title: How Can I Manage SQL Server Log Size
body: <p>I'm trying to manage the size of a SQL Server 2008 log file.  I have a reporting database that is loaded once a day.  The Simple recovery model is the best fit as there are no transactions other than the morning load, and I can re-create those records.  My goals are to have the transaction log at a fixed size, large enough that it doesn't have to allocate new space during the load.</p>
  
  <p>My problem is that the log keeps growing.  I know that the log is supposed to be marked for re-use, but why does the log keep growing?  The log_reuse_wait_desc shows "Nothing".</p>
  
  <p>I can shrink the log file to 1 MB, so I know there are no transactions in it.  I can set up  a job to do this, but I would prefer to leave the log at 500MB, which is enough to handle the daily loads.  If I do this, the log grows.</p>
  
  <p>How can I keep the log at a consistent size?</p>
  
  <p>Please note: Shrinking the log file does not address this issue.  I know how to do that.  I'm trying to find a way for space in the transaction log to be re-used.</p>