How to Recover Database from Recovery Pending Mode in SQL Server – Solved

Whenever the size of the database is full, the Microsoft SQL Server will display the status of the database as Recovery Pending. This means that SQL cannot access or modify databases in this state and cannot allocate space within them.

If you are experiencing this issue and looking for a solution on how to recover a database from recovery pending mode in the SQL server, read on to learn about the possible causes behind this problem and how to deal with it.

Additional Tips: Click here to know more about SQL Server database states 

Why SQL Database Goes in Recovery Pending Mode?

When we know the cause, finding a solution is never difficult. Let’s explore why SQL databases go into recovery pending mode by figuring out some common root causes.

  • The database was not properly shut down as there were one or more uncompleted transactions are still active.  

  • Users attempted to move data onto another location of the drive  because they thought it would improve performance but instead, they corrupted the data in the process

  • Database recovery cannot be processed due to Insufficient memory space or disk storage.

Methods to Fix SQL Server Database Recovery Pending State

Method 1: Manual Ways to Fix the Database in Pending State

There are two manual methods to fix SQL server recovery pending state; follow these steps precisely to avoid any data loss when resolving this issue:

  1. Mark the SQL database in Emergency Mode and start forcibly repairing it

To fix a SQL server database recovery pending issue execute the following queries using DBCC CHECKDB:

ALTER DATABASE [DBName] SET EMERGENCY;

GO

ALTER DATABASE [DBName] set single_user

GO

DBCC CHECKDB ([DBName], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS;

GO

ALTER DATABASE [DBName] set multi_user

GO

In emergency mode, the SQL database is set to READ_ONLY, disables logging, and access can be granted exclusively to system admins.

It can resolve any technical issue while restoring the DB to its original state. The automatic exit from EMERGENCY mode occurs when all servers are running normally again.

Important Note: As the command implies, this may cause data loss. Always ensure that you have backups available to overcome the consequences.

  1. Mark the SQL database in Emergency Mode, then disconnect and reattach it to the main Database.

To fix a SQL server database recovery pending issue execute the following queries without using DBCC CHECKDB:

ALTER DATABASE [DBName] SET EMERGENCY;

ALTER DATABASE [DBName] set multi_user

EXEC sp_detach_db ‘[DBName]’

EXEC sp_attach_single_file_db @DBName = ‘[DBName]’, @physname = N'[mdf path]’

These commands will help the server recover a corruption-free transaction log and create a new one automatically.

Note: It is crucial to back up all of your data before carrying out any manual method on the SQL server database. In case an error occurs, you will still be able to recover it if you have made these backups. You must do this only if you are knowledgeable enough about what you’re doing and can follow these steps without any hesitation. Otherwise, use the improved method outlined ahead!

Method 2: Using Stellar Repair for MS SQL 

To fix all SQL database errors from MDF or NDF files of any version, easily and quickly use  SQL Database Recovery software. It is highly recommended for fixing corrupt SQ L databases by MVPs and SQL database administrators around the world. Additionally, it supports Microsoft SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, and below versions. 

The product provides an accurate solution in just a few easy steps - let’s explore them!

Step 1: Locate the corrupt SQL database MDF file.

Step 2: Click Repair after clicking on the SQL database MDF file.

Step 3: Choose a scan mode for repairing this MDF file and then click OK to continue.

Step 4:  A progress bar will show up, showing how much of the file has been repaired so far.

Step 5: When the process is complete, hit OK

Step 6: Preview all of the recoverable objects and then save them from the File Menu

Step 7: Choose an appropriate way to save the repaired SQL file and click on Next.

Step 8: Fill in the details to connect to the SQL Server for saving the file and click on Next.

Step 9: Specify a saving mode appropriate for your data, then click Save

Step 10: Once completed, if you’ve saved successfully, it will show Completed, Processing, Pending, or Aborted.

Step 11: Once the saving process is done a confirmation message is displayed.

To Conclude

In this article, we have provided a brief rundown on how to recover a database from recovery pending mode in the SQL server.

Our guide explains the manual process to fix SQL database recovery pending mode with and without DBCC CHECKDB.

Additionally, we explored an automated way of dealing with such problems through software like Stellar Repair for MS SQL which fixes all possible issues and recovers corrupt SQL databases within a minimal amount of time.

FAQ

Q. What to do when the database is in recovery pending mode?

A. A manual solution for resolving SQL Database Recovery Pending Mode exists, but there’s also a more effective option available by using the Stellar Repair for MS SQL.

Q. How to check the recovery pending status in the SQL server?

A. To find out the current state of an SQL database, execute this query:

SELECT name, state_desc from sys.databases 

    GO

Running the preceding query will produce output like so,

Q. What is the recovery pending state in the SQL database? How to access important database objects?

A. When a SQL database needs to be recovered and can’t start up yet, it’s considered Recovery Pending State. All you have to do is look at sys.objects in System Catalog View to access the objects inside a SQL database.