SQL Server Error Msg 3078 – The file name “%ls” is invalid as a backup device name for the specified device type

In this blog post, let’s learn about the error message “3078 – The file name “%ls” is invalid as a backup device name for the specified device type. Reissue the BACKUP statement with a valid file name and device type.” in Microsoft SQL Server, the reason why it appears and the solution to fix it.

SQL Server Error Message

3078 – The file name “%ls” is invalid as a backup device name for the specified device type. Reissue the BACKUP statement with a valid file name and device type.

Reason for the Error

SQL Server Error Msg 3078 is an error message that occurs when you try to back up a database using an invalid file name. The error message indicates that the file name specified in the BACKUP statement is not a valid backup device name for the specified device type. The solution to this error is to reissue the BACKUP statement with a valid file name and device type.

Possible Causes of SQL Server Error Msg 3078

1. Invalid File Name: The most common cause of this error is an invalid file name. If the file name specified in the BACKUP statement is not valid, the error message will be displayed.
2. Invalid Device Type: Another possible cause of the error is an invalid device type. If the device type specified in the BACKUP statement is not valid, the error message will be displayed.
3. Invalid Path: The error message may also be caused by an invalid path. If the path specified in the BACKUP statement is not valid, the error message will be displayed.

Solution

Some of the possible solutions to Fix the SQL Server Error Msg 3078 includes

1. Check the File Name: If the error is caused by an invalid file name, check the file name specified in the BACKUP statement and ensure that it’s valid.
2. Check the Device Type: If the error is caused by an invalid device type, check the device type specified in the BACKUP statement and ensure that it’s valid.
3. Check the Path: If the error is caused by an invalid path, check the path specified in the BACKUP statement and ensure that it’s valid.
4. Check the File Extension: If the error is caused by an invalid file extension, check the file extension specified in the BACKUP statement and ensure that it’s valid.
5. Use the Correct Syntax: Ensure that the BACKUP statement syntax is correct and all required parameters are included.
6. Use a Valid Backup Destination: Ensure that the backup destination is valid and that the user has the necessary permissions to write to that destination.
7. Use the Correct Backup Command: Ensure that the correct backup command is being used. For example, the FULL keyword must be used to perform a full database backup.