Patrick Domingues

In this article, we will cover how to shrink SQL Server .LDF log file, with some simple operations overview and examples covering everything you need to know.

1. Locate  your Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio software. You can download it from here if you do not have it installed.
   
   
   
   
2. Once you have access to SSMS you have have to expand Databases. 
3. Find the database in question , Right Click > Properties .
   
   
   
   
4. Once the following window is open click on Options and then find the Recovery model drop down and select (Simple) and then click OK.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Now lets move forward and run the process to shrink the SQL Server LDF log file.
   
   
6. Find the database in question and right click it > Tasks > Shrink > Files.
   
   
   
   
7. Change the File type to Log and leave everything else the same and click OK.
   
   
   
   
8. It shouldn’t take too long to shrink the log file, you can review the size its using by going to its stored location and check its size or redoing step 6 and reviewing allocated space.
   

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Patrick Domingues

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