I have 4 files sent to me by a client, LogData.bak, PioneerTables.bak,
SEF.bak, and WSD.bak. I want to restore the database in SQL Server
2005 Express. I select Databases and right-click and select restore
database. There is no database in the To database drop down and typing
in a name does not work. Also there is no database in the From
database drop down. What is missing?

greatly appreciated!

Dave

For 'Source for restore' select 'From device' and then click '...' to add
the backup file. Make sure to check (the 'Restore' check box) the backup to
restore from. Then in 'Destination for restore' in 'To database' type the
database name to restore as. On the Options page verify and change if needed
the Restore As path for the database files.

You can also write a query:

RESTORE DATABASE LogData
FROM DISK = N'C:\LogData.bak'
WITH FILE = 1
RECOVERY;

Look all options for RESTORE DATABASE in SQL Server Books Online. You may
need the MOVE option to place the restored database files to the correct
folder.

You can see what is contained in the backup with RESTORE HEADERONLY:

RESTORE HEADERONLY
FROM DISK = N'C:\LogData.bak';

And using RESTORE FILELISTONLY will give you the list of database and log
files contained in the backup set.

HTH,

Plamen Ratchev
http://www.SQLStudio.com