SQL Server offers dual restore modes, named WITH RECOVERY and WITH NORECOVERY, respectively. But users often get confused between the functionality of the two and further encounter challenges while implementing them. With the help of this write-up, we will be learning the differences between SQL Server restore database with recovery and SQL Server restore database with norecovery.
So, without any further delay, let’s proceed with understanding the two methods and further how to use them accordingly. But let’s first learn the need for recovery options in the database and why they are required.
SQL Server Restore: A Thorough Overview
The RESTORE Command in SQL Server is used to restore the database by using the recent backup taken of the SQL Server. Depending on the type of backup, be it full, differential, or transaction log backup, it is required for the users to choose their restore option. The two options are WITH RECOVERY and WITH NORECOVERY. In this write-up, we will now understand the differences between the two and learn their uses in a better way.
SQL Server Restore Database With Recovery: How it Works?
While restoring the database from a backup, be it a full backup, differential backup, or transaction log backup, if the user needs them to be applied in sequence, they use the WITH NORECOVERY command. When the NORECOVERY mode is used to restore the database, it rolls forward all the committed transactions and keeps the database in restoring state until the restoration is completed. When the database is being restored, it is ensured that the entire restoration process is complete without any interruptions during the process. Here are some of the use cases where this method is used.
While restoring a full backup along with transaction log backups.
In case the user wishes to restore full+differential+multiple log backups.
While configuring the database mirroring.
During the implementation of log shipping to create a standby server.
These are the use cases where the SQL Server restore database WITH NORECOVERY is implemented. Moving forward, let’s examine the situations where SQL Server restore database WITH RECOVERY is used and how it operates.
SQL Server Database Restore Using WITH RECOVERY - Explained
The SQL Server WITH RECOVERY restore mode is used at the end of the restore process for finalizing the restoration process and to bring the database online from the restoring mode. When the WITH RECOVERY option is executed, the SQL Server performs the following actions:
Rolls forward all the committed transactions in the database to ensure that all the required changes have been precisely applied to the database.
Next, it rolls back any uncommitted transactions in the database to make sure that the database is in a stable state for use.
After the WITH RECOVERY command is implemented, the database then exits the restoring mode and becomes accessible for the database administrators and users. But it is also crucial for the users to remember that no additional backup files can be restored after the execution of the WITH RECOVERY mode. This is why this mode is only used as the final step of the restore process. We will now take a look at the situations where the SQL Server restore database WITH RECOVERY is used.
While restoring a single backup file, like the full backup, without requiring the differential or transaction log backup.
During the final step of the restore process, which has multiple steps.
When the process is completely executed and no other restore has to be done.
When the database is required to be accessible immediately after the process.
So far, we have learned the differences and the possible use cases for both restoring modes. We will now take a look at the benefits of these methods and further learn the key differences of
SQL Server RECOVERY vs NORECOVERY.
Key Advantages of WITH RECOVERY & WITH NORECOVERY
We will now take a look at the advantages of these restore modes and learn how they are different from one another.
In the WITH RECOVERY mode, the database comes back online right after the restore is completed. Whereas, in WITH NORECOVERY the database remains in the restoring mode until it is recovered,
On one hand, where the recovery mode rolls back the uncommitted transactions, the other mode keeps the database in restoring state for additional backup.
Another difference is that after the execution of the with recovery command, no further restore is possible. Whereas, with norecovery mode supports the restore with differential and log backup.
These are the differences and the advantages both these methods have to offer. By using these methods, users can effectively restore their databases from backups without facing many challenges. We will now discuss these challenges one by one for a better understanding of the users and will also check how these issues can be resolved more efficiently.
Challenges While Using SQL Server Restore Methods
Here we will discuss the challenges encountered by the users while implementing the WITH RECOVERY and WITH NORECOVERY methods.
The database is stuck in restoring during the execution of these restore methods making the database inaccessible for the users.
The recovery modes are time consuming for dealing with large databases.
While manually proceeding with the recovery mode scripting, there are high risks of human errors and risking the safety of the entire database.
Due to incomplete or corrupt log backup files, users might not be able to restore the database effectively.
With all these challenges, it becomes difficult and risky for the users to trust the process and execute it with precision. So, what can we do in such cases? The first thing is not to panic, and next to find a professional solution that will help the user to effectively check the damage in the database files and further restore the database effectively. For instance, here we will use the SQL Recovery Tool to repair the damages in the database files and further resolve the issues related to the database. With the help of this solution, users can restore the database in a much hassle-free way.
Conclusion
In this write-up, we have discussed the difference between SQL Server recovery vs norecovery and further understood the cases where they were being used. Furthermore we also discussed the advantages and the challenges while implementing these methods for better database restoration in SQL Server.
