How do I recover data deleted from a table ?

Question

How do I recover data deleted from a table ?

BIHI Tarik 20

How do I recover data deleted from a table ? The data has been automatically deleted by a data retention policy.

Venkat Reddy Navari 1,585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-04-02T13:22:17.0466667+00:00
Hi BIHI Tarik

Recovering data deleted by a retention policy in Azure Data Explorer

Check Retention Policy: Run .show table [TableName] policy retention to see if "Recoverability" is enabled (it’s usually "true" by default unless changed). If it’s enabled, there’s hope!

Time Window: If the deletion happened within the last 14 days and recoverability is on, Microsoft support can often roll back the deletion. You’ll need to file a support ticket with details like the table name, cluster, and approximate deletion time.

Soft Delete Check: If the policy uses soft delete, check with .show table [TableName] details to see if there’s a "SoftDeletePeriod." Data isn’t fully gone until that period ends. You could restore it with the .undrop table [TableName] command if still within that window.

Permanent Deletion: If recoverability is disabled or the data has exceeded the retention period, it is likely permanently purged, as Azure Data Explorer does not retain backups beyond that timeframe.

I hope this information helps. Please do let us know if you have any further queries.

Kindly consider upvoting the comment if the information provided is helpful. This can assist other community members in resolving similar issues.

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Venkat Reddy Navari 1,585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-04-02T13:22:17.0466667+00:00

Hi BIHI Tarik

Recovering data deleted by a retention policy in Azure Data Explorer

Check Retention Policy: Run .show table [TableName] policy retention to see if "Recoverability" is enabled (it’s usually "true" by default unless changed). If it’s enabled, there’s hope!

Time Window: If the deletion happened within the last 14 days and recoverability is on, Microsoft support can often roll back the deletion. You’ll need to file a support ticket with details like the table name, cluster, and approximate deletion time.

Soft Delete Check: If the policy uses soft delete, check with .show table [TableName] details to see if there’s a "SoftDeletePeriod." Data isn’t fully gone until that period ends. You could restore it with the .undrop table [TableName] command if still within that window.

Permanent Deletion: If recoverability is disabled or the data has exceeded the retention period, it is likely permanently purged, as Azure Data Explorer does not retain backups beyond that timeframe.

I hope this information helps. Please do let us know if you have any further queries.

Kindly consider upvoting the comment if the information provided is helpful. This can assist other community members in resolving similar issues.

Answer 1

Sander van de Velde | MVP 36,146 MVP

Hello @BIHI Tarik ,

welcome to this moderated Azure community forum.

The answer that @Venkat Reddy Navari gave seems pretty complete.

More information about performing a soft delete can be found here. I was not able to find documentation about the .undrop table [TableName] command. To recover that soft deleted data, you need to create a support ticket.

I also want to add to this that you can export Azure Data Explorer data via a continuous data export.

My friend Wilko wrote a nice blog post about this option.

Although this does not prevent deletion of data in databases, at least it can be exported and optionally imported again if needed.

If the response helped, do "Accept Answer". If it doesn't work, please let us know the progress. All community members with similar issues will benefit by doing so. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

BIHI Tarik 20 Reputation points

2025-04-03T08:33:04.34+00:00

Hello @Sander van de Velde | MVP

Thank you for your reply.

The “Recoverability” option is activated for the table and the deletion date is March 24, 2025.

The link you put to create a support ticket doesn't seem to redirect to the right URL.
Smaran Thoomu 22,840 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-04-03T12:46:53.3766667+00:00

BIHI Tarik For support tickets, please use the following URL: Azure Support Portal. If this resolves your query, kindly click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.
Venkat Reddy Navari 1,585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff

2025-04-04T13:26:01.9466667+00:00

BIHI Tarik Following up to see if the above answer was helpful. If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.
Sander van de Velde | MVP 36,146 Reputation points MVP

2025-04-04T15:50:11.07+00:00

Hello @BIHI Tarik ,

the link I provided regarding the support ticket, was a reference to the source reference regarding the procedure.

The link @Smaran Thoomu provided points you to the Azure support portal.

I hope your data can be recovered in time.

If the response helped, do "Accept Answer". If it doesn't work, please let us know the progress. All community members with similar issues will benefit by doing so. Your contribution is highly appreciated.

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