Fix SQL Server Trigger Not Firing AFTER UPDATE Issue

Triggers in SQL Server are supposed to automatically run after a specific event takes place. Suh events trigger a reactive action which is why they are called triggers. However, there are scenarios in which users observe SQL Server triggers not firing due to errors. It is seen most often in AFTER UPDATE cases. This can be critical when users rely on triggers for crucial operations like data auditing, validation, synchronization, etc and they just refuse to fire. Another reason for users getting confused here is because triggers and stored procedures in SQL Server are somehow confusing for new users.

We’ve got tons of emails from SQL users regarding the same which is why we are here with this article. Here, we are going to focus on the common reasons why the triggers are not working in SQL Server and the potential ways to fix the issues and make them work again.

Understanding Triggers & AFTER UPDATE Triggers

Usual triggers in SQL Server get fired whenever a specific event occurs whereas the AFTER UPDATE triggers get executed whenever a row in a table gets updated. To enforce data integrity, and generate audit logs or trigger notifications, it can be really helpful.

An After Update trigger works in four steps as mentioned below:

• Update Event: A user or a bot modifies a row using UPDATE cmd.
• Trigger Activation: The server engine identifies that update & checks for AFTER UPDATE triggers.
• Trigger Execution: If found, the SQL Server executes the AFTER UPDATE trigger as it was created for.
• Action Completion: The entire process is completed after the trigger action finishes up its assigned work.

Why SQL Server Trigger After Update Not Working Issue Arises?

Here, we have a few common reasons why a trigger malfunctions which it‘s not supposed to. Let’s understand these common causes one after another because then only we can reach the crux of the matter.

Transactional Errors: Dedicating triggers in an implicit transaction that can roll back is most likely not to work. Falsely used Rollback & Commit statements also stop the trigger to fire. It will also not execute if the transaction is rolled back immediately after running it.

Permission Problems: Another common reason for SQL Server triggers not firing is a lack of permissions. The users must have the required permissions to access the data from tables they desire for completing tasks.

Incorrect Trigger Definition: Spell errors and typos in the syntax of the trigger. No matter how big or small, it can either change the intention of the trigger or stop it completely from firing. The AFTER UPDATE must be specified clearly. Moreover, the logic of the trigger along with basic information must be correct.

Server Configuration Issues: In case the triggers are directly off from the configurations or settings, it won’t work. No matter, how correct the code and all other aspects are, it won’t work. Similarly, other configuration aspects might also interfere.

Corruption in Database Objects: Last but not least, corruption in SQL objects especially triggers is quite frustrating. Thus, Users must repair the corrupted elements and then only the triggers can work better.

Also Read: How to Decrypt Triggers in SQL Server with Ease?

5 Troubleshooting Steps to Fix SQL Server Trigger After Update Not Working

Here comes the best part which is the solutions. Now, these aren’t exactly the solution but rather troubleshooting steps. Following them closely will surely provide the desired outcome to the users for sure.

#1 Always Check Trigger Definition:

• Chcek Errors in Syntax –  Typos or any other errors shouldn’t be there. Also, check for the mention of the AFTER UPDATE event.

• Table & Column Reference – Make sure that the table & column mentioned are logically correct & possible for the SQL Server engine to execute.

#2 Transaction Behaviour Analysis:

• Check Implicit Transactions – Always chcek for implicit transactions and make sure that there is not a single thing that might stop the trigger from running. 

• Ensure Transaction Commit – Always wait and see if the transaction is committing properly to avoid errors later on.

#3 Utilize Profiler & Extended Events:

• Monitor Trigger Execution – Always use the profiler and extended events to monitor the trigger behaviour like warnings, errors or performance.
• Identify Error from Results: try to capture results after a trigger execution completes to verify the potential scope for improvement & fix SQL Server trigger not firing issue. 

#4 Granting Required Permissions:

• Verify Existing Permissions – Check if the user account holds the necessary permissions to execute the AFTER UPDATE trigger.

• Grant Required Permissions – Grant necessary permissions to the users for executing that particular trigger without errors.

#5 Cross Verifying Configuration:

• Enable Triggers – Always enable triggers in the configuration settings if disabled to make them work.

• Adjust Server-Level Settings – Make sure to adjust the server-level settings & prevent any upcoming errors.

Repair Trigger Corruption Issue Using an Automated Tool

After understanding all of the troubleshooting tips, it’s finally time for users to simply repair the corruption if present in the SQL Server triggers. Instead of the traditional command line method, we are going to rely on SysTools SQL Recovery Tool. This advanced utility is capable of fixing the corruption or damages in the SQL Server with ease.

Download the tool & then follow the steps below to fix SQL Server triggers not firing issue especially for AFTER UPDATE triggers.

Step-1. Launch the Software & then Add MDF or NDF files to it.

Step-2. Select the Quick or Advanced scan for corruption checking.

Step-3. After scanning completion, Click on Export to get the healthy files.

Step-4. Select the Destination Platform to export data (database, csv, script file)

Step-5. Finally, Hit the Export or Save button to complete the entire process.

Conclusion

Finally, after discussing the SQL Server trigger After Update not working solution, users can easily get the desired output. Understanding the crux of the matter is indeed crucial which is why the reasons are there. Moreover, for the repair part, there are manual commands but this advanced utility works flawlessly. Thus, SQL Server triggers not firing errors can be tackled easily.