How to View Transaction Logs in SQL Server? All the Details
Overview: Here, the query; how to view transaction logs in SQL Server will be answered in detail. You will also be given a choice between the methods that are going to be explained here that suits your requirements best. Keep up with the article for every bit of information you should have.
SQL Server is a part of Microsoft which is largely known in relational database management system and is capable of handling huge database.
But any type of data is prone to risks of loss or corruption and so is SQL server database. However, there is a way to view transaction logs in SQL to keep a check on the values of the database.
Ex-employees or hackers, nowadays, make changes in the record table causing damage to the assets of the organization. Although, it is manually a pretty difficult task to check the records and the organizations, as a result, run into huge troubles.
Wait, wait, there is no need to stress about how to check the records, we have here the perfect solutions to resolve this issue. You can use the SQL Server Log Analyzer for this operation and use the tool as per your requirements.
Let’s learn about it.
How to View Transaction Logs in SQL Server Using the Software?
The software as mentioned above is an expert solution which is designed with mechanisms to help users check who has deleted or modified the table records. This tool is also used by forensic investigators to examine the logs to view every log in a detailed manner.
It allows you to deeply analyze the files and provides full visibility to the records with the Quick Scan feature. You can even open the transaction records without having MS SQL Server application on your system.
The tool to view transaction logs in SQL is built with various advanced features for successfully and smartly viewing the logs. Now, let’s take a look at the steps to analyze the files using this tool.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Analyze the Records
1. Download the software on your Windows OS machines and choose the Online DB Option. Select the Server Name, choose Authentication, and the Database.
2. Choose the tables that you want to export and click on the Export option.
3. Mark the checkboxes in the Export Filters section to learn how to view transactions logs in SQL Server. Insert, Update, and/or Delete.
4. Click on the Apply Date Filters option to choose the time-range for checking the data. Also, select the Export To/As options from SQL Server Database, SQL Scripts, or CSV.
5. After that, enter the Database Credentials in the asked fields and choose the destination path. Either Create New Database or Export to Existing Database.
6. Finally, hit the Export option to complete the process.
These are the only steps you need to follow.
View Transaction Logs in SQL Using Manual Solutions
There are various methods manually but we have the easiest and most successful one separated out and explained here for a simple process. This method makes use of the SQL Server Management Studio and can be used to open and read all the required information. You can view Audit Collection, Database Mail, SQL Server, Windows Events, Data Collection, SQL Server Agent, & Job History logs.
The prime function is the Log File Viewer which provides the report of the actions taken place in the Management Studio.
How to View Transaction Logs in SQL Server Manually?
1. Launch the SQL Server Management Studio and enter the Server Name and Authentication in the Connect to Server Hit Connect.
2. Now, choose the Management option in the Object Explorer window.
3. After that, go to the SQL Server Logs option to move forward with the process.
4. Here, right-click on the SQL Server Logs option and choose the View option.
5. From the extended menu, choose the SQL Server Logs button.
6. You will be able to view transaction logs in SQL summary in the Log File Viewer window.
Disadvantages of Manual Method
The manual technique may take a little more time to evaluate and display the transactions. Also, if you do not have the technical expertise required for it, you will not be able to view the correct information. So, technical assistance or knowledge is necessary for this.
Also, you won’t be able to see who has deleted the data, only the changes might be visible to you but not the identity of the person.
Wrap Up
Organizations with least technical knowledge about SQL Server find it difficult to learn how to view transaction logs in SQL Server manually. To help such users, the software explained above is an all-in-one solution to view the records, to analyze the changes, and to see who made the changes.
The tool is compatible with Windows OS 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32 & 64 bit) and with SQL Server versions 2005, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017.