Setting a SQL Database to Simple Recovery Model

This guide will show you how to put a SQL database into the Simple Recovery Model. Having a database in this recovery model is required in order to take differential backups (instead of just full backups).

Directions

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Log into the SQL instance containing the database you want to back up.
3. Expand the Databases folder to show the database you want.
4. Right-click on the database and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, select the Options page on the left.
   
6. Then change the Recovery model: field to Simple and click OK at the bottom.