When a SQL Server database is operating smoothly and performing well, there is no need to be particularly aware of the transaction log, beyond ensuring that every database has an appropriate backup regime and restore plan in place. When things go wrong, however, a DBA's reputation depends on a deeper understanding of the transaction log, both what it does, and how it works.
2020-10-28 (first published: 2013-08-14)
104,952 reads
You've just become responsible for a database, only to find that the log file is growing out of control. Why is it happening and what do you do to correct it?
2013-04-30
5,146 reads
Why does the transaction log fill up? There are a variety of reasons, and MVP Gail Shaw walks you through the various things to check.
2012-08-31 (first published: 2011-02-21)
63,870 reads
This article shows how you can read the [RowLog Contents] in the Transaction Log, for Real!
2012-11-09 (first published: 2010-11-22)
32,623 reads
This SP will monitor T-Log space and sends mail to DBA if log space usage is above threshold value
2010-10-05 (first published: 2010-10-03)
3,506 reads
2010-06-01
3,750 reads
2009-12-10
3,992 reads
The Transaction Log provides the means by which either the complete set of tasks of a database transaction are performed or none of them are. It ensures that , via rollback, only valid data is written out to the database, and it allows transactions to be played back to recreate the system state right before a failure. Robert Sheldon explains the various basic tasks involved in managing the transaction log.
2009-11-23
4,186 reads
Many DBAs at some point have had to deal with a full transaction log. Check out these steps for finding the cause to quickly solve the problem.
2009-06-15
4,321 reads
One of the common questions often asked online is how to respond to a full transaction log. New author Krishna Potlakayala brings us a few techniques for dealing with this.
2009-03-18
13,043 reads
By James Serra
An architecture scenario Imagine separate Sales, Finance, Shared Data, and Executive Analytics workspaces. Sales...
Security on your SQL Server is important. That doesn’t need any explaining. But where...
It’s that time of year again! EightKB is back on August 20th at 13:00...
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In SQL Server 2025, I have a database with a Database Masker Key (DMK). I want to back up this key and keep a copy offline. When do I have to open this key before running the backup?
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