How to Recover Data from Log File in SQL Server – Step by Step

This article is going to explain how to recover Data from Log File in SQL Server using the advanced solution without any hassles. The problem, solution & suggestions are here making this article the one-stop solution for such an issue.

Problem:

We are using SQL Server 2012 standard edition. Today’s morning, When I opened my database, it was running fine and completely accessible. But, somewhere around 2:14 pm, I start facing problem in the database with following error message. Therfeore, I’m clueless how to restore database from LDF file.

I consulted with my administrator and we found that there is a corruption in .mdf file. Evidently, the worst thing is that, this is my client database and I cannot afford to loose any single attribute of the database. Thus, I looked into the backup of current database, but, it was 13 days old. Can someone help me How do I recover data from log file in SQL Server?

What’s the Solution to Recover Data from Log File in SQL Server

Simply, having a healthy backup of a database is a relief to a SQL Server DBA. But, what if the backup is not available or the backup is damaged too? Then, what we do?

Fortunately, there’s a way to retrieve data from log file with the help of SQL Log Rescue tool. Evidently, for this, SysTools SQL Log Analyzer Software is the best option. It is an authentic way to potentially analyze the transaction log file and restore the data from it. Plus, user can also check who deleted data from table in SQL Server. In addition, one can easily recover deleted records in SQL Server from LDF file. This tool provides flexibility to the user by retrieving the data directly into Live SQL Server Environment or in SQL Script. Moreover, it can restore data from log file in Microsoft SQL Server 2017 , 2016 , 2014 , 2012 , 2008 , 2005. Let’s check out how the tool works and view log file of SQL Server.

Steps to Recover Data from Log File in SQL Server # Stage 1

In the following segment, we are going to perform the restoration of database through transaction Log file. This can be done by following the below-mentioned steps:

Step-1. Download, Install and Launch SysTools SQL Log Anlyzer on Windows machine.

Download Free SQL Log Analyzer

Step-2. Now, Click on Open button from the top left corner to add the database files (.ldf & .mdf) into the software.

Step-3. A new window will appear with Two different options to Add the LDF file into the software

Online Option: If you are going with Online option to recover data from Log File in SQL Server DB, then it will ask the  details like Server Name, Username & Password and Database Name, to which you want to read.

Offline Option: If you are going with this option, then software will ask for .ldf and its associated .mdf file.

Evidently, in the above scenario, we have to choose Offline option and Add the .ldf and its associated .mdf to the software by clicking on (…) button.

Step-4. Next, Click on OK button to proceed for the restoration of data from log file.

Step 5. After clicking on OK, It will prompt for a message that “Could not identify SQL Server version for the selected .mdf/.ldf file. Please select appropriate version of SQL Server”. Just click on OK .

Step-6. Now, select appropriate version of your SQL Server database files.

Recover Data from LDF File SQL Server in # Stage 2 

Step-7. After providing the accurate version of corrupted .mdf file, the software will scan the .ldf file and displays the transaction details (Insert, Update & Delete) after scan. Click on OK.

Step-8. Software will preview the transactions and its complete details in software preview pane.

Step-9. To preview the transactional details of a specific table, click on that table from the left side.

Step-10. Click on the respective checkbox of which table’s data you want to export and then click on Export button, to save the data direct to SQL Server.

Step-12. Click on respective checkbox to export selected transactions (Insert, Update, Delete).

Step-13. Apply Date Filter, If you want to retrieve the data from log file of a specific time interval.

Step-14. Choose the Export as SQL Server Database, If you want to save the recovered data direct to SQL Server. For this, you need to provide Server details like Server name, Username & Password.

Step-15. Select the destination database option as Create New Database or Export to Existing database. Finally, Click on Export to proceed.

When to Use the Above-Mentioned Automated Tool

The software comes with plenty of features as well. However, here we need to think if we need these features or not. In most case, users like them as it reduces their workload. Thus, we can understand when to use the advanced solution.

• For Examining Log Files: If users want to audit, examine, and analyze the LDF files, they can opt for this solution. This software is purposely used by IT experts for such tasks on a daily basis.
• To Fix Missing Log Data: There are scenarios where users have deleted data or missing data from the Log files. Therefore, in such cases, users can simply restore database from LDF file with ease.
• For Corrupted Log Fix: This advanced utility is also the sure shot method for users to fix damaged LDF files. There are multiple filters present here along with some customization options.

Apart from these, the tool is beneficial for users in many cases where the features are helpful. Some of these features for SQL server recover from LDF file are:

• Track modifications by User
• Handles Schema & Data
• Multiple Export Options
• Export Selective Data
• Online & Offline Mode
• Auto-Locate MDF File
• Two Scan Modes

Final Thoughts!!

Finally, we’re here at the end. The disaster always come without any notice in SQL database. Due to which, you can loose your sensitive data. Therefore, in this article, we have discussed a solution that recover data from log file in SQL Server without losing any single bit of data.

Frequently Asked Questions