Non Existent Logfile showing in Database Properties

  • Okay, I'm about to go nuts with this one.

    I have a database that used to have 2 log files. That log file was removed sometime back, but someone else just pointed out to me that it still "exists" and that all our backups are using this phantom file.

    1) The physical log file does not exist on the server. On the data MDF and the original LDF.

    2) The second log file does not exist in sysfiles. Just the data file and the original log file.

    3) Sys.Master_files says that the second log file DOES exist, but it is OFFLINE and with a state of 6.

    4) Database Properties shows the second log file but I can't "remove" it. I tried that and it disappeared, but when I reopened the properties window, the file was still listed.

    5) I can't shrink the file because when I switch to it in the GUI, I get a "shrink file input string was not in a correct format" error.

    I'm at my wits end with this one. Any suggestions on how to get rid of this imaginary file?

    FYI: This is a high use production database, so I can't just take it offline at will. My maintenance periods are very limited.

    Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

  • Nevermind. I finally got my google-fu working (needed to look for "orphaned file", not "phantom file"). The solution is here: http://connect.microsoft.com/SQLServer/feedback/details/482820/orphaned-log-file-can-not-delete-log-file-sysfiles1-duplicate-namesnd%20259164%20(Denali)

    Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

  • Bumping an old thread to say thanks very much, Brandie. I encountered this issue today, and your post helped me find the solution.

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