How to Recover Deleted Rows in Sql Server

Accidents happen – whether due to human error or system malfunction, rows of data can be deleted from Sql Server databases without meaning to. But just because they’re gone doesn’t mean they’re lost forever. With the right tools and knowledge, it’s possible to recover deleted rows in Sql Server. In this blog post, we’ll explore several methods for doing so.

Sql Server itself does offer some built-in functionality for recovering deleted rows from a backup, but there are some limitations. For one, the backup must have been taken after the deleted rows were added – if the backup was taken before, the deleted rows won’t be present. Additionally, if the database is in full or bulk-logged recovery mode, additional transaction log backups will need to be created before recovery can be attempted.

With these limitations in mind, let’s explore some additional methods for recovering deleted rows in Sql Server.

Video Tutorial:

Things You Should Prepare for?

Before attempting to recover deleted rows in Sql Server, there are a few things you should have ready:

• A recent backup of the database – this will serve as a starting point for recovery.
• Access to the Sql Server Management Studio (SSMS) – this is where many of the recovery operations will be performed.
• An understanding of the database’s transaction log – this will be useful in determining when the rows were deleted and how they can be recovered.
• A plan for dealing with any potential data loss – while recovering deleted rows is possible, it’s not always guaranteed, so you should be prepared for the possibility that some data may be lost.

Method 1: Using the Transaction Log

One of the key features of Sql Server’s transaction log is the ability to roll back changes to the database. This can be useful in recovering deleted rows, as the transaction log contains a record of all database transactions, including inserts, updates, and deletes.

Before attempting to recover deleted rows using the transaction log, you’ll need to determine when the rows were deleted, as well as the transaction log file that contains the relevant data. This can be done using the following steps:

1. Open SSMS and connect to the database in question.
2. Expand the database and select the ‘Management’ folder.
3. Right-click on ‘Database Mail’ and select ‘Configure Database Mail’.
4. Follow the prompts to set up email notifications for database events.
5. Once notifications have been set up, right-click on the database and select ‘Properties’.
6. Click the ‘Options’ tab and set ‘Recovery model’ to ‘Full’.
7. Expand the ‘Transaction Log’ folder and select ‘View Transaction Log’.
8. Filter the log to show only transactions that occurred during the time period when the rows were deleted.
9. Identify the transaction that included the deletion of the rows in question.
10. Roll back the transaction to recover the deleted rows.

Pros:

• Can recover specific rows rather than entire databases.
• Doesn’t require a full database backup.
• Can recover data that was deleted after a backup was taken.

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming and complex.
• Requires knowledge of the transaction log and how it works.
• May not be effective if the transaction log isn’t available or has been overwritten.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Recovery Tools

While Sql Server itself provides some basic functionality for recovering deleted rows, third-party recovery tools can offer more advanced features and greater ease of use.

One such tool is Stellar Data Recovery for Sql Server, which offers a variety of data recovery services for Sql Server databases. To use this tool to recover deleted rows, follow these steps:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for Sql Server.
2. Run the software and select ‘Search Database’.
3. Select the database and specify the files to scan.
4. Select ‘Search for deleted records’.
5. Review the results and select the rows to recover.
6. Save the recovered rows to a new file.
7. Verify that the recovered rows are valid and complete.

Pros:

• Easy to use – no knowledge of the transaction log or recovery process required.
• Can recover a variety of data types, not just rows.
• Offers additional features such as previews and filtering.

Cons:

• May be expensive – third-party recovery tools are often not free.
• May require additional setup or configuration.
• Sometimes less effective than using built-in Sql Server functionality.

Method 3: Restoring From Backup

Sql Server’s built-in backup and recovery features can be used to recover deleted rows, but as mentioned earlier, there are some important limitations to keep in mind.

To recover deleted rows using a backup, follow these steps:

1. Open SSMS and connect to the database in question.
2. Select ‘Tasks’ -> ‘Restore’ -> ‘Database’.
3. Specify the backup file to use and the backup location.
4. Follow the prompts to restore the database to the desired point in time.
5. Recover the deleted rows from the restored database.

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward for those familiar with Sql Server backups.
• Can be effective if the backup contains the deleted rows.
• No additional tools or software required.

Cons:

• May not be effective if the backup doesn’t contain the deleted rows.
• May result in data loss if the backup is older than the date the rows were deleted.
• May be disruptive to ongoing database operations.

Why Can’t I Recover Every Deleted Row?

While the methods outlined above can be effective in recovering deleted rows, there are some cases where recovery may not be possible.

Reasons why you may not be able to recover every deleted row include:

1. The rows were deleted before the last full backup was taken, and no transaction log backups were taken during the period when the rows were present.
2. The database has been restored or migrated to a new server since the rows were deleted.
3. The transaction log has been overwritten since the rows were deleted, or the database has been in simple recovery mode, which doesn’t support log backups.
4. The rows were deleted as part of a system cleanup process or due to some other non-user-related issue, and can’t be recovered.

In cases where recovery isn’t possible, it’s important to have a plan for dealing with the data loss. This might involve recreating the lost data manually, or using data from another source to replace it.

Additional Tips

Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when dealing with deleted data in Sql Server:

• Regularly back up your databases – this will ensure that you have a recent starting point in the event that data is lost.
• Understand your recovery options – familiarize yourself with the methods outlined above, as well as any additional recovery tools or services you may have available.
• Test your backups – regularly test your backups to ensure that they contain all necessary data and can be used effectively for recovery.
• Minimize the potential for user error – consider implementing permissions and access controls to prevent accidental data deletion.

5 FAQs

Q: Can deleted rows be recovered if the database is in simple recovery mode?

A: No – simple recovery mode doesn’t support transaction log backups, which are necessary for recovering deleted rows.

Q: Is it possible to recover deleted rows from a database that has been migrated to a new server?

A: It depends – if the database was migrated after the rows were deleted, the new server may not contain the data necessary for recovery. However, if the migration was performed using a full backup and transaction log backups, it may be possible to recover the deleted rows using the methods outlined above.

Q: Can third-party recovery tools recover data types other than rows?

A: Yes – many recovery tools offer support for a variety of data types, including tables, stored procedures, and more.

Q: How can I prevent accidental data deletion in my Sql Server databases?

A: Consider implementing access controls and permissions to limit the ability of users to delete data. Additionally, consider using backups and transaction log backups to provide a recovery starting point in the event that data is lost.

Q: How often should I back up my Sql Server databases?

A: This will depend on your specific needs and usage patterns, but in general, it’s a good idea to schedule regular backups to occur at least daily.

In Conclusion

Recovering deleted rows in Sql Server can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s possible to recover lost data and minimize potential data loss. Whether using built-in Sql Server functionality or third-party recovery tools, it’s important to have a plan for restoring data in the event of accidental deletion or system malfunction.