{"id":947,"date":"2022-05-20T06:36:43","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T06:36:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.databasefilerecovery.com\/blog\/?p=947"},"modified":"2025-09-29T09:26:17","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T09:26:17","slug":"fix-sql-database-in-recovery-mode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.databasefilerecovery.com\/blog\/fix-sql-database-in-recovery-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Resolve SQL Database Stuck in Recovery Mode?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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User Query:<\/strong> \u201cMy SQL database is stuck in a recovery pending state. How can I fix it and bring it back online?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

When an SQL database stuck in recovery mode, it can stop SQL Server from working properly. Finding the actual cause makes it easier and faster to fix. There are several troubleshooting methods you can try. And if those don\u2019t work, you can use professional tools like SQL Database Recovery<\/strong><\/a> to repair and recover your database. In this article, we will learn how to fix a database that is stuck in the Recovery Pending state.<\/i> Download Now<\/a> <\/i> Purchase Now<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

But before we start fixing it, let\u2019s first understand why a database can enter the recovery pending state.<\/p>\n

What Makes a Database Stuck in Recovery Mode?<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Missing or corrupted transaction log (.ldf) or data file (.mdf)<\/strong>
    If the log file is deleted, moved, inaccessible, or corrupted, SQL Server can\u2019t read the records. It needs to roll forward\/rollback transactions, so it refuses to complete recovery.<\/li>\n
  2. An interrupted or incomplete RESTORE sequence (NORECOVERY left on)<\/strong>
    <\/strong>If someone restored full\/differential backups using WITH NORECOVERY but never ran the final RESTORE. WITH RECOVERY, the database will remain in a non-recovered state waiting for the rest of the log chain.<\/li>\n
  3. Disk full\/insufficient I\/O or inaccessible storage<\/strong>
    If the volume that holds the log or data file is full, offline, or slow\/unavailable. SQL Server cannot write\/read the log and so can\u2019t proceed with recovery.<\/li>\n
  4. Very large transaction log or long-running transactions<\/strong>
    <\/strong>If there is a huge log or a very long-running transaction that needs to be rolled back. Recovery can take a very long time, and the SQL database stuck in recovery mode.\u201d<\/li>\n
  5. Too many Virtual Log Files (VLFs) in the log<\/strong>
    <\/strong>When the log file has been auto-grown many times with small increments, it can create thousands of VLFs. A very high VLF count can greatly slow down recovery, and in extreme cases, make the SQL database stuck in restoring.<\/li>\n
  6. File locks\/antivirus \/ backup software interference<\/strong>
    <\/strong>If another process locks the files, SQL Server cannot open the files to start recovery. The SQL error log will show a \u201cfile is in use\u201d or similar error.<\/li>\n
  7. Hardware\/storage corruption or OS issues<\/strong>
    Disk\/controller faults, file system corruption, or abrupt power failures can corrupt the log or data files.<\/li>\n
  8. SQL Server bugs \/ availability-group replication mismatches<\/strong>
    <\/strong>Rarely, engine bugs, misconfiguration in Always On AGs, mirroring, or replication issues can prevent recovery on a replica.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Read More:<\/strong> Fix SQL Server Recovery Pending<\/a><\/p>\n

    Simple Ways to Resolve SQL Database in Recovery<\/h2>\n

    1 \u2013 Check the Error Logs<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The SQL Server error logs can give clues about why the database is stuck. Look for messages about missing files, corrupt logs, or other recovery issues. These messages can be technical, but they often point directly to the problem.<\/p>\n

    2 \u2013 Give Recovery Some Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Recovery doesn\u2019t happen instantly. Large databases with many transactions can take a long time to recover. Avoid restarting SQL Server immediately; let it finish the process.<\/p>\n

    3 \u2013 Monitor Recovery Progress<\/strong><\/p>\n

    You can see what SQL Server is doing during recovery by running this query in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    SELECT session_id, command, blocking_session_id, wait_type, wait_time, wait_resource<\/strong><\/p>\n

    FROM sys.dm_exec_requests<\/strong><\/p>\n

    WHERE command = ‘DB STARTUP’;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    This shows the sessions currently involved in database startup and recovery.<\/p>\n

    4 \u2013 Check the Database State<\/strong><\/p>\n

    After giving some time for recovery, check if the SQL database stuck in recovery mode is still stuck. Run this query in SSMS (replace YourDatabaseName with your database name):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    SELECT name, state_desc<\/strong><\/p>\n

    FROM sys.databases<\/strong><\/p>\n

    WHERE name = ‘YourDatabaseName’;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n