7 Ways to Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Mode
Introduction
Have you ever started SQL Server only to discover your database labeled “In Recovery,” you know how upsetting it can be—especially when the process appears to take forever. But don’t panic just yet. This message is not always an error. After an unexpected shutdown, crash, or transaction failure, SQL Server’s “In Recovery” feature helps restore the database to a consistent state.
SQL Server analyses, redos, and undo a database in recovery mode. These processes preserve data integrity by retaining committed transactions and reversing incomplete ones. Sometimes, the recovery process gets stuck, which is annoying. This article explains why your SQL Server database may be in recovery mode and offers 7 proven solutions. A database admin or regular user wanting to regain access, the following methods will help you troubleshoot and recover your data safely.
Why is My SQL Database Stuck in Recovery?
When a SQL Server database enters recovery mode, it normally resolves itself after three important phases: analysis, redo, and undo. However, there are times when the recovery procedure is not complete as expected and becomes stalled, rendering the database inaccessible for a prolonged period. This scenario is not only annoying, but it also poses a major threat to ongoing operations if not dealt with.
Here are the typical reasons your SQL Server database may be stalled in recovery.
- Sudden Shutdown or Crash: If the SQL Server or the system shuts down unexpectedly, the database may enter recovery mode when restarted. If the incident occurs during a strong workload, recovery time may be significantly longer than typical.
- Large Transactions Pending: Databases processing large transactions or having long-running queries during failure may take much longer to complete the undo and redo recovery phases.
- Corrupted Database Files: If the MDF or LDF files (primary data and log files) are corrupted, the SQL Server may be unable to finish the recovery process.
- Insufficient System Resources: Memory constraints, slow disc I/O, and processor bottlenecks can slow recovery.
- Full or Low Disk Space: The procedure may freeze if the SQL Server does not have enough space to process logs or write interim recovery data.
Fix SQL Server Database in Recovery Mode Issue in 7 Ways
You must act quickly and decisively when your SQL Server database is in recovery mode. The following are seven practical techniques to detect and solve the problem. Let’s look at 7 methods that you should try to fix the SQL Server Database in Recovery Mode issue:
Method 1: Analyse SQL Server Error Logs
When diagnosing database recovery issues, check the error logs first. These logs describe any faults or warnings that happened throughout the recovery procedure. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Open the “SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).”
Step 2. Connect to your instance using the “Object Explorer.”
Step 3. Expand the “Management folder.”
Step 4. Right-click “SQL Server Logs” and choose “View > SQL Server Log.”
Step 5. Look for entities that mention your afflicted database and terms like recovery, pending, rollback, or corruption.
Method 2: Monitor the Recovery Process
Sometimes, the database is not stuck; it takes longer than planned. Monitoring the recovery process can help to verify this. Let’s see how:
Step 1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
Step 2. Connect with the database server.
Step 3. Open a new query window and run the following command.
SELECT session_id, command, blocking_session_id, wait_type, wait_time, wait_resource
FROM sys.dm_exec_requests.
WHERE command: ‘DB STARTUP’;
Step 4. Analyze the results to identify active sessions in the rehabilitation process. The server still attempts to bring the database online if sessions are shown.
Method 3: Check the official database status
This method assists in determining whether the database is genuinely stalled or is continuing processing. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Launch SSMS and connect to your instance.
Step 2. Open a new query window.
Step 3. Execute the following query.
SELECT name, state_desc FROM sys. databases
WHERE name = ‘YourDatabaseName’;
Replace ‘YourDatabaseName’ with the name of your actual database.
Step 4. The state_desc column displays the current state:
RECOVERY_PENDING or RECOVERY_IN_PROGRESS indicates that the recovery process is still ongoing.
ONLINE means that it has successfully recovered.
Method 4. Utilizing Specialized SQL Database Recovery Software
When your SQL Server database is in recovery mode after unexpected deletion, corruption, or no backup, it can feel like all your hard work is lost. Professional data recovery software can save the day. An effective solution restores MDF and NDF database files with minimal downtime, eliminating the danger of manual corrections.
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and MS SQL Recovery can save SQL Server databases. If your database was deleted, corrupted, or failed to attach, these tools provide a step-by-step manner to recover it securely without a backup.
Recover Deleted Database Files (.MDF/.NDF).
Check your hard drive using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover deleted or lost database files. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Download and run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard locally. Choose the drive or partition that holds the SQL Server database.
Step 2. The software will quickly and thoroughly scan for deleted data. Preview and pick your SQL Server database MDF or NDF files after the scan.
Step 3. Restore files to a safe PC location by clicking “Recover.”
Method 5. Force Recovery Using T-SQL Commands
To bring a SQL Server database back online after it becomes unresponsive or enters a recovery state, use Transact-SQL (T-SQL) instructions. This method is especially beneficial when you must manually complete the recovery procedure. Steps to Force Recovery with T-SQL Commands are as follows:
Step 1. Start SSMS and connect to the appropriate SQL Server instance.
Step 2. To start the recovery process, enter the following T-SQL statement into the query editor:
RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabaseName] WITH RECOVERY
Step 3. Replace [YourDatabaseName] with the name of your database. This command aims to finish the recovery procedure and bring the database online.
Method 6. Apply Microsoft Fixes to Help Slow Database Recovery
Many Virtual Log Files (VLFs) in the transaction log can cause slow database recovery. Microsoft has addressed this in KB2455009.
Decrease the transaction log and resize it using suitable growth settings to resolve the issue. This lowers the VLF count while improving recovery performance. Regular log maintenance is recommended to prevent recurrence.
Method 7. Restoring from Backup
If alternative recovery procedures fail, restoring the database from a recent backup may work best. Check out the process:
Step 1. Start SSMS and connect to SQL Server.
Step 2. Right-click “Databases” in Object Explorer and choose “Restore Database…”
Step 3. Choose “Device” under “Source” in the “Restore Database” dialogue and click browse (…).
Step 4. Click “Add” in the “Select backup devices” dialogue and browse to your.bak backup file.Choose the backup and click “OK.”
Step 5. Select the correct backup sets. Select “Overwrite the existing database” in the “Options” page if needed.
Step 6. Start restoration with “OK.”
Note: Restoring from a backup restores the database to its backup state. To avoid data loss, use a current, dependable backup.
Conclusion
Fixing a SQL Server database in recovery mode is difficult, but the preceding approaches provide a complete solution. Analyzing problem logs, monitoring the recovery process, checking database status, using specialized recovery tools, and applying T-SQL commands or Microsoft fixes can restore your database to a functioning state.
Professional tools like EaseUS MS SQL Recovery can create a simpler recovery process. The program facilitates recovery, ensuring data integrity and reducing downtime. Download EaseUS MS SQL Recovery today to protect SQL Server databases from unforeseen situations.
FAQs
Read the answers to the following faqs to answer your queries regarding fixing the sql server database in recovery mode:
Q: Is it normal for a database to be “In Recovery”? How long should it take?
Yes, it’s normal for SQL Server databases to enter “In Recovery” during startup or restore. Duration depends on database size and transaction volume. Large databases can take hours to recover, but smaller ones require minutes. If recovery takes too long, check SQL Server error logs.
Q: Will I lose data if my database is stuck in recovery?
Not necessarily. The recovery mechanism replays committed transactions and returns uncommitted ones to maintain data consistency. However, server crashes during recovery may cause data loss. Avoiding this risk requires regular backups.
Q: Where is the SQL Server Error Log located?
From SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), locate the SQL Server Error Log:
- Connect to SQL Server in SSMS.
- Expand “Management” in Object Explorer.
- Right-click “SQL Server Logs” and choose “View” > “SQL Server Log.”
Last Updated: April 22, 2025
