Restore SQL Server DB without transaction log

Question

Given a SQL Server 2008 .bak file, is there a way to restore the data file only from the .bak file, without t

Answer 1

The transaction log is an integral part of the backup. You can't tell SQL Server to ignore the transaction log, because there is no way to let's say restore and shrink the transaction log file at the same time. However, you can take a look at DBA post to hack the process, although it is not recommended at all

Alternatively you could try some third party tools for restoring, particularly virtual restoring process that can save a lot of space and time. Check out ApexSQL Restore, RedGate Virtual Restore, Idera Virtual Database.

Disclaimer: I work for ApexSQL as support engineer