SQL Database Simple VS Full Model | How to Change Recovery Model

SQL database Simple VS Full model

When it comes to SQL database recovery model simple vs full, it is obvious that simple and full recovery models are two different database recovery models available in Microsoft SQL Server. They provide different levels of transaction log management and recovery options. Here's a comparison between the two:

Simple recovery model

▶ Advantages:

Simplicity: As the name suggests, the simple recovery model is straightforward and easy to manage. It requires minimal administrative overhead.

Minimal Log Space: In the simple recovery model, the transaction log file (LDF) is automatically truncated, which means it doesn't grow excessively. This can save storage space.

Less Frequent Backups: Full backups are the primary backup type required in this model. Transaction log backups are not necessary. This can simplify the backup process.

▶ Limitations:

Limited Recovery Point: The simple recovery model only allows recovery to the point of the last full backup. You cannot perform point-in-time recovery or restore to a specific transaction.

Data Loss Risk: Since transaction logs are not backed up, any data modifications made since the last full backup will be lost in the event of a database failure.

Not Suitable for High Transaction Databases: This model is not suitable for databases with high transaction volume or where data integrity is critical.

Full recovery model

▶ Advantages:

Point-in-Time Recovery: The full recovery model allows you to recover your database to any specific point in time. This is crucial for applications where data consistency and minimal data loss are paramount.

Transaction Log Backups: Transaction log backups are possible in this model, giving you greater control over data protection and the ability to minimize data loss.

Ideal for High-Transaction Databases: The full recovery model is suitable for databases with high transaction volumes, ensuring that no transactions are lost.

▶ Limitations:

Complexity: Managing the full recovery model can be more complex due to the need to plan and schedule regular transaction log backups.

Storage Overhead: Transaction log backups can consume a significant amount of storage space over time.

Administrative Overhead: Regular maintenance and monitoring are required to ensure transaction logs don't fill up the disk.

What is bulk-logged recovery model

The bulk-logged recovery model is a database recovery model in Microsoft SQL Server. It is one of the three available recovery models, along with simple and full. The bulk-logged recovery model is designed to minimize the impact on transaction log size and performance during bulk operations.

When a database is set to the bulk-logged recovery model, SQL Server minimally logs bulk operations such as bulk inserts, select into, and create index operations. Instead of logging each individual operation, the database logs the extents that are modified by the bulk operation. This reduces the amount of data written to the transaction log and improves performance for bulk operations.

However, it's important to note that the bulk-logged recovery model does not provide the same level of recoverability as the full recovery model. In the event of a database failure, you can only restore to the end of the most recent backup and then apply the bulk-logged portion of the transaction log. This means that you will lose any transactions that were not fully logged, such as individual insert, update, or delete operations.

SQL server change recovery model from full to simple all databases

To change the recovery model from full to simple for all databases in SQL Server, you can follow these steps using SQL Server Management Studio or by running SQL queries. Please be aware that changing the recovery model can affect your backup and recovery strategy, so proceed with caution.

Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). Connect to your SQL Server instance.

2. In the Object Explorer, expand the "Databases" node to see the list of databases.

3. Right-click on the database for which you want to change the recovery model (or multiple databases if you want to change them all). Select Properties.

4. In the Database Properties window, go to the Options page.

5. In the Recovery model dropdown, select Simple.

6. Click OK to save the changes. If you're doing this for multiple databases, repeat the process for each one.

Use T-SQL code to view the model

1. Connect to the Database Engine. Open New Query.

2. To view the model is being used, input the following:

SELECT name, recovery_model_desc

FROM sys.databases

WHERE name = 'database_name';

3. To change the recovery model, enter these codes:

USE master

GO

ALTER DATABASE MODEL SET RECOVERY model ;

SELECT name, recovery_model,recovery_model_desc FROM sys.databases where name='name'

Restore your SQL database easily with the professional software

Choosing the right recovery model for your SQL databases is crucial, as it directly affects data protection and recovery capabilities. While the simple recovery model offers simplicity, the full recovery model provides comprehensive recovery options. When transitioning from full to simple, ensure proper backups and consider the implications for your data.

AOMEI Cyber Backup emerges as a reliable solution for SQL database recovery, offering a versatile set of features to safeguard your data assets. By understanding the nuances of recovery models and employing professional software like AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can fortify your SQL database management practices and ensure the resilience of your critical data.

Comprehensive Backup and Recovery: It offers a wide range of backup and recovery options for SQL Server databases, ensuring you have multiple layers of data protection.
Backup Destination Flexibility: It supports various backup destinations, including local storage and network storage, giving you flexibility in data storage.
Operation Within LAN: Assist you in doing numerous backups of SQL database, including SQL Express within LAN.

AOMEI Cyber Backup supports Microsoft SQL (2005-2022), VMware ESXi (6.0 and above), and Hyper-V (in Windows 8/8.1/10/11, Windows Server/Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2012 R2 and later versions) from a centralized console and click the button below to try the 30-day free trial:

✍ Before you perform a database backup, please make sure:
1. Your computer with both AOMEI Cyber Backup Agent and Microsoft SQL Server installed.
2. The local disk or network shared to store backup files.

How to back up and restore your SQL database via AOMEI Cyber Backup

1. Access to Source Device >> Add Microsoft SQL. If the database exists and the version is supported, it will appear automatically. Otherwise, you can click​​​ Add Microsoft SQL >> Download proxy program, and install the program on the device with SQL Server installed. Then click ​​​​Already installed proxy and select the proxies you want to add.

2. Click … >> Authentication to validate the database instance. You can choose Windows Authentication or SQL Authentication. Enter the credentials and click Verify.

3. Create Backup Task: Click Backup Task >> Create New Task, and select Microsoft SQL Backup as your backup type. Then set the Device Name, Backup Target, Schedule, Backup Cleanup and Email Notification according to your need.

4. Start Backup: You can choose to Add the schedule and start backup now or Add the schedule only and click Start Backup to executeautomatic SQL server backup.

5. Restore from backup: Click Backup Task on the left menu bar, locate the task you want to restore, and click … >> Restore.

6. Restore settings: Choose the backup content to restore and specify the target location by choosing Restore to original location or Restore to new location.

Conclusion

Remember that you can change the recovery model for your SQL Server database, but this should be done carefully as it can impact your backup and recovery strategy. Always back up your database before switching recovery models to ensure a smooth transition.

By understanding SQL database simple VS full model and leveraging the right software, you can better manage your SQL databases and protect your valuable data assets.