How to fix Error 3153 on Windows Server 2025 / Windows 11

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Troubleshooting Guide: SQL Server Error 3153 — “The database is already fully recovered”

Why This Error Happens

This error occurs when attempting to restore a transaction log backup (WITH NORECOVERY or WITH RECOVERY) against a database that has already completed its recovery process, meaning SQL Server considers the restore sequence closed. It typically happens when a RESTORE DATABASE statement was issued without the WITH NORECOVERY clause, prematurely bringing the database online and rolling back uncommitted transactions. Once a database exits the “restoring” state, subsequent log backups in the chain become unusable because the LSN (Log Sequence Number) chain no longer has a valid starting point to apply against.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide

Step 1: Verify the Current Recovery State of the Database

  • Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and run the following query to check the database status:
  • SELECT name, state_desc FROM sys.databases WHERE name = 'YourDatabaseName';
  • If the state_desc returns ONLINE instead of RESTORING, the database has already exited the restore sequence and cannot accept further log restores.

Step 2: Restart the Restore Sequence from a Full Backup

  • Since the LSN chain is broken, you must restart the entire restore process from a valid Full Backup.
  • Navigate to your backup directory (e.g., D:\SQLBackups\) and locate the most recent .bak file.
  • Run the restore command ensuring you explicitly use WITH NORECOVERY to keep the database in a loading state:
  • RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabaseName] FROM DISK = 'D:\SQLBackups\FullBackup.bak' WITH NORECOVERY, REPLACE;

Step 3: Apply Differential and Log Backups in Correct Order

  • Apply the most recent Differential backup (if available) immediately after the Full backup, again using WITH NORECOVERY.
  • Apply subsequent Transaction Log backups sequentially based on their LSN timestamps.
  • Ensure every restore statement in the chain—except the very last one—includes WITH NORECOVERY to prevent the “fully recovered” state from triggering prematurely.
  • RESTORE LOG [YourDatabaseName] FROM DISK = 'D:\SQLBackups\Log1.trn' WITH NORECOVERY;

Step 4: Finalize the Recovery

  • Once all available log backups have been applied, run the final restore command using WITH RECOVERY to bring the database online for user access.
  • RESTORE DATABASE [YourDatabaseName] WITH RECOVERY;

Alternative or Verification Steps

  • Verification: After running the final recovery step, refresh the Object Explorer in SSMS (F5) and confirm the database icon no longer shows the “(Restoring…)” tag; cross-check sys.databases to ensure state_desc returns ONLINE.
  • Alternative: If the original Full backup file is corrupted or missing, utilize the RESTORE HEADERONLY command on your backup files to identify valid LSNs, or configure a new backup chain starting with a fresh Full Backup to avoid relying on the broken sequence entirely.