SQL Server Error 957, Severity 17 typically occurs when a query or operation is executed against a database that is currently in the suspended or offline state. This error can prevent queries, updates, or administrative tasks from completing successfully because the database isn't fully available for use.
Common Error Message: ``` Msg 957, Level 17 Database '<database_name>' is offline. This happens because the target database has been explicitly set to `OFFLINE` by an administrator or due to an issue with availability (e.g., file system issues or intentional maintenance).
The root causes can be:
1. The database was deliberately taken offline using 'ALTER DATABASE ... SET OFFLINE'.
2. Database files are missing, inaccessible, corrupt, or locked (possibly due to hardware failure).
3. A migration process was left incomplete and changed the state of the database to offline.
4. Incorrect configurations during automated scripts targeting unavailable databases.
5. User permissions may limit access; if you lack adequate permission on that particular DB instance, it could appear as "Offline."
To resolve this issue safely and bring your database back online:
1. Check the problematic database's status using the following T-SQL script:
SELECT name AS [Database Name], state_desc AS [State]
FROM sys.databases
WHERE name = '<Your_Database_Name>';
If the `state_desc` column shows `OFFLINE`, proceed with bringing it online.
2. Use this command to bring your affected database back online:
ALTER DATABASE <Your_Database_Name>
SET ONLINE;
3. Confirm that operations now execute without errors by querying tables:
USE <Your_Database_Name>;
SELECT * FROM INFORMATION_SCHEMA.TABLES;
4. Investigate why your database went offline unexpectedly by reviewing SQL Server logs using either UI tools (`SQL Server Management Studio`) or T-SQL commands like:
EXEC xp_readerrorlog;