How to restore SQL Database without logFile?

MS SQL Server is a relational database application used to store and retrieve data according to the requirement of other applications. The SQL Server database is essential software for any organization as all the critical business data are stored in it. Unfortunately, sometimes the database gets damaged and becomes inaccessible. At this point, we need to recover the SQL database. Sometimes while recovering the database with MDF and LDF files, you will not be able to connect the log file which means the LDF file is lost. Here in this blog, we will discuss “How to restore SQL database without LogFile.” So keep reading the blog till the end. 

Let us see why users need to recover SQL database without Log File or LDF File:

The most common reasons why users are required to restore the database without Log File are here:

• A number of people are unaware of the fact that the log file has crucial transaction data that is required.
• In some cases, due to an oversized log file, only the .mdf file can be moved to the new particular point.
• Hardware failure is also a reason behind the damaged or corrupted LDF files.

Manual Method to restore SQL database without logfile:

The different manual method to recover the SQL database is below:

Method 1. By T-SQL method

You can recover the SQL Server database with T-SQL. In this method, Users have to execute the following command in the management studio:

CREATE DATABASE MDF_FILE_NAME

ON (FILENAME= ‘C:\file path\File-name.mdf’)

FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG

GO

Once the execution of the command is complete, refresh the database. And after this, you can access the freshly restored database in the object explorer.

Method 2. With the help of SQL Server Management Studio

Follow the following mentioned steps for SQL server restore the database by using SQL server management studio :

• Go to the object explorer windows and do right-click on the databases and access the Attach option. 
• A dialog box, on the Attach database, appeared hit on the Add.
• Then, The dialog box Locate Database files get displayed, choose the location where the MDF file is present and click on the file to select, and then Hit OK to exit.
• Here, the new log file is created by SQL Server while restoring the database.
• Finally, the database will be seen in databases.
• Now, go to the Attach Database box. In the database, you will find that SQL Server is not able to find log files.
• Here, select the transaction log file and hit remove to attach the MDF file without LDF.

Consequences/Limitations of manual methods: 

•  You can use the above-discussed method by using a server management studio that can only be used if the database shuts down properly, and the .mdf file is accessible.
• The manual methods are completely technical methods that can not be used appropriately by novice users.
•  The primary issue is data-loss with manual methods.
• Even, It’s a time-consuming and lengthy process. 

Professional utilities to restore the SQL database server : 

Professional services mean using an automated tool that gives you a hassle-free solution as well as helps you to prevent the consequences of manual methods. Several tools are available these days to help you out. One such standalone tool is a SQL database recovery tool by DatabaseFileRecovery. Some prominent features of the tool for SQL Server restore database are here below:

•  The utility provides complete recovery of data from multiple NSF files.
• Serves dual recovery mode as standard mode and advanced mode for different levels of corruption.
• Moreover, this tool has an interactive GUI that makes it easy to use.
• Additionally, It does not require technical knowledge; a person with a non-technical background can also use this easily.

Final Verdicts:

Here in this article, I have discussed How to restore SQL database without logfile. The manual method is viable but comes with numerous consequences. On the other hand, a professional utility prevents the issues inherent in the manual process and ensures efficient SQL Server database restoration. However, this is my perspective; you can choose any method or tool based on your needs.

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