How to: Add New Transaction Log Files
You can expand a transaction log by creating a new transaction log file in the database. The transaction log contains the changes that are made to the database and is used for database recovery.
Note
You must always make a backup of the database before you expand it. For more information, see Create a Full Database Backup (SQL Server).
To add a new transaction log file
In the development environment, on the File menu, choose Database, and then choose Alter. The Alter Database window opens.
Choose the Transaction Log Files tab.
Select the first empty line in the window.
In the Logical Name field, enter a logical name for each transaction log file. Logical names make it easier to manage transaction log files.
In the File Name field, enter the full path and name of each transaction log file.
Note
We recommend that the transaction log files have the file name extension .ldf.
In the Size (MB) field, enter the initial size in megabytes of the transaction log file.
In the File Growth field, enter the amount by which the transaction log file will increase every time that it expands. This can be expressed in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or as a percentage (%).The default value is MB.
However, if you enter the value in megabytes, SQL Server will convert it to kilobytes. If you enter the value as a percentage, SQL Server will display it as a percentage.
Select the Unrestricted Growth field if you want SQL Server to expand the transaction log file when it must.
In the Maximum size (MB) field, enter the maximum size to which the transaction log file can grow.
You can either allow the transaction log file to grow without restriction or you must specify a maximum file size. If you do not specify a maximum file size, SQL Server will expand the transaction log file as often as necessary. This expansion is limited only by the available disk space.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Alter Databases
How to: Increase the Size of Transaction Log Files