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OMG! SQL Transaction Log is too big or Growing Unexpectedly : Fix It

  author
Ravindra Singh   
Published: Nov 29, 2018 • SQL • 5 Min Read

SQL Transaction Log is Too Big

Actually this is common on several Microsoft SQL Server forum sites and all other web platforms. In different format, following sort of questions are asked by the server users :

  • What makes SQL transaction log is too big?
  • Why is my log file growing unexpectedly?
  • What are the preventive measures to be safe from this sudden problem?
  • What to do when this sort of problem occurs?

‘SQL Server transaction log file is too big or growing unexpectedly’ – this issue is now common among MS SQL server users. This happens due to some inappropriate tasks performed by the user when the log file is growing in the server. Therefore, here we came with some expert tips to troubleshoot this issue.

First See, What Causes the Problem?

Instead of directly jumping on the solution, it is first important to learn that why transaction log file is growing out of the control? Reading this will help users to avoid those situations that leads to this issue. Well, there are several causes due to which transaction log is growing unexpectedly. Transaction persists uncommitted whenever the server users don’t explicit ROLLBACK or COMMIT command. It occurs in a frequent manner when an app gives CANCEL or Transact-SQL KILL command in absence of the ROLLBA command.

In this case, the cancellation of transaction procedure occurs but, it does not roll back. When a transaction occurs after it, SQL is unable to truncate every transition because the aborted transaction persists open. This leads to a major transaction log file issue, causing error code 9002 when ‘SQL transaction log is too big or growing unexpectedly’ problem occurs.

Transaction Is Growing Unexpectedly! Get Ideas To Prevent It

Make use of the following measures to get rid of the problem of SQL transaction log file is too big :

Take Transaction Log Backup – If the database recovery model of the users is settled on full logged, it means that its totally VITAL. This points out that users are having an option to make a replica copy of transaction log with the entire server data. By default, the databases are already settled in full recovery model in Microsoft SQL server 2005 version. Well, execute the following command on SQL server instance to make the required settings :

sql server transaction log file too big

Take complete backup of the database from any chosen type of recovery procedure. Execute this backup file when users are going through the problem of data loss.

Recovery in Bulk or Full-logged Mode – This option to fix ‘SQL transaction log is too big or growing unexpectedly’ problem involves use of full or bulk-logged recovery mode. All the improper transactions persist in the file of transaction log when the checkpoint is processed and replica copy of transaction log is created. This will be helpful to deal with inactive field of transaction log, enabling it to reprocess in upcoming transactions. This truncation doesn’t shrink the file; it does not enable reprocessing of the file space. This is the reason due to which transaction file keeps on growing.

Note – Complete data backup does not remove the inactive transactions from the main log.

One can prevent the transaction log from being truncated by executing following command :

Transactional Replication – Until and unless the transactional log is replication to distributor, its inactive portion will not be truncated. It might be because of the distributor who is under heavy load and is having issue in ongoing transactions. It happens because of the log analyzer agent who is having responsibility of running it. If DBCC OPENTRAN indicates that the previous transaction is replicated, it was open for significant time duration and it might be the issue of end user.

Mirroring of Transaction Log – This solution for the problem ‘SQL Server database transaction log file too big’ is quite similar with the above one. It requires the transaction persists log until and unless records do not get written in the drive of mirror server. If the mirror server instance lies behind the principle of server instance, the total amount of active log space will increase. Here, database monitoring needs to be stopped and long backup of truncates need to be done. This is possible to perform in the server by mirroring of the transaction log.

Keep Your Mind Relax At The Time of Problem Fixation

It is important to freshen up your mind and keep it in relax mode, even if your surrounding individuals are in stress due to the problem. The administrator will be able to understand and implement the tips to resolve ‘SQL transaction log is too big or growing unexpectedly’ problem, only if he or she is in relax mode. Apart from this, Invorx team of SQL experts is available 24*7 to assists its customers with the problem. You can get in touch with our executives anytime, if in case your problem is not getting solved on your own.

By Ravindra Singh

Ravindra Singh is a seasoned professional who wears two essential hats in the digital world - as a Digital Marketing Consultant and a Content Strategist. His expertise lies in formulating and executing result-driven digital marketing strategies. Simultaneously, his strategic approach to content ensures that brands deliver compelling and engaging narratives.