SQL Server Database Recovery Overview

There are three SQL server data recovery models: simple, full, and bulk-logged. The simple SQL server data recovery model is the most basic and only allows for a database to be backed up at a full or differential level.

SQL Server Data Recovery Models

The full SQL server data recovery model allows for a database to be recovered to any point in time after the last full backup. This is accomplished by using a tool called “point-in-time restore” which allows you to restore the database to a specific moment after the last full backup. The bulk-logged SQL server data recovery model is similar to the full SQL server data recovery model in that it also allows for a database to be recovered to any point in time after the last full backup; however, this model also has the capability of backing up certain types of log data in a “bulk” format. This means that larger chunks of log data can be backed up at once which can improve performance.

SQL Server Simple Recovery

In the simple recovery model, database transaction logs are cleared along with the Checkpoint or Backup operation to minimize transaction logs. This can reduce storage overhead and eliminate the need for log backups. The key principle is that all committed transactions are cleared upon completion of the Checkpoint or Backup operation, with only a few logs kept, necessary for recovery when an instance restarts. This model can be a good choice for applications that do not require Point-in-Time recovery, or when storage space is limited. When using the simple recovery model, it is important to schedule regular full database backups to protect against data loss.

SQL Server Full Recovery

The SQL Server full recovery model is the most complex of the SQL Server recovery models and it provides the highest level of protection for your SQL Server data. Thusly, this model supports full, differential, and file-level backups as well as transaction log backups. Therefore, compared with databases using the simple model, databases using the full model have transaction log files that increase faster and are much larger. These database log files contain all transactions since the last full backup, and they must be backed up regularly to avoid data loss in case of media failure. The full recovery model also provides the ability to recover individual transactions using point-in-time restore operations. However, this feature comes at a cost: Since SQL Server does not automatically truncate the log file under the full recovery model, it is possible for the log file to grow indefinitely if frequent backups are not performed (for example, if differential backups are not taken regularly). For this reason, it is important to understand how the full recovery model works and plan accordingly to avoid running out of disk space. Transaction log backups can be taken as often as necessary to protect your data, and point-in-time and page restore operations are supported.

SQL Server Bulk-Logged Recovery

The SQL Server bulk-logged recovery model is similar to the SQL Server full recovery model, but it uses minimally logged operations for certain bulk operations such as index creation. This removes some of the overhead associated with these operations while still providing a high level of protection for your data. This can be done using BCP, Bulk INSERT, and INSERT INTO… SELECT operations. However, if these bulk operations are performed in a database under the Full model, a large amount of log information will be generated, which can significantly impact SQL Server performance. The bulk-logged model is designed to solve this problem by only recording a few logs when a bulk Imports operation is performed. As a result, this prevents the transaction logs from increasing sharply, and guarantees stable and efficient SQL performance. Backup assist can help ensure that your data is properly backed up before performing any Bulk Imports operations.

Why Backups Are Useful

Backups are the easiest way to get your original files back after getting infected with a encrypting ransomware. You can organize backups on your file servers centrally, but it’s more difficult to backup data on user computers. Fortunately, Windows has an integrated backup mechanism known as shadow copies created by Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). VSS backups can be used to recover your lost data in the event that you are infected with ransomware, as they are stored separately from the original files. To access shadow copies, you will need to use a special tool designed for this purpose. However, VSS backups are not foolproof, and there is always a chance that they may become corrupt or be deleted. As such, it is important to create regular backups and store them in a safe location. Creating backups is the best way to protect your data from loss in the event of a ransomware attack.

RP Tech Services Knows SQL Server Database Recovery

RP tech services sql server data backup and restore tools are the most comprehensive and reliable in the industry. With three different recovery models to choose from, you can select the one that best suits your needs. We also offer a variety of backup options, so you can be sure your data is safe and secure. Contact us today to learn more about our sql server data tools.