SQL Canada (SQLCAN)

SQL Server being a largely used relational database management system regularly encounters issues resulting in errors. One such errors, is the “restore database is terminating abnormally SQL error 3117” which has been causing a lot of trouble for the SQL Server users worldwide. The segment talks about the error as well as the reason due to which it occurs. Moreover, the workaround to overcome the consequences of this error have been discussed in the form of suggestions regarding the restore procedure and state to be used.

The Perpetrators of Microsoft SQL Server Error 3117

When the transaction log backup is tried, being restored to the same database it has been taken from, this error has high chances of taking place. SQL error 3117 clearly states that ‘no files are ready to rollforward’. This happens because; the log file that you are trying to restore is already available in the database. You can take the help of third party tool to view SQL transaction log.

TIP: In order to carry out the restoration process your way, you will have to perform the restoration of full backup of the database that had been taken right before the transaction log backup.

Recovery vs. NoRecovery State: Difference in Restoration

NORECOVERY state is to ensure that rollback does not take place. This state continues the roll forward along with the following statement mentioned in the sequence.

The restore sequence in this case helps restore other backups and then roll them forward.

RECOVERY (default) is the state that indicates that a rollback must only be performed once the roll forward has completed for the backup currently being restored.

Database recovery procedure demands the entire set of data that is to be restored (roll forward set) is in a consistent state with the database. The Database Engine issues an error 3117 in a condition where the data set is not rolled forward despite when it was meant to be to a state far enough to make it consistent enough with the database while RECOVERY is specified.

NOTE: In a condition like the one discussed above, one needs to make sure that the target database is not in a functional mode while the differential backup is being restored as this act can interrupt the procedure.

Restoring Differential Backup Post Full Backup Restore

To avoid the situation of coming across Microsoft SQL Server error 3117 would be to restore full backup with NORECOVERY and differential backup WITHRECOVERY.

RESTORE DATABASE DatabaseName
FROM DISK = 'C:\DatabaseNameFull.bak'
WITH NORECOVERY;

RESTORE DATABASE DatabaseName
FROM DISK = 'C:\DatabaseNameDiff.bak'
WITH RECOVERY;

Conclusion

When queries are generated, they are executed manually. Therefore, the chances of failure become high due to a non-automated approach being made. Similarly, other technical failures tend to take place resulting in restore database is terminating abnormally Microsoft SQL Server error 3117. Technical glitches are common when working with big data concept because of the load, processing and mass data involved. However, dealing with the issue carefully by understanding the cause of its occurrence helps overcome it precisely without taking rounds. When dealing with the restore issue, most DBAs suggest NORECOVERY as the roll forward set to restore backup without a failure encountered. Drop in a comment just in case of further queries regarding the same issue in restoring SQL server database. A suitable solution will be shared via response in the soonest possible time to help deal with the situation at hand.