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re-playing transaction logs in sql server

  • September 22, 2025
  • 7 comments
  • 62 views
S
  • SanjivK
  • Not a newbie anymore
  • 5 comments

Hi All,

I’m working with Veeam Backup & Replication and need some guidance on replaying SQL Server transaction logs after restoring a database.

Here’s my scenario:

  • I’ve restored a SQL Server database using Veeam.
  • I want to replay the transaction logs to bring the database to a specific point in time.
  • I’m not sure about the correct steps or best practices to do this within Veeam or SQL Server.

Could someone please guide me on:

  1. How to properly replay transaction logs after a restore?
  2. Whether this can be done directly through Veeam or needs to be handled manually in SQL Server?
  3. Any precautions or tips to ensure consistency and avoid data loss?

 

 

Best answer by matheusgiovanini

Veeam can handle transaction log replay up to the restore point you select, but it won’t apply transaction logs that were generated on the SQL Server after the backup job. If you want to include those, you’re on the right track using NORECOVERY during the restore, because it keeps the database in a restoring state.

Once Veeam finishes the restore, you can manually apply the subsequent transaction logs using SQL Server Management Studio with the standard restore log for each log in sequence.

Since you are already able to select a point-in-time restore in Veeam, the best method is to use the default restore mode, as Veeam itself will automatically apply the necessary logs to reach the timestamp you choose — no manual steps needed.

7 comments

coolsport00
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  • coolsport00
  • Veeam Legend
  • 4903 comments
  • September 22, 2025

Hi ​@SanjivK -

You should follow the Veeam Explorers Guide on how to restore SQL to a point in time. The Guide provides steps on how to do so:

https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backup/explorers/vesql_restoring_pit.html?ver=120

That should get you going.

Best.

Shane Williford - Veeam VMCA/VMCE | Veeam Legend | VUG Leader | VCP-DCV | Twitter: @coolsport00
matheusgiovanini
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  • matheusgiovanini
  • Veeam Legend
  • 388 comments
  • September 22, 2025

You should use Veeam Explorer for Microsoft SQL Server. It can automatically replay the logs and let you restore the database to an exact point in time without needing to run manual steps in SQL Server.

If transaction log backups were not configured in Veeam, then you’ll only be able to restore to the latest full or differential backup. In that case, log replay must be done manually in SQL Server by restoring the database with NORECOVERY.

 

 

Matheus Giovanini | Senior Backup Analyst | Veeam Legend | Blog: techdirectarchive.com
S
  • SanjivK
  • Author
  • Not a newbie anymore
  • 5 comments
  • September 22, 2025

adding more about the query-

SQLAG Point-in-Time Restore with NORECOVERY – Applying Transaction Logs Post-Restore

  • I’m restoring a database to a specific point in time using Veeam.
  • I’m using the NORECOVERY option during the restore to keep the database in a restoring state.
  • During the restore process, new transaction logs are generated on the SQL Server.
  • After the restore completes, I want to apply those transaction logs to bring the database fully up to date.
Chris.Childerhose
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  • Chris.Childerhose
  • Veeam Legend, Veeam Vanguard
  • 9587 comments
  • September 22, 2025

Follow the link that Shane posted as that will walk you through the steps.

Chris Childerhose - VMCA2024 | VMCE2023 | VMCE-SP2024 | Veeam Vanguard 8* | Veeam Legend 5* | VUG Canada Leader | vExpert 6* | Toronto VMUG Leader | VCAP-DCV/VCP-DCV | Object First Ace | Cisco Champion | Twitter: @cchilderhose | Blog Site – https://just-virtualization.tech
matheusgiovanini
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  • matheusgiovanini
  • Veeam Legend
  • 388 comments
  • Answer
  • September 22, 2025

Veeam can handle transaction log replay up to the restore point you select, but it won’t apply transaction logs that were generated on the SQL Server after the backup job. If you want to include those, you’re on the right track using NORECOVERY during the restore, because it keeps the database in a restoring state.

Once Veeam finishes the restore, you can manually apply the subsequent transaction logs using SQL Server Management Studio with the standard restore log for each log in sequence.

Since you are already able to select a point-in-time restore in Veeam, the best method is to use the default restore mode, as Veeam itself will automatically apply the necessary logs to reach the timestamp you choose — no manual steps needed.

Matheus Giovanini | Senior Backup Analyst | Veeam Legend | Blog: techdirectarchive.com
coolsport00
Forum|alt.badge.img+21
  • coolsport00
  • Veeam Legend
  • 4903 comments
  • September 22, 2025

​@SanjivK - you can only restore via Veeam from files (backups & transaction logs in this case) Veeam has already backed up. Veeam cannot be used for files taken after the backup (& before the next backup). In that case, you would need to then transition to use SQL restore methods.

Best.

Shane Williford - Veeam VMCA/VMCE | Veeam Legend | VUG Leader | VCP-DCV | Twitter: @coolsport00
S
  • SanjivK
  • Author
  • Not a newbie anymore
  • 5 comments
  • September 22, 2025

Veeam can handle transaction log replay up to the restore point you select, but it won’t apply transaction logs that were generated on the SQL Server after the backup job. If you want to include those, you’re on the right track using NORECOVERY during the restore, because it keeps the database in a restoring state.

Once Veeam finishes the restore, you can manually apply the subsequent transaction logs using SQL Server Management Studio with the standard restore log for each log in sequence.

Since you are already able to select a point-in-time restore in Veeam, the best method is to use the default restore mode, as Veeam itself will automatically apply the necessary logs to reach the timestamp you choose — no manual steps needed.

​@matheusgiovanini Do you have any step-by-step article for - “Once Veeam finishes the restore, you can manually apply the subsequent transaction logs using SQL Server Management Studio with the standard restore log for each log in sequence.”


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