Read time 6 minutes

Summary: The article delves into challenges of ‘Recovery Pending’ state in SQL Server, caused by issues like partition overload or hardware failure. It favors automated solutions, detailing secure and efficient recovery processes, highlighting their superiority over risky manual methods.

SQL Server users rarely encounter errors while working with database content, as the Server typically operates smoothly without issues. However, occasionally users might face a ‘Recovery Pending’ error. When this error persists, it’s essential to investigate the size of the MDF file, as such errors often occur when the database reaches its maximum capacity. In such situations, SQL becomes inaccessible, preventing users from executing new commands on the tables. This scenario is akin to the database transitioning into offline mode.

What are the Possible reasons for Recovery Pending State?

  • Database partition is full or lack of memory space
  • Hardware failure
  • Corruption in the log files
  • Due to any incomplete task or while shutting down there were some actions pending from the user’s side
  • Damage or corruption in MDF files
  • Starting the server without time gaps

Read Also : Recover Corrupt and Damaged MDF Files

Manual Ways to Fix It

It is a common observation that manual methods can be complex and risky. Therefore, before attempting any manual processes, ensure you have a backup of the database. If you are unfamiliar with the procedure, it is advisable to seek guidance from a technical expert or refrain from attempting it yourself.

Instant Solution

Access the fastest tool Kernel for SQL Database Recovery to fix recovery pending state in SQL Server Database. This software can quickly resolve all corruption errors related to SQL Database.

Method 1

In this method, you need to start the forceful repair, run the below-mentioned SQL queries.

  1. ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) SET EMERGENCY;
    GO
    ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set single_user
    GO
    DBCC CHECKDB ([Database Name], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS;
    GO
    ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set multi_user
    GO
  2. The database is marked as READ_ONLY by the emergency mode, disable logging and grants access only to the system admins.
  3. Once these steps are performed the file corruption will be fixed, and the database will be online again automatically.
Method 2

In this method we need to first work on the Emergency mode, let’s see how.

  1. ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) SET EMERGENCY;
    ALTER DATABASE (Database Name) set multi_user
    EXEC sp_detach_ db ‘(Database Name)’
    EXEC sp_attach_single_file_db @Database Name = ‘(Database Name)’, @physname = N’(mdf path)’
  2. The system will automatically remove the corrupted logs and will build a new one.

If you have followed both methods successfully then till now, your issue might be resolved. If not, then it is advised to move for a safer and better approach which is an automated method.

Automated Method to Fix it

Choosing automation is much more efficient than investing significant time and effort in manual methods. For the automated method, you can go for the software, install and Run the SQL recovery software and follow these steps.

  1. Click on the Browse button, select the database file and click on Ok.
    select SQL database file
  2. Select the desired recovery mode, Standard Scan is recommended. Select the database version manually or automatically. Click on Recover.
    select recovery mode
  3. The process will start, wait until it finishes.
    finished the process
  4. Now, you will get the list of SQL Database objects, select the items to preview.
    select the items to preview
  5. On the next window which is Saving Mode, you need to select your preferences. Either SQL Server or Batch file. If you have selected SQL Server, then provide the needed details and click on Ok.
    work on saving mode
  6. If you have selected the Batch File option, then in the batch folder option select the Backup file and click on Ok.
    Batch File selection
  7. Please wait until the process is finished. You can stop the function whenever it is needed.
    finished the recovery process
  8. Once the process is completed, click on Ok.
    recovery process is completed

Conclusion

In our blog, we highlighted the importance of the SQL database and its susceptibility to the Recovery Pending state. Knowing these rescue methods is essential. However, considering the complexity of manual approaches, it is strongly advised to opt for the automated method. It is the best SQL tool to repair corrupt SQL Database and recover deleted records in SQL Server.

Kernel for SQL Database Recovery