How to Repair SQL Database Stuck In Restoring State?

In the SQL Server environment, most of the issues can be resolved by simply restoring the database. But what if you encounter an error during the restoring process? We are talking about the SQL database stuck in restoring mode, an error that can occur during the restoration process. So what is this state and how does this occur? We will explain all these factors one by one to make it easier for users to understand.?

But a few of us may not be aware of the restoring mode, so let’s begin by understanding a little about the restoring state first.

What is Restoring Mode in SQL Server?

To know how SQL Database stuck in restoring mode can be repaired, let’s understand what restore mode is. The restoring mode in the SQL Server is a state where the database is being recovered as a part of the restoration process. In the restoration mode, the SQL Database becomes unavailable for any query execution or any modification. The SQL Database enters the restoring mode during the backups like full backup, transactional log, or differential backup.?

But how does the restore mode cause issues? During the recovery or restoration process, if the database or server encounters any corruption or other issues, it gets stuck in the same state. There can be various reasons for this. We will take a look at these reasons one by one to understand the issue better.

Unexpected Interruptions During SQL Restoration: The SQL Database might get stuck in the restoring mode if any interruptions occur during the recovery process. These interruptions can lead to either partial recovery or a failed recovery process.

Due to Bugs in SQL Server: This might not be a common cause, but in some scenarios, the bugs in the SQL Server can also impact the restoration process leading to the SQL Database stuck in restoring mode.?

Error Due to Corruption in SQL Backup File: If the backup file that is being used for the restoration process is corrupted, it will interrupt the restoration process, and will leave the database being stuck in the restoring mode.?

Not Having Sufficient Disk Space: The SQL Server needs sufficient disk space to restore the database. If there is insufficient disk space, the database will not be able to be restored properly, leaving the database in the restoring mode.?

All these reasons can lead to the SQL database not being properly restored and further creating challenges for the users during the recovery process. Let’s now take a look at the solutions that will help the users to resolve this issue.?

How to Repair SQL Database Stuck In Restoring Mode?

There are various methods that can help the users understand and resolve the database stuck in the restoring state. These methods will be explained here one by one. Starting with the first method.?

Method - 1: Implement Restore With RECOVERY

If the restore process was carried out with the NO RECOVERY query, but the expected additional transaction logs weren’t available or missed due to any reason, the error will occur. To resolve that issue, the user can run the restore query with the Recovery Mode.?

The command will be implemented in the following way:

RESTORE DATABASE ‘DBNAME’ WITH RECOVERY;        

This command will completely restore the SQL database and will make the SQL Database available to be accessed again. Moving to the next method, let’s check how it will help with repairing the issue of the database in the restoring state.?

Method - 2: Repair By Restoring From a SQL Backup File

Another method to repair and make the database accessible after being stuck in the restoring state. Here the users have to restore the database using an SQL backup file. For this method, one can use the SQL Server Management Studio. Let’s understand how this solution can be implemented.?

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server instance.
2. Go to the databases and right-click on it. Then go to the Restore Option. The Restore Database window will open up.?
3. In the dialog box, select Device as the Source. Then click on the ellipsis icon to locate the backup file.?
4. Select the SQL BAK file and click OK. Next, from the destination section, add the destination database name.?(If you are creating a new database, use a new name. In case you wish to overwrite a database, use the name of the existing database.)
5. In the restore window, after selecting the backup file, you will provided with the backup sets(like full, log, or differential). Choose the set that you wish to restore.?
6. Next, you will be displayed with the database name and its destination path for verification. Verify the destination path and make any changes if required.?
7. Now, select the restore options from WITH RECOVERY or WITH NORECOVERY.?
8. After configuring the settings here, click on the OK button to restore the database using SQL Backup.?

Expert Solution To Repair SQL Database Stuck In Restoring Mode

To repair the database that is inaccessible due to the restoring state, we can always choose an expert solution. These expert solutions ensure that the database will be accessible and recovered without any hassles. The tool we are suggesting and will use is the SQL Database Repair Tool. Here we will see how the advanced solution can help restore the database while resolving the issue.?

1. Install and open the software. Click on the OPEN button to load the MDF files in the software.?
2. After that, choose Quick Scan or Advanced Scan mode from the two scanning modes.?
3. When the scanning is completed, you can preview the database files easily.?
4. Once you have previewed the restored files, click on the export button to export the retrieved files in the SQL Database.?
5. The Export window will open. In the export window, choose the SQL Server Database as the Export as option, and add the authentication details in the required fields.?
6. Once all the details are filled out, click the Export button to export the data to repair the SQL Database.?

With the help of these steps, one can easily repair and access the database in SQL Server.?

Conclusion

We all are well aware of how troubling it can get when the SQL Database becomes inaccessible because with that the crucial data within the database also becomes inaccessible. One of these situations arises when a SQL Database stuck in restoring mode. Here we have explained all the reasons that might lead to this and the solutions that will help you repair and access the database again efficiently.