What is the "proper"way to shut down SQL server

Question

What is the "proper"way to shut down SQL server

Rudy Panigas

SSChampion

Points: 10702
More actions
September 1, 2010 at 8:29 am

#387711

Hello Everyone,
Here is a question that has been going around for some time and I would like to get your input.
Question: You need to shut down 50 SQL servers for the night while building work is being performed. Do you shut down SQL server services first then the operating system? Or do you just shut down the operating system and let it shut down SQL server? Is there a higher chance of corruption of you let the OS do the shut down?
I've heard pros and cons for both. Haven't found anything related to this from Microsoft.
What are your comments / recommendations?
Thanks,
Rudy
Rudy

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)

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

Mohit K. Gupta SSChampion Points: 12130 More actions · Answer 1

In my personal experience I have never had to shutdown SQL Server before restarting OS. SQL Server is very good at handling recovery.

I have never read or heard of such requirements either. And I have restarted SQL Servers many times without issues, and not a single corruption issue from reboot.

I did have a wonderful luck of disks being locked after a reboot on EMC SAN in Windows 2008 Cluster once, but that another story ;-). But even in that case no corruption :D.

[font="Arial"]---

Mohit K. Gupta, MCITP: Database Administrator (2005), My Blog, Twitter: @SQLCAN[/url].
Microsoft FTE - SQL Server PFE

* Some time its the search that counts, not the finding...
* I didn't think so, but if I was wrong, I was wrong. I'd rather do something, and make a mistake than be frightened and be doing nothing. :smooooth:[/font]

How to ask for help .. Read Best Practices here[/url].

george sibbald SSC Guru Points: 104210 More actions · Answer 2

shutting down the OS down cleanly shuts SQL down cleanly, the end result is the same as stopping the SQL services first.

you would still want to schedule the OS shut down outside busy periods though.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Rudy Panigas SSChampion Points: 10702 More actions · Answer 3

This is my answer too. Although some DBA believe that the shut down for the OS does it quickly, not giving enough time to complete the write operations to disk.

I have not see or noticed any issues with letting the OS shut down SQL server. I believe Microsoft would have had complaints.

Thanks

Rudy

george sibbald SSC Guru Points: 104210 More actions · Answer 4

Rudy Panigas (9/1/2010)
This is my answer too. Although some DBA believe that the shut down for the OS does it quickly, not giving enough time to complete the write operations to disk.
I have not see or noticed any issues with letting the OS shut down SQL server. I believe Microsoft would have had complaints.
Thanks

the important thing is that it is a clean controlled shutdown through the proper procedures

If you just pull the plug out, results cannot be guaranteed 🙂

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Elliott Whitlow SSC Guru Points: 102402 More actions · Answer 5

I completely agree, shutting the OS down does a clean shutdown of SQL. I have never had a problem with this method.

As another poster noted, be sure to do it during a slow period so as to minimize disruption to your business.

CEWII