. Check Security Permissions

First, you need to check the security permissions of the users by following the instructions below:

1. Go to the location where you saved .bak file
2. Right-click on the backup and select Properties
3. Now, click on Security tab and check the Deny permission for Authenticated Users
4. Click on Edit and deselect Deny Option
5. Click OK to end the process & solve restore database is terminating abnormally issue.

Method 2. Delete The Device

In order to fix the SQL Server 3013 error restore database, you must delete the existing backup to create a new backup to the backup device. Follow the mentioned command to perform the task:

BACKUP DATABASE mydatabase TO DISK='C:\MyDatabase.bak' with FORMAT
Note:- Backup your SQL Server database before deleting or erasing your data.

Method 3. Run Query Analyzer

If the error 3013 Backup Database is Terminating Abnormally occurs during a restore operation, you may be able to retrieve other backup sets from the device by specifying the file number. Run the following command to restore the backup from the Query Analyzer.

RESTORE HEADERONLY FROM DISK='C:\MyDatabase.bak'

To specify a specific database backup set, run the following query:

RESTORE DATABASE mydatabase 
FROM DISK='C:\MyDatabase.bak WITH FILE = FileNumber

Note: File number is the number of the backup set that you want to restore.

Quick Solution to Restore SQL Database From BAK File

If the SQL Server error 3013 is still not fixed using the manual approaches, then there is a higher possibility that the backup file might be corrupted. If that’s the case, it will restrict users and database administrators from resolving the error and restoring backup files for the same purpose. Hence, in such scenarios, it is always optimal to choose a dedicated SQL Backup Recovery tool.

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This is an advanced software that effectively helps repair corrupt SQL .bak files and also restore repaired data into a SQL Server Database. The working of the tool is very simple and easy to use, even for non-technical users. It supports all versions of SQL Server, including the latest ones such as SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, etc.

How to Repair Corrupt .BAK File And Restore in SQL Server Professionally?

To recover a corrupted SQL Server backup file and restore the repaired data from .bak file, follow the mentioned steps:

Step-1. Download and launch the suggested software. Click on the Open button and then browse to load .bak file.

Step-2. Select a version of the SQL Server backup file.

Step-3. Click on the Multiple Backup File Options to recover and restore multiple .bak files.

Step-4. Click on the Recover option, and once the recovery process is completed, the tool displays a preview of all recovered data items.

Step-5. Now, click on the Export option to proceed & fix backup database is terminating abnormally.

Step-6. Choose the Export option between Export to SQL Server Database, SQL Server Compatible Scripts or CSV file fformat. After that, fill in all the required details.

Step-7. If you want to restore SQL BAK file to new database, then select Create New Database option. Otherwise, select Export to Existing Database option.

Step-8. Choose Export with only schema or Export with schema & data option as per your requirement.

Step-9. Click on the Export button to start restoring the SQL Server database from the BAK file. This way, users can finally fix their SQL error 3013 smartly. After this, your restore headeronly is terminating abnormally issue can be easily solved.

Also Read: Critical Difference Between Nolock and With Nolock In SQL Server

Final Words

In the above discussion, we explained the manual, as well as the smart solution, to fix the backup database terminating abnormally (SQL Server error 3013) during restore database. Here, we mentioned three manual tricks to fix the SQL Server Database error 3013.

Sometimes, the manual process does not resolve the error; therefore, we recommend the SQL BAK File Repair tool. You can try both solutions and easily pick that suitable for you. Certainly, it’s quite common to face the restore database is terminating abnormally issue & it can be fixed with the right technique.