How to fix Error 3075 on Windows Server 2025 / Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Guide: Error 3075 – Invalid MOVE Target During File Snapshot Backup Restore

Why This Error Happens

This error occurs when SQL Server 2025 attempts to restore a database from a File Snapshot Backup, but the logical file name specified in the MOVE clause does not match the logical file names stored in the backup’s metadata. File Snapshot Backups rely on volume-level snapshot technology (such as those integrated with VSS or storage-array providers), and any mismatch between the snapshot’s file configuration and the destination database structure triggers this validation failure. This is commonly caused by a corrupted or incomplete snapshot manifest, a renamed database file post-backup, or an attempt to redirect files to a path not supported by the snapshot backup method.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Verify Logical File Names in the Backup Set

  • Run RESTORE FILELISTONLY FROM DISK = 'path_to_backup_file' to retrieve the exact logical file names stored in the backup header.
  • Compare these names character-for-character against the names used in your MOVE clause, as SQL Server 2025 is case- and space-sensitive for this validation.
  • Correct any typos or mismatches in your RESTORE DATABASE script before re-running the command.

Step 2: Confirm File Snapshot Backup Compatibility

  • Check that the snapshot backup was created using a supported provider (e.g., Microsoft VSS Hardware Provider or a certified third-party SAN snapshot tool) compatible with SQL Server 2025.
  • Navigate to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services and ensure the Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) service is running on both the source and target Windows Server 2025/Windows 11 machines.
  • Validate that the snapshot was not partially deleted or altered at the storage layer, as File Snapshot Backups require an exact 1:1 mapping of files during restore.

Step 3: Use WITH MOVE Only for Supported File Paths

  • Ensure the destination path specified in MOVE 'logical_name' TO 'new_path' exists and the SQL Server service account has write permissions to it.
  • Open SQL Server Configuration Manager, locate the SQL Server service account under the “Log On” tab, and confirm it has Full Control on the target directory via File Explorer > Properties > Security.
  • Avoid redirecting files to network drives or unsupported storage tiers, as File Snapshot Backups often require the destination to reside on the same snapshot-capable volume.

Step 4: Rebuild the Restore Script Using SSMS Wizard

  • Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), right-click Databases > Restore Database, and select the .bak or snapshot metadata file.
  • Allow SSMS to auto-populate the MOVE file destinations rather than manually typing logical names, reducing the risk of mismatched device names.
  • Execute the generated script and monitor the Messages tab for confirmation that Error 3075 no longer appears.

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • After applying the fix, re-run the restore command and check the SQL Server Error Log (Management > SQL Server Logs in SSMS) to confirm no Error 3075 entries appear.
  • If the issue persists, restore the database without the MOVE clause to the original file paths first, then use ALTER DATABASE ... MODIFY FILE to relocate files post-restore as an alternative workaround.