Magic string errors while attempting to restore a Postgres backup

Issue

If a backup is created with the incorrect format, pg_restore will not be able to restore the dump file. You may see an error such as this, pg_restore: [archiver] did not find magic string in file header.

Resolution

A new backup will need to be generated with the -Fc argument. Doing so will use the correct compressed format that pg_restore expects. Some additional details and instructions are available here.

Ask on Stack Overflow

Engage with a community of passionate experts to get the answers you need

Ask on Stack Overflow

Heroku Support

Create a support ticket and our support experts will get back to you

Contact Heroku Support