SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File – Fix Transaction log Shrink Issue

Oftentimes, users face issues of SQL Server unable to shrink log file size. This sometimes becomes troublesome for users when they are actually in the middle of something. We usually shrink files when we have low storage space. In such cases, if the database causes issues and cannot shrink files, it’s quite irritating.

There are plenty of causes of this that we are going to address further in this blog. Also, we are going to learn the best ways to fix this problem with ease. Moreover, we received plenty of user queries on our mail as well as we found some on popular communities.

User Queries for SQL Server Cannot Shrink Log File

Let’s have a look at the popular user queries on common platforms along with some that we personally received in our emails.

Hey guys, can you help me fix this annoying issue of SQL Server log shrink not working in database? I’ve tried various ways but neither am I able to fix this issue nor am I getting the root cause for the same.

– Silvester K, Ohio

Hi folks, what’s the best way to resolve SQL Server log file won’t shrink issue in the DB? Is there a legitimate solution available for not doing so? Please tell me what’s wrong am I doing that’s restricting me from getting the desired results.

– Adam G, California

SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File – All Critical Reasons

There are numerous causes for this error to arise for the SQL Server transaction log file. However, here, we must address the most critical & common ones. Carefully go through these reasons to check out the problem in your database.

VLF Count: VLF stands for virtual Log File which SQL Users must be aware of. Whenever there are too many VLFs in the database, they might stop users from Shrinking the transaction log file for sure. The major reason behind this is that the log file is impossible to reduce in size in case of the presence of an active VLF.

Recovery Model: The full and bulk log recovery model generally requires more storage space in the database which might cause the issue for users. Although, the simple recovery model takes less space. However, users need to keep in mind that the simple recovery model does not support point-in-time recovery which the other two recovery models do.

Database Mirroring: For DB mirroring, the transaction log files need to be sent to the mirrored database first, Then only users can truncate them & resize them to shrink. Otherwise, the log file again becomes large in size and will cause issues in the SQL Server cannot shrink the log file.

Database Replication: In the case of a database replication, it’s quite evident that the log records for the replication can not be truncated at all before distribution. Thus, users end up with large-sized log files.

Log Backup Frequency: Users need to maintain a balance between their RTO and RPO to find the optimum log backup frequency. The more frequent backup users opt for, the less space it occupies. The unbalanced log backup frequency often causes SQL Server log file won’t shrink issue.

Common Values in the DB Hints Error:

• NOTHING
• LOG_SCAN
• SLOG_SCAN
• CHECKPOINT
• REPLICATION
• LOG_BACKUP
• OLDEST_PAGE
• XTP_CHECKPOINT
• ACTIVE_TRANSACTION
• AVAILABILITY_REPLICA
• DATABASE_MIRRORING
• ACTIVE_BACKUP_OR_RESTORE
• DATABASE_SNAPSHOT_CREATION

SQL Server Log Shrink Not Working Fixed by Backup Method

To fix this issue, let’s begin with the backup procedure. Follow the steps carefully as shown below:

1. Take a log backup using the SQL Server Management Studio
2. After Backup Completion, attempt to shrink the log file.

In case it SQL Server unable to shrink log file, then follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Switch to the Simple Recovery Model option.
2. Once users switch to the Simple recovery model, they don’t need to backup log file.
3. Now, shrink the log file quickly and move ahead.
4. Change the database recovery model back to full.
5. Take a full database backup including all data.
6. Also, backup transaction files as well in the database.

Also Read: How to Clear SQL Server Database Transaction Log File

Advanced Software to Fix SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File

In case, users are not able to shrink the file, it’s because of the damaged or corrupted log files. In order to repair the lo files, SysTools SQL Log Analyzer is what users need. This advanced utility is not only able to repair corruption, but also recover deleted log data. Let’s have a quick look at how this software fixes the corruption issues in files to resolve SQL Server cannot shrink log file error.

Download the software for free and then follow these four steps carefully:

Step-1. Launch the Software and then Click on the Open button or begin repair.

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline mode to proceed with the repair operation.

Step-3.  Preview the Records & then proceed with the export option finally

Step-4. Finally Set Destination Plaform and Hit the Export or Save button.

The Final Say

Finally, after discussing all the entire operation, users can easily fix SQL Server unable to shrink log file issue. Moreover, rather than the solutions, it’s the reasons that’ll help users prevent such scenarios. In addition., the automated solution is indeed the first choice of SQL experts to fix MS SQL Server cannot shrink log file without any hassles.