SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File – Fix Transaction Log Shrink Issue

Oftentimes, users face issues of SQL Server unable to shrink log file size. This sometimes becomes troublesome for users when they are actually in the middle of something. We usually shrink files when we have low storage space. In such cases, if the database causes issues and cannot shrink files, it’s quite irritating.

There are plenty of causes of this that we are going to address further in this blog. Also, we are going to learn the best ways to fix this problem with ease. Moreover, we will also be sharing the best practices to avoid such issues in the future.

Common Scenarios to Encounter SQL Server Shrink Log File Not Working

This issue is not too rare to be encountered. Here are some of the common situations where the SQL shrink log file not working issue has been encountered.

• In case there are active transactions or long-running transactions in the SQL Server log files,  the issue with shrinking the log files might occur. 
• The MSSQL shrink log file not working might also occur when there are operations like replications, log shipping, etc, as they also need log records during the operations. 
• If there are too many virtual log files or a fragmented log file structure, it becomes difficult for SQL Server to shrink the log files. 
• Frequent change of autogrowth settings leads to creating too many VLFs, further resulting in SQL Server shrink log file not working.

SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File – All Critical Reasons

There are numerous causes for this error to arise for the SQL Server transaction log file. However, here, we must address the most critical & common ones. Carefully go through these reasons to check out the problem in your database.

VLF Count: VLF stands for Virtual Log File in SQL Server, which SQL users must be aware of. Whenever there are too many VLFs in the database, they might stop users from Shrinking the transaction log file for sure. The major reason behind this is that the log file is impossible to reduce in size in case of the presence of an active VLF.

Recovery Model: The full and bulk log recovery model generally requires more storage space in the database which might cause the SQL Server shrink log file not working issue for users. Although, the simple recovery model takes less space. However, users need to keep in mind that the simple recovery model does not support point-in-time recovery which the other two recovery models do.

DB Mirroring: For SQL Server database mirroring, the transaction log files need to be sent to the mirrored database first, Then only users can truncate them & resize them to shrink. Otherwise, the log file again becomes large in size and will cause issues in the SQL Server cannot shrink the log file.

Database Replication: In the case of a database replication, it’s quite evident that the log records for the replication can not be truncated at all before distribution. Thus, users end up with large-sized log files.

Log Backup Frequency: Users need to maintain a balance between their RTO and RPO to find the optimum log backup frequency. The more frequent backup users opt for, the less space it occupies. The unbalanced log backup frequency often causes MSSQL shrink log file not working issue.

Common Values in the DB Hints Error:

• NOTHING
• LOG_SCAN
• SLOG_SCAN
• CHECKPOINT
• REPLICATION
• LOG_BACKUP
• OLDEST_PAGE
• XTP_CHECKPOINT
• ACTIVE_TRANSACTION
• AVAILABILITY_REPLICA
• DATABASE_MIRRORING
• ACTIVE_BACKUP_OR_RESTORE
• DATABASE_SNAPSHOT_CREATION

SQL Server Log Shrink Not Working Fixed by Backup Method

To fix this issue, let’s begin with the backup procedure. Follow the steps carefully as shown below:

1. Take a log backup using the SQL Server Management Studio
2. After Backup Completion, attempt to shrink the log file.

In case it SQL Server unable to shrink log file, then follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Switch to the Simple Recovery Model option.
2. Once users switch to the Simple recovery model, they don’t need to backup log file.
3. Now, shrink the log file quickly and move ahead.
4. Change the database recovery model back to full.
5. Take a full database backup including all data.
6. Also, backup transaction files as well in the database.

Also Read: How to Clear SQL Server Database Transaction Log File

Advanced Software to Fix SQL Server Unable to Shrink Log File

In case, users have encountered MSSQL shrink log file not working issue, it might be because of the damaged or corrupted log files. In order to repair the lo files, SysTools SQL Log Analyzer is what users need. This advanced utility is not only able to repair corruption, but also recover deleted log data. Let’s have a quick look at how this software fixes the corruption issues in files to resolve SQL Server cannot shrink log file error.

Download the software for free and then follow these four steps carefully:

Step-1. Launch the Software and then Click on the Open button or begin repair.

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline mode to proceed with the repair operation.

Step-3.  Preview the Records & then proceed with the export option finally to repair the SQL Server shrink log file not working issue.

Step-4. Finally Set Destination Plaform and Hit the Export or Save button.

Best Practices to Avoid MSSQL Shrink Log File Not Working Issue

Here are some of the safety measures that will allow users to prevent this SQL Server shrink log file not working issue in future.

• Taking regular backups will allow users to be prepared for any disasters and further help with clearing up transaction logs while ensuring data security. 
• It is also crucial for the users to avoid frequent or very small autogrowth changes. 
• Long-running transactions are one of the causes for this issue as well; hence, monitoring and reducing these long-running transactions can help with smooth operations. 
• It is also suggested that users avoid any frequent index rebuilds.

The Final Say

Finally, after discussing all the entire operation, users can easily fix SQL Server unable to shrink log file issue. Moreover, rather than the solutions, it’s the reasons that’ll help users prevent such scenarios. In addition, the automated solution is indeed the first choice of SQL experts to fix SQL Server shrink log file not working issue without any hassles.