How to Restore SQL Server Database from Transaction Log? An Overview

Corruption issues in SQL Server DB are quite critical & most users often get irritated with them. We get plenty of user queries regarding the same. One such query is to restore SQL server database from transaction log. Well, there are ways to do so but still, the manual operation is quite hectic.

Evidently, to provide users with a 360° view, we’re going to provide the manual as well as the modern solution in this article. Users can select any of the given methods as per their preference after analyzing their pros & cons. The expert’s advice, in the end, will help them in making a wise decision.

To provide users with a quick & safe solution, we are going to start with the automated solution with respective images. Then, we will proceed toward the manual ones. Do not skip any of the sections if you want to execute a safe & successful SQL recovery operation here.

Restore SQL Server DB Without Transaction Log Automatically

We’re going to start with the automated method here to provide users with a seamless operation. This automated solution involves the usage of an advanced SQL Database Recovery Tool for the restore operation.

Download this tool & then simply follow the how-to tutorial mentioned below along with the respective images.

Step-1. Run the automated tool & then Click on the Open button add MDF files. 

Step-2. Select the Quick Scan or Advance Scan to detect levels of corruption.

Step-3. Click on the Export option at the top after previewing database objects.

Step-4. Finally, Select the “Export to/as” option & then Click on the Export button.

Users can get a detailed status report after the successful completion of the entire recovery operation. These reports can help users to analyze the statistics for identifying all the crucial key points. The advantages of this advanced solution are mentioned in the next section.

Advantages to Restore SQL Server Database from Transaction Log Smartly

The automated solution is quite advanced & this is the reason why most users are obsessed with it. There is no need to go through complex manual procedures as this solution offers users a simplified & interactive graphical user interface.

Below are the major features of this advanced utility mentioned in detail.

  • It can restore as well as repair your SQL DB without any issues.
  • Auto-detects your MDF file version & also offers the manual option.
  • Quick & Advanced Scan options helps to detect the level of corruption.
  • This solution can easily recover & repair data files affected by cyber attacks.
  • Users can get help from this tool to get back, tables, triggers, views, rules, etc.
  • Users don’t need to install the SQL Server Database to execute the entire operation.

Manual Method to Get The Files Back Using T-SQL

Now, as users requested, we are going to reveal the manual solution. It includes the T-SQL command which can be tricky for non-technical users. This is exactly why users need to pay attention to restore SQL server database from transaction log. Follow the below steps & then repeat them in your system as it is.

  1. To restore the transaction log, it should be in a restoring state first. This simply means that we’re going to restore a full back as well as a differential backup also.

    RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest.TRN’
    GO

Get back your multiple transaction log file – (NORECOVERY Option)

If you want to get more current restore, then simply use the NORECOVERY option. This results in leaving the DB in restoring state after the backup. By default, this option is turned off. Users need to turn it on.

This way, the two restoring operations will take place. The first one is simply the NORECOVERY option & then after the second one, your database will be accessible.

Run the below-mentioned command here:

RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest_1.TRN’ WITH NORECOVERY

GO

RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest_2.TRN’

GO

Get Back Multiple Transaction Log Backups From The Same Backup File

Users should use the Restore Headeronly option to preview the backups & their location inside the backup file. For example, let’s assume that we found out that we have 3 backup files in the same backup. Then we should use the below-mentioned commands in order to execute the restore SQL server DB without transaction log.

RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest.TRN’ WITH NORECOVERY, FILE = 1

GO

RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest.TRN’ WITH NORECOVERY, FILE = 2

GO

RESTORE LOG AdventureWorks FROM DISK = ‘C:\AbcTest.TRN’ WITH FILE = 3

GO

Conclusion

Finally, now we know how to restore SQL server database from transaction log using both the manual & automated methods. The operation is not that difficult if users are well aware of all the critical factors. The right technique & tool can enhance users’ experience, the automated solution is the first & only recommendation of IT experts for such operation. The reasons for this are mentioned above as features.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

Leave a reply

TechBizy
Logo
Enable registration in settings - general