SQL DB recovery pending is a database state, but what can cause this state and how can we fix this? It’s necessary to fix recovery pending in SQL, since it indicates the database is inaccessible, and it also may lead to data loss potentially.
Recovery Pending in SQL Server is a database state that indicates a transitional stage where the database is unrecoverable due to missing or corrupted log files. This state will make the database inaccessible due to missing logs.
The following causes can lead to recovery in a pending state.
1. Insufficient Disk Space
Since SQL Server requires free disk space to perform various operations, if the disk space is insufficient or full, the recovery process cannot continue and the database enters the Recovery Pending state.
2. Corrupted or Missing Transaction Log Files
If the transaction log is lost, corrupted, or inaccessible, SQL Server will also be in a recovery pending state because SQL Server relies on the transaction log to maintain data integrity during recovery.
3. File System Permissions Issues
If the permissions on a SQL Server database file or folder have changed, or if it lacks access rights, a Recovery Pending status occurs.
When database in recovery pending state, it indicates that it is unable to start the recovery process due to missing resources or database file problems, and this state can lead to operational errors that can affect some database functionality. So solving SQL DB Recovery Pending is very important for the continuity of operations, here are some ways to solve Recovery Pending in SQL.
Way 1. Verify Database File Access and Permissions
1. Ensure that the SQL Server service account has read/write access to database files and log files.
2. Use the below command to check file path and state:
Way 2. Manually Bring the Database Online
In some cases, you can manually try to bring the database online, which may resolve the recovering pending status if the problem is temporary.
→Set the database to SINGLE USER mode:
→Bring the database online:
Way 3. Check for Missing or Corrupt Log Files
When the recovery pending status occurs, you can rebuild the transaction log by running the following command:
SQL DB Recovery Pending can also be resolved by restarting the SQL Server service. Recovery is performed automatically when the server is restarted or when the database is online after a problem, and you need to chek the data recovery status. Two ways to check the recovery status are described next.
→1. Using sys.databases to view the state by running the following command:
→2. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) by following these steps:
Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), in the Object Explorer, navigate to Databases, and click Restore Database...
While the SQL Server Recovery Pending status itself does not cause data loss, the process of resolving the issue likely puts the data at risk of being lost. Having backup software can be a good solution to this risk. AOMEI Cyber Backup is a professional backup software that allows you to create backup solutions for SQL databases.
With AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can enjoy the following features:
✨User-friendly Interface: It offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface to simplify the backup process, allowing you to configure and manage your SQL Server backups effortlessly. ✨Incremental and Differential Backup: You can create incremental and differential SQL backups to save time and space by backing up only newly added data or changed data. ✨Data Integrity: AOMEI Cyber Backup prioritizes data integrity. It ensures that no damage or loss occurs when creating and storing backups, giving you peace of mind that your data is kept in a safe place. ✨Auto and Schedule Backup: You can set up schedules to run backup tasks automatically on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. ✨Point-in-Time Recovery: It can easily restore a database to a specific point in time, providing a safety net against data loss.
1. In the AOMEI Cyber Backup interface, click Source Device > Microsoft SQL > Add Microsoft SQL to Download proxy program.
2. Click Already installed proxy, and select the proxies you want to add. Next, click … > Authentication to validate the database instance.
3. Click Backup Task on the left menu bar, select Backup Task > Create New Task, and then choose Microsoft SQL Backup as the backup type.
4. Click the Device Name to specify the SQL instances and databases to be backed up. You have the flexibility to select one or more databases.
5. Select Target to store the backup. You can specify a local or network path, and the added path will be saved in the Added storage.
6. Set up Schedule to run database backup automatically. You can select Backup Method as full, incremental, or differential, and specify Schedule Type as daily, weekly, or monthly.
7. You can choose to Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only and click Start Backup to execute automatic SQL Server backup.
8. When the backup task is finished, you can navigate to Backup Task and choose the task you want to restore, and click … > Restore.
9. Choose to Restore to original location or Restore to new location to specify the target location.
SQL Server Recovery Pending can be caused by many reasons, and this can cause errors such as inaccessible databases, transaction logs, and insufficient disk space, so resolving it as soon as possible ensures that the database can be used normally.