Fix The Database Cannot be Recovered Because the Log Was Not Restored Error

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SQL Server stands out as a widely used database management system, aiding in the efficient administration and optimization of your databases. However, even the best tools have their imperfections. Occasionally, during the process of restoring a database on an MS SQL server, you might encounter a scenario where the restoration halts, leaving the database in a stuck or restoring state. In such instances, an error message similar to the following may be displayed:

Is your SQL Server experiencing a roadblock while restoring a database, accompanied by the frustrating error message ‘Database Can’t be Recovered Because the Log wasn’t Restored’? This post delves into the potential causes of this issue and provides solutions for its resolution. At last, we also discuss a professional SQL recovery tool to repair corrupt SQL database and restore the entire database with complete data integrity.

Possible Reasons Behind this Error

Determining the precise cause of this error proves to be a challenge. Nevertheless, the error may manifest due to any of the following factors:

• Connectivity loss during the restoration process
• The ‘Write failure’ during the execution of the backup process
• Media failure on the device where the backup has been restored
• Restore process was canceled
• No disk space in the server during the database restore

To address and rectify this issue while ensuring ample disk space on the server, employ the following procedure. Execute the provided commands in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to restore the functionality.

Notes –

• Execute the ‘Restore’ command with the NORECOVERY option when restoring multiple database files. Use the ‘Restore’ command with the RECOVERY option for the final database file.
• *(test_db = Database Name)

1. Open SSMS and log in to your instance.
2. Click on the New Query and input the following statements
Use Master
GO
ALTER DATABASE [test_db]
SET SINGLE_USER
WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE:
ALTER DATABASE [test_db]
SET MULTI_USER:
GO
3. Click on Execute, and the existing connection will close before ‘Restore.’

Once a database turns inaccessible and gets tagged as SUSPECT, repairing it immediately is the optimal course of action. However, the challenge lies in the inability to repair a SUSPECT database at that particular juncture. So, firstly, you need to recover SQL database from suspect mode and make it accessible by putting it into EMERGENCY mode. To do this, execute these commands:

Now, to have exclusive access to the database, follow the below commands:

Now, put the database back in multiuser mode through the below commands:

After that, refresh the database and check whether you can access it or not.

Even after using the above method, if the database is still inaccessible, it’s the right time to move to a professional SQL database recovery tool named Kernel SQL Database Recovery. The software is extraordinarily programmed to repair corrupt or inaccessible SQL databases accurately. It boasts top-notch capabilities, seamlessly recovering extensive MDF/NDF files while restoring all SQL database elements—tables, triggers, functions, rules, deleted records, primary keys, foreign keys, and more. The tool’s standout feature lies in its commitment to preserving the integrity of recorded data, ensuring a smooth and trouble-free database recovery process.

Overall, it is one of the best SQL database recovery tools to fix every issue related to the database effectively and backup SQL server database.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve explored manual approaches to resolve the error “Database can’t be recovered because the log was not restored” and delved into the root causes of this issue. Feel free to experiment with any of the manual techniques to overcome this challenge.
However, should you encounter persistent difficulties, consider employing the specialized SQL database recovery tool we previously introduced. It boasts a user-friendly interface and offers a trial version for a more comprehensive evaluation. I trust you find this post valuable. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out through the comments section.