SQL Server Can’t Drop Database in Use – Error 3702 Fixed

  author
Mark Regan
Published: August 22nd, 2024 • 4 Min Read

This information article will guide you to fix SQL cannot drop database because it is currently in use 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 you the simple way to accomplish this technical task. Follow the easy techniques mentioned below to quickly fix cannot drop database because it is currently in use issue.

What is SQL Cannot Drop Database Because it is Currently in Use Error?

SQL Server error 3702, or cannot drop database because it is currently 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 cannot drop database because it is currently in use – 3702 error.

Reasons for Cannot Drop Database Because It is Currently in Use 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.
  • 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

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Manual Techniques to Fix SQL Cannot 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, with the help of commands, here are the following:

1. Common Way to Cannot Drop Database Because It is Currently in Use

Following commands allow to easily fix SQL 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

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.

Conclusion

The issue of SQL cannot 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.