The database recovery model is a new feature that was added to SQL Server 2000. This model makes it easier to control your backups and disaster recovery options. SQL Server 7.0 options like selectinto/bulkcopy and trunc.logoncheckpoint have been replaced in SQL 2000 by the Simple, Full, and Bulk-Logged recovery models.

To select a database recovery model, right-click on the database and choose Properties. Click the Options tab and select your recovery model.

• Simple recovery model

  The Simple recovery model is similar to the trunc.logoncheckpoint option in SQL Server 7.0. This recovery plan always truncates your transaction log and constantly removes transactions that have been committed. Because of this, the transaction log cannot be backed up, which leaves you with only two backup options: full and differential.

  If you try to back up the transaction log when using a Simple recovery model, you will receive this error message: 'The backup log is not allowed while the recovery model is Simple.'

• Full and Bulk-Logged recovery models

  The Full and Bulk-Logged options add an administration and space burden but provide the maximum protection for your data. The Full recovery model provides you with better flexibility for recovering databases to an earlier point in time.
  The Bulk-Logged model provides higher performance and lower log space usage than Full recovery but does not provide as much protection.