How to view the contents of the transaction log in SQL Server?

2 years ago
Sophia Anderson
2 minutes

To view the contents of the transaction log in SQL Server, you can use the following method:

  1. To view the transaction log in a database using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), connect to the SQL Server instance, expand the “Databases” node, select the database you want to view the transaction log for, right-click and choose “Properties”. In the Properties window, select the “Options” page, then set the “Recovery model” to “Full” or “Bulk-Logged”. Next, go to the “Log Files” tab to view the location and file name of the transaction log. You can use Windows File Explorer to open the file and view its contents.
  2. Use system stored procedures: Execute the following system stored procedure in the query window to display the contents of the transaction log.
USE [YourDatabaseName];
GO
EXEC sp_readerrorlog;

This will display the contents of the SQL Server error log, including a portion of the transaction log.

  1. Using third-party tools: Third-party tools such as ApexSQL Log and Redgate SQL Log Rescue can also be utilized to view the contents of transaction logs. These tools offer more advanced features, allowing for a more detailed examination, analysis, and restoration of transaction logs.

Please note that viewing the contents of the transaction log requires sufficient permissions and can only be done for the current database.

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