Fix SQL Server Can’t Drop Database in Use – Error 3702
This article will guide you to fix SQL Server can’t drop database error. This type of error is commonly known as error 3702 SQL server. However, it is challenging to fix. Therefore, in this article, we will explain the simple way to accomplish this technical task. Follow the easy techniques mentioned below to quickly resolve SQL cannot drop database because it is currently in use issue.
What is SQL Cannot Drop Database Because it is Currently in Use Error 3702?
SQL Server error 3702, or SQL Server can’t drop database in use commonly occurs, whenever a user attempts to delete a database that has one or more active connections. This error is helpful to prevent the database from deletion while it is accessible from users or applications.
However, to resolve this issue, users just need to close or terminate all the active connections to the database. This process can be done by certain commands, that we will be exploring in this article. Read the complete article to learn the effective solutions to easily fix SQL Server cannot drop database because it is currently in use – 3702 error.
Reasons for SQL Server Can’t Drop Database in Use Error
Know some of the most common reasons why you may face this error:
- Active Connections: Multiple users or apps may be linked to the database.
- Open Transactions: There may be an ongoing transaction in the database.
- Database in Multi-User Mode: The database is configured to accept multiple connections.
- Background Processes: Determine if the SQL server processes or jobs are executing on the database.
- Sudden Shutdowns: Users must know that sudden and abrupt query termination due to shutdowns or power cuts is another common issue.
- Locked Resources: Cannot drop database because it is currently in use error also be caused by other queries or actions locking up database resources.
Quick Solution to Fix 3702 Error
If you are looking for a fast, safe, easy, and effective solution to SQL Server can’t drop database in use issue, then try out BitRecover SQL Recovery Software. This tool is specially designed to tackle all the minor and major issues people face with SQL servers. Fix corrupt MDF file in SQL server and instantly get rid of SQL cannot drop database because it is currently in use.
Manually Fix SQL Server Can’t Drop Database Because It is Currently in Use
If you want to try the manual techniques to resolve cannot drop database because it is currently in use SQL Server, with the help of commands, here are the following:
1. Common Way to Resolve Cannot Drop Database Because It Is Currently in Use
The following commands allow us to easily fix SQL Server cannot drop database because it is currently in use.:
USE Database_Test;
GO
DROP DATABASE Database_Test;
GO
In case of active connections, users will get error 3702: “Cannot drop the database because it is currently in use.” To fix this, they should run the following command instead:
USE Master;
GO
DROP DATABASE Database_Test;
GO
However, if you are still unable to fix SQL cannot drop database because it is currently in use issue, then follow the details technique.
2. Detailed Way to Fix SQL Server Can’t Drop Database in Use
Follow these three steps if your SQL server database is currently in use:
Step 1: Run sp_who2 Procedure
First, run the sp_who2 command to see which sessions are active in the database.
EXEC sp_who2;
GO
Step 2: Close Active Sessions with KILL Command & SPID
Next, find the session IDs (SPIDs) from the sp_who2 output. Use the KILL command to close these active sessions.
KILL [SPID];
GO
Step 3: Try Dropping the Database Again
Finally, run the DROP DATABASE command again:
USE Master;
GO
DROP DATABASE Database_Test;
GO
This should allow you to drop the database without getting the error.
SQL Server Cannot Drop Database Because It Is Currently in Use – All Tips
Now, that users know the best ways to fix this, it’s time time to recall all of this in a way to get the best tips. These tips are in chronological order to get the best out of it.
- Identify Active Connections in the SQL Server database, to begin with keeping all things in mind from the start only.
- Terminate Active Connections by using the KILL command with specific SPID for cross-verification.
- Checking Background Operations is crucial. Make sure that no other SQL agent jobs or apps are working.
- Restart SQL Server Database which makes users aware of the disturbances that users are most likely to receive.
- Verify the Detached Database sometimes if available in the cache memory, displays as available.
- Verify Corrupted MDF Files and try to repair or restore them as soon as possible to rectify the errors in the server.
- Always Review Error Logs because they hold crucial information that users otherwise miss. This is significant in solving cannot drop database “” because it is currently in use.
- Check Open Transactions in the database if any. When found, commit Rollback to release them back to the database.
- Take a Second Opinion from SQL experts, MVPs or other database administrators to get the best possible solution as per the situation.
- Automate the Process with scripts to reduce human efforts and save more time eventually contributing to accuracy as well.
Conclusion
The issue of SQL Server can’t drop database because it is currently in use – error 3702 has been addressed, thus, users finally have an idea on how to fix the problem. It is necessary to have a backup copy of a given database before you can make any changes. The above procedures should help in resolving this problem, but using the automatic tool is more appropriate.