How to Fix SQL Server Database Stuck in Restoring State

Quick navigation of fixes for solvingSQL Server database stuck in restoring state issue:

The issue you're describing, where a database restore operation gets stuck in a restoring state, can occur due to several reasons. It might be due to a network issue or a problem with the database itself, such as a corrupted database file or an issue with the database engine. Sometimes, the problem lies with the SQL Server service, perhaps it's not running or there's an issue with the service configuration. Additionally, if the database is being used by another process or service, it could prevent the restore operation from completing.

Here are the possible reasons:

• Corrupt MDF files
• Insufficient disk space
• Hardware or software issue
• Improper termination of the recovery process

The problem of a SQL server database stuck in a restoring state isn't common but can be very troublesome. This issue can occur when you restore a backup using the NORECOVERY option, leaving the database in a restoring state. If additional backups aren't restored, the database will be stuck in this mode. Fortunately, there are two methods to resolve this problem.

Method 1. Repair Your Database and Restore Data (Easier)

If MDF files get corrupted, it can cause the SQL database to get stuck in a restoring state. A professional MS SQL repair tool can help solve this issue by repairing corrupt MDF and NDF SQL server databases and resolving all types of SQL database repair problems, making it the easiest way to resolve SQL database issues.

• This tool is designed to resolve most MS SQL corruptions and recover inaccessible objects from database files, making it a useful solution for database administrators and users who encounter issues with their SQL databases.
• The software scans corrupted database files and extracts vital information such as tables, triggers, indexes, keys, rules, schema, and defaults.
• Deleted records recovery is supported.
• The system provides an option to save the database into two separate databases: New database and Live database. This feature allows users to create a backup of their current database and save it as a new database, while also maintaining the original live database.
• The software supports various versions of MS SQL, including 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, and 2008, among others.

Follow the details below to fix the corrupted MDF files and restore the files:

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Step 1.To shut down the SQL Service, you can either use Task Manager or SQL Server Manager Console. In Task Manager, go to the Services tab, find the SQL Service, right-click on it, and select Stop.

Step 2. Run Qiling MS SQL Recovery, click "Browse" or "Search" to locate the corrupt MDF file of the database.

Step 3. The software Qiling MS SQL Recovery allows users to repair a specified MDF file by clicking "Repair". During the repair process, it can recover lost records. The result of the repair can be previewed in Qiling SQL Recovery.

Step 4.To save the repaired MDF file and components, click the "Export" button in the bottom right corner of the screen and choose to "Export to database" or "Export as SQL scripts", which is considered a secure way to protect your SQL Server database security.

Method 2. FixDatabase Stuck inRestoring by AddingWITH RECOVERY

If the database is stuck in the restoring state and you don't have other backups to restore, you can recover the database using the command: RESTORE DATABASE [Database name] WITH RECOVERY. This command allows the database to be restored and made available for use, even if the original backup is incomplete or corrupted.

This command will make the database that is in the "restoring" state available for end-users, allowing access again, but preventing additional backups from being restored without starting over with a full backup.

To resolve the database being in use error, try setting the database to single-user mode by running the following SQL command: `ALTER DATABASE [database_name] SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;` Replace [database_name] with the name of your database. This command will disconnect all users and set the database to single-user mode, allowing you to make changes.

USE master
GO
ALTER DATABASE Database name
SET SINGLE_USER
WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE

Then, try the restore with the first recovery command again.

Method 3. Solve SQL Database Stuck inRestoring by Deleting and Restoring

If the database is not being recovered, you can try deleting and restoring it, in addition to using the WITH RECOVERY command. This may resolve the issue.

Step 1. Open Object Explorer in SSMS. Selectthe target database and click "OK" todelete the database.

Step 2.The database will expel fromyour database list.

Step 3. Now, right-click on the database and choose "Restore Database".

Step 4. To restore a database, select the "Device" checkbox on the Restore Database window, allowing you to choose the backup file from your machine.

Step 5. After selecting the .bak file, click the "Ok" button.

Step 6. Finally, check if the database is restored successfully.

Method 4. Remove Database Mirroring to SolveDatabase Stuck in Restoring

If your database is stuck in the restoring state and is part of SQL Server Database Mirroring, you can try removing database mirroring to resolve the issue. Database Mirroring is a high availability solution that allows for redundancy, but it can sometimes cause databases to get stuck in this state. To resolve the issue, you can remove database mirroring using SQL Server Management Studio by following the necessary steps. This should allow your database to return to normal.

Step 1. In a database mirroring session, connect to the principal server instance, and in Object Explorer, expand the server tree by clicking on the server name, allowing access to the server tree.

Step 2. Expand "Databases", and select the database.

Step 3To initiate database mirroring, right-click the database and select "Tasks" followed by "Mirror." This will open the Mirroring page of the Database Properties dialog box.

Step 4. In the "Select a Page" pane, click "Mirroring".

Step 5. To remove mirroring, click "Remove Mirroring" and confirm with "Yes" to stop the session and remove mirroring from the database.

Once the mirroring database is in normal state, you can back up and restore it like a normal database.

Method 5. Uncheck Transaction Log in SSMS Restore to Troubleshoot

Step 1. StartSSMS and connect to your instance, right-click the database which is stuck in restoring.

Step 2. Select "Tasks > Restore > Transaction Log…".

Step 3. On the General page window, uncheck all log backups in the Select the transaction log backups to restore section and click "OK".

Step 4. Refresh your database list, and check if the database works properly.

Final Verdicts

This tutorial provides five ways to fix a SQL Server database stuck in a restoring state. The easiest method is using Qiling SQL repair software, which can repair corrupted database files and resolve various SQL database repair problems, making it a straightforward solution to restore and repair the SQL database.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Related Articles

• SQL Database Restore Failed Database Is in Use
• MS SQL Repair Tool | Repair Corrupted MDF/NDF File
• SQL Error 5171: MDF Is Not A Primary Database File
• How to Recover Deleted Records in MS SQL Server Automatically

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