Backup Log Failing in FULL recovery mode.

  • Rather confusing this one.

    Running 2008 sp1 on Server 2008 64.

    I try to back up my database log and am promptly presented with:

    Msg 4208, Level 16, State 1, Line 1

    The statement BACKUP LOG is not allowed while the recovery model is SIMPLE. Use BACKUP DATABASE or change the recovery model using ALTER DATABASE.

    Msg 3013, Level 16, State 1, Line 1

    BACKUP LOG is terminating abnormally.

    Seems straightforward right?

    Trouble is if I look at the db properties, sys.databases or DATABASEPROPERTYEX(name, 'RECOVERY') I can see it is in FULL recovery.

    All I can think of is that the database was in simple before it was enrolled in mirroring, but was subsequently changed to full, backed up and then mirrored.

    Perhaps somewhere there is an error in a system table or database header?

    Any ideas?

  • Is the 'trunc log on checkpoint' option enabled?

    Can you try switching to simple, back to full and take a full backup?

    You sure that the DB that's failing and the DB that you're checking is the same DB? It's not master that this problem is with?

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Its mirrored (sync + synched) - so I don't think we can change it's recovery model.

    Yes, we are sure its the right db 🙂

    DATABASEPROPERTY(name, 'IsTruncLog') = 0

  • I have also tried taking a full (fine) but still unable to take a log.

  • Stop the mirroring and take a full back up and try log backup

  • In this case I probably could, but not easily if I go to production and experience the same thing.

    Also, there are 2TB databases on here, and if I have to do the same for those in production thats us down and out for a day. Not really a goer.

    Even if this does 'resolve' the issue, it is far from being a viable fix going forward, so I need to know what the hell is going on.

    Cheers for the response though.

    Rich

  • I would suggest contacting Microsoft's customer support. I have no idea what's happening, I asked a few others if they had any idea, also nothing.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thanks GM, might just do that. Will let you know if I find anything.

    Rich

  • Please do. I'd be very interested in the reason for this odd scenario.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Just wanted to bump this one up.

    I also just had this happen and I am curious what the solution is, as I haven't found much on the internet about it.


    Over 12yrs in IT and 10yrs happily stuck with SQL.
    - SQL 2008/R2/2012/2014/2016/2017
    - Oracle 8/9/10/11
    - MySQL 4/5 and MariaDB

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply