SAP HANA Database Recovery
AS provides SAP HANA database recovery for its in-memory, columnar architecture — a different discipline from disk-based databases, centred on savepoints, redo logs and the backint backup interface rather than direct file repair. We assess the specific failure before proposing a path back.
When you need this
- HANA instance won't start after a host or storage failure
- Savepoint corrupted or inconsistent
- Redo log damaged, preventing a clean restart
- Backup/restore via backint failing or incomplete
- Multi-tenant database container (MDC) — single tenant affected, others healthy
- System Replication takeover failed or secondary out of sync
- Column store table corruption after an unclean shutdown
- Storage beneath a HANA host failed or was disconnected
What we do
Assessment first
We establish whether the issue is a genuine data-loss scenario or a service/configuration fault preventing HANA from starting on otherwise-intact storage.
Savepoint and log review
Where the last consistent savepoint and available redo logs are intact, recovery focuses on restoring to that consistent point.
Backup/restore support
Where backint-based backups exist but the restore itself is failing, we help diagnose and work through the restore path.
Tenant-level assessment (MDC)
In a multi-tenant setup, we scope the assessment to the specific affected tenant database rather than treating it as a whole-system failure when other tenants are unaffected.
System Replication troubleshooting
Where a takeover has failed or a secondary system won't stay in sync, we assess the log shipping state directly rather than assuming a full reinitialization is the only path.
Coordination with your DBA/Basis team
HANA recovery is rarely a solo effort — we work alongside your existing SAP Basis or DBA team rather than around them.
Even HANA's in-memory, columnar storage persists to disk in fixed-size pages — reading the savepoint and log files directly recovers intact data even when the instance itself won't start.
How it works
- Step 1
Consultation and scope
We establish what failed, what has been tried, and which data matters most. This shapes a targeted plan rather than a generic one.
- Step 2
Secure imaging and diagnosis
Where possible the source media is imaged before any work, so the original is never altered. Diagnosis then determines the safest recovery method.
- Step 3
Recovery
Data is extracted from the image or source using methods matched to the failure — logical, structural or hardware-level as required.
- Step 4
Verification
Recovered data is checked for integrity and completeness, and a file list is shared so you can confirm what matters is there.
- Step 5
Secure delivery
Verified data is returned through an agreed secure method, with guidance on validation before it goes back into production.
What affects the outcome
Outcomes are never guaranteed. Every case is assessed on its own condition, and we tell you what is realistic before you commit.
- Physical condition of the media and the extent of any damage
- Whether the media has been written to, reformatted or re-initialised since the failure
- Encryption, corruption or partial overwriting of the data
- Availability of source data such as images, backups, logs or transaction records
- Attempts made before assessment (rebuilds, repair tools, repeated reboots)
Frequently asked questions
Is SAP HANA recovery the same as SQL Server or Oracle recovery?
No — HANA's in-memory, columnar architecture and its own backint backup interface mean recovery centres on savepoints and logs rather than direct file-level repair the way disk-based engines allow.
Can you recover data if there's no valid backup at all?
It depends heavily on the specific failure. Contact us for an assessment — we'll give you an honest answer about what's feasible rather than a generic yes.
Only one tenant database is affected in our MDC setup — do you need to touch the whole system?
No. We scope the assessment and any recovery work to the specific affected tenant, leaving healthy tenants untouched.
Our System Replication secondary won't take over cleanly — is that a data-loss event?
Not necessarily. A failed takeover is often a replication/configuration issue rather than data loss on either system. We assess the log shipping state before assuming a full reinitialization is needed.
Do we need a full system restore, or can a single tenant be restored on its own?
In an MDC landscape a single tenant can usually be restored independently of the system database and other tenants, provided a valid tenant-level backup or point-in-time target exists. We check the recovery status directly via the HANA SQL console (M_BACKUP_CATALOG and related system views) before deciding whether a full system restore is actually necessary.
Do you support SAP ERP / S/4HANA recovery for companies in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune or Mumbai?
Yes. HANA recovery is done from savepoints, logs and backups rather than requiring an engineer physically at your data centre, so we support SAP customers in these and other Indian cities remotely, working alongside your Basis/DBA team, with on-site engagement available for larger or more sensitive incidents.
Related services
Not sure what you're dealing with?
Describe the situation and we'll tell you what's realistic.