Identify the SQL Server edition, version, database recovery model and required recovery objective. Confirm whether Plesk manages a local or remote server and which backup method is configured. Keep credentials restricted and provide enough temporary and final storage for the database size.

1. For a local database, review the available Plesk backup or export options and run a controlled test backup. Record the actual format and restoration requirements.
2. For a registered remote SQL Server, have the authorized administrator open Tools & Settings > Database Servers and inspect that server backup settings.
3. Create the required temporary physical directory on the SQL Server host with appropriate SQL Server read/write access. Configure the supported network path and a dedicated account for Plesk transfer access. Restrict network exposure to the relevant servers.
4. Run a backup and inspect the full job result. Confirm the final archive reaches protected independent storage and temporary files do not accumulate indefinitely.
5. Restore a test copy under a separate name on a compatible server. For point-in-time requirements, coordinate native full, differential and transaction-log backups with the database administrator rather than assuming a periodic Plesk snapshot supplies that capability.

Check representative tables, application compatibility and backup age. Verify that recovery credentials, encryption keys where used, and the complete required backup chain are available. Record the time needed to restore a realistic database.

If export buttons are missing or transfer fails, inspect remote backup settings, share permissions, identity and available space. Do not expose a backup share publicly or grant broad database administration simply to complete a transfer. Never overwrite the live database for a routine restore test.

• Connecting a Plesk application to Microsoft SQL Server
• Testing a SQL Server database restore
• Restoring one Plesk database without replacing the whole subscription
• Scheduling Plesk subscription backups and retention

• Plesk: Configuring Backup Settings For Remote SQL Servers
• Plesk: Exporting And Importing Database Dumps