Best Way to Shrink Log File in SQL Server

Summary: Transaction log files contain all the information related to the changes in the database. It is beneficial for restoring data to its previous state and maintaining its integrity. However, continuous movement of database pages from one location to another or frequent changes increase the size of log files. This may result in offline SQL database, data unavailability, etc. issues to generate. So, to prevent this, shrink log file in SQL Server using free solutions or a SQL Log Recovery Tool. But before that, go through the need for SQL Server shrink database.
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Reasons to Reduce Transaction Log File Size

Transaction log files are very important and of great use to database administrators. The key factors of DBCC SHRINKFILE are mentioned here:

• To free up the disk space for storing more data and using it as needed.
• Avoid fragmentation and increase speed for data backup and recovery.
• Save premium disk storage costs by reducing the size of transaction logs.
• To improve server and disk performance and stop auto-growth of log files.
• Shrinking SQL DB logs optimizes the system’s health and makes access easy.
• Monitor and reduce the large-sized DB logs for compliance purposes.

Shrink Log File in SQL Server: Know How?

To resolve SQL log file corruption and protect the SQL data, it is necessary to shrink log files. You can either do it manually or use a professional tool to avoid limitations that are present in manual solutions. Let’s start to know all about the methods and their steps below.

Manually Shrink the Microsoft SQL Database Transaction Log

There are two methods to shrink SQL transaction logs for free. It involves using SSMS and T-SQL queries. Go through the detailed steps here.

How to Reduce Log File Size Through SSMS?

SSMS, i.e., SQL Server Management Studio is provided by Microsoft to handle different tasks for SQL databases. Follow these steps:

1. Start SSMS and connect the SQL Server Instance with it.
2. Move to Object Explorer and expand the menu to find the list of databases.
3. Select the Database that you want to shrink and right-click it.
4. Further, choose Tasks from the options. Then, Shrink >> Files.
5. In the Shrink window, set the File Type to Log and scroll downwards.
6. Afterward, tap the radio button for the desired Shrink Action.
7. In the end, click OK to shrink SQL log database files.

How to Shrink Log File in SQL Server Using Query?

The Transact SQL queries are another way to shrink the designated database log file. Further, run this command to shrink the log file:

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

• The process may result in file fragmentation reducing the overall performance.
• These methods are not suitable for long terms to free the disk space.
• It is essential to create backups before performing these methods.
• Not an ideal solution for large database log files and the risk of human error.

Thus, it is necessary to find an alternative like an expert tool for secure data recovery in case of loss.

Recovery Tool for Shrink Log File in SQL Server

If using the above manual methods your transaction log file is shrunk, but the data is altered, missed, or lost. Then, use the SQL Log Recovery Tool to fix any kind of issues with your transaction logs. It also recovers all the transactional Update, Insert, and Delete queries. With its simple interface, the transaction log files are recovered in their original state. Moreover, the tool provides multiple options to save the recovered log files on all Windows OS.

Steps to Recover Data in Shrink Log File Issue

1. Install and run the SQL Log Recovery Tool on the PC.
2. Add the MDF and LDF transaction log files from the system.
3. Further, click Next and preview the log records from the tree format.
4. Click on Save to restore the SQL log files at the desired location.
5. Afterward, choose SQL Server Database or SQL Script to save recovered logs.
6. Accordingly, provide the details and apply filters. At last, press OK.

Also Read: How to Check MS SQL Error Log Files

Conclusion

To summarize, the log files play a keen role in managing SQL Server Database change records. However, when the size of these files increases, it results in severe consequences. Therefore, shrink log file in SQL Server with the two reliable free manual methods. These methods can work well for you if you are a techie or with assistance. But they have some limitations and can cause losses. For that, use a professional tool and retrieve your data in the original form without difficulty.

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