Accidentally dropping a table in SQL Server can be a nightmare, especially when there isn’t enough space to do a parallel restore and move the missing object/data back to the original database. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps to recover from such a situation.

Step 1: Capture the Transactions

The first step is to run a final log backup, also known as a tail log backup, to capture all the transactions right up through the moment of the incident. This ensures that no data is lost during the recovery process.

Step 2: Restore to a Previous Point

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), restore the database to a point just prior to the accidental table drop. SSMS provides an easy-to-use interface for this task.

Step 3: Copy and Script the Data

Copy out the data to another database or export it to a CSV file. If you need the structure of the table as well, script it out, making sure to include triggers, indexes, and other necessary components.

Step 4: Restore to the Most Recent Point

Restore the database again, this time to the most recent possible point – the final log backup taken in Step 1. This ensures that you have the latest data available.

Step 5: Move the Data Back

If needed, run your object script to recreate any additional objects, such as triggers or indexes. Then, move the copied data back into the database.

Recovering from accidentally dropped tables can be more complicated if multiple objects were affected, especially in cases where foreign keys with cascading deletes are enabled. However, the overall process remains the same.

It is important to note that the time required for recovery is typically twice as long as it would be if there was enough space available on the server or another server. Therefore, it is advisable to consider this scenario and incorporate it into your next disaster recovery practice session.

By following these steps, you can effectively recover from accidentally dropped tables in SQL Server and minimize the impact on your data and operations.