To restore a MSSQL BAK database backup, do the following steps:

1. Open Management Studio and connect to the database server.
   1. Right-Click on Databases
   2. Select Restore Database...
   
2. In the dialog that appears:
   1. Select Device
   2. Click the ... button:
   
3. In the dialog:
   1. Select File
   2. Click Add
   
4. In the dialog that appears:
   1. Select your BAK database backup
   2. Click OK
   
5. Click OK to confirm your backup device selection:
   
6. Back on the Restore Database screen, give the database a descriptive name.
   
7. Lastly:
   1. Click on Files
   2. Select Relocate all files to folder
   3. Click OK
   
8. The database will now be restored and visible through Management Studio
   
   

 

Important Note

If restoring the same database multiple times or if you have two different databases that have had the same name, replace the name of the database in the "Restore As" file name with the name of the new destination database.