I recently was trying to restore a SQL 2000 database to a SQL 2005 database and kept getting this error: "The backup set holds a backup of a database other than the existing 'xxxx' database. Backup or restore operation terminiating abnormally." After a few tries without much luck I hit google and found this: http://forums.databasejournal.com/archive/index.php/t-24233.html So, in SQL Server Management Studio, you have to remember to go the Options Tab and check "Replace existing database" for it to work.