Mini Post: Error Specified Cast is Not Valid

Hey everybody! Me again with another Mini Post.

Today we are going to look at a SQL restore error: Specified Cast is Not Valid.

You may see this error when you are attempting to restore a SQL Server Backup via the SQL Server Management Studio. This error could be the result of a couple of different things:

• Corrupt backup
• Attempting to restore a backup of a newer version of SQL Server on a older version of SQL Server
• SQL Server Management Studio GUI bug

Solutions (in order of the problems above):

• Redo the backup and then try to restore it (if this still doesn't work it may indicate a corrupt DB; check the DB with DBCC CHECKDB)
• Verify that you are not attempting to restore a backup on a older version of SQL Server (example don't try to restore a 2008 DB backup on a 2005 instance)
• Try restoring from the command line instead of the GUI

DISCLAIMER: As stated, I’m not an expert so please, PLEASE (by all means!) feel free to politely correct or comment as you see fit. Your feedback is always welcomed. :-)