Posted by Are you searching for several ways on “How to Repair Damaged SQL Database”? In other words, do you want to fix a corrupt or damaged SQL database with an efficient method? If yes, you are at the right place. In this write-up, you will learn several recovery or repair options on how to regain data from the damaged SQL Server database.
Before going into the main context of the blog, let’s witness a real-life example faced by a user. Especially, to find solutions on how to repair corrupt database SQL Server 2008 R2/ 2012/ 2014/ 2016/ 2019/ 2022.
User Query
“Hi there,
Today! I found that my SQL Server database is experiencing some problems. Though I have been using it for the past several years, I have never faced this type of problem. It seems that my SQL Server database is damaged or corrupted. And I don’t know the exact solution on how to repair it. Besides this, I have tried to access the data, but I am getting error messages. Can you please help me through the steps on how to repair SQL Server 2017 database? And if you need any other details regarding the issue, let me know.
Thank you!”
Now, you know the underlying problems that users face. After this, let’s understand what are the significant reasons for damaging and corrupting the Microsoft SQL Server database.
Noteworthy Reasons to Fix Corrupt Database SQL Server
Given below are some of the reasons that damage SQL databases. Due to this, the user needs to suffer with its workflow. Further, by following the section below, you can get an overview of the aspects to repair damaged SQL databases.
- Power disruption: Sudden power cuts and shutdowns can be one of the reasons for SQL corruption.
- Bugs: It could be possible that you can have some bugs on your SQL server database. As a result, these bugs can damage your database.
- File Corruption: Sometimes, a virus or malware attack can lead to SQL database corruption.
- Network Issues: The prevailing issue in SQL repair tasks. If you experience any network failure during the running operation, it often results in corruption of database files.
- Software breakdown: Like other parameters hardware, bugs, glitches, etc. software failure is also a prominent aspect of damage on SQL server databases.
- Irrelevant Isolation Level: Repairing a damaged SQL database command or management studio can cause trouble for you. If you are in the irrelevant isolation level.
Manual Method to Repair Damaged SQL Database
There are several ways to manually recover a SQL database from a damaged DB file. One of the most popular ways is with the help of a flexible DBCC Check command. Further, if you are looking for an apt way to repair a corrupt or damaged database in Microsoft SQL Server, DBCC is a worthwhile option. Though the manual steps are not reliable, we suggest you follow up. It is because – it adds to your knowledge & a reason to choose a professional solution.
In the upcoming sections, we will be covering two pathways to fix the SQL Server database file. Besides this, taking learnings from both of the sections can give you insights into the SQL repair procedures.
Solution #1: Fix the Corrupt Database of the Microsoft SQL Server through Recovery Pending Mode
In general, while recovering the corrupt database, you may experience a Recovery Pending state because of resource-related issues. In such a case, the SQL Server database is not in a corrupted or damaged state. It can be due to some error in files or system resources.
However, if you want to revamp recovery Pending status in SQL Server, you have to detach the existing. After that, again you need to re-attach it using the T-SQL query. This can be difficult manually but with a little technical knowledge, it is smooth.
Solution #2: How to Fix SQL Server Database Which is Suspect or Corrupted
When you are in the suspect mode, it could be possible that the primary filegroup may be damaged or corrupted. Due to this reason, the SQL database is apparently unavailable. Thus, to recover the suspect database, use the DBCC Check command.
In the following, we will be discussing a technique that works adeptly to fix the SQL Server database Suspect mode errors.
Level 1: Place the SUSPECT Database in Emergency Mode
This mode exclusively requires administrator read-only permission to access the database. Apart from this, the EMERGENCY State can be placed by the sysadmin members only. Hence, to shift the database to EMERGENCY mode, run the command given below in the panel.
ALTER DATABASE DATABASE_NAME SET EMERGENCY
Don’t forget to take the database_name as testing and run the above-mentioned directive.
Level 2: Check the Damage Level
Here, you are required to run the DBCC CHECKDB (DB_Name) command. Moreover, this step is crucial for analyzing the errors to repair the damaged database in SQL server.
DBCC CHECKDB (DB_Name)
3. Execute Repair Command
Now under the DBCC CHECKDB, there are three repair modes. Moreover, these modes can be used to recover the database into the working condition from EMERGENCY state:
REPAIR_FAST
It provides compatibility status to different versions of SQL Server. In other words, you can run SQL Server 2005 files in SQL Server 2008 database. Further, this feature can be useful to repair corrupted databases in SQL Server. Mainly, when you don’t wish to execute any difficult repair actions. However, if you desire to rectify the backward compatibility issue, ensure that the database is in SINGLE USER mode rather than on EMERGENCY Status.
Now, to convert the database in SINGLE_ USER MODE, follow the methods given below:-
Technique 1: Using the GUI Approach
Choose the database you want and right-click on the same.
Click on Options as shown in the image below.
After that under the Restrict Access option, tap on the drop-down list. Then, choose the SINGLE_USER option and click on OK.
Technique 2: Using T-SQL Query
With the T-SQL Query, you can easily change the DB mode to SINGLE_USER. To accomplish this, execute the following command in SSMS.
ALTER DATABASE DB_NAME SET SINGLE_USER
USE REPAIR_FAST Query
After converting the database to SINGLE_USER Mode. Now, perform the given below command to repair the SQL server database.
DBCC CHECKDB (N ‘Database_Name’, REPAIR_FAST) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;
GO
REPAIR_REBUILD
Generally, we use this repair command in SQL databases due to its minimal data loss risk. Likewise REPAIR_FAST mode, it performs all the repair functions. Additionally, it also executes some time-consuming repairs such as rebuilding the indexes. To initiate this, follow the command shown below.
Note: Ensure that the database is in SINGLE_USER Mode.
DBCC CHECKDB (N ‘database name’, REPAIR_REBUILD) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;
REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS
In addition to carrying out repairs, this process also does the job of managing page allocation and deallocation. Also, removes the objects that are corrupt and resolves page errors. Concurrently, it also fixes the structural problems within the databases. Point to keep in mind that there can be high chances of data loss while repairing a corrupted SQL Server database. Henceforth, it has the potential to also operate in an EMERGENCY mode without any errors.
DBCC CHECKDB (N’Database_Name’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;
GO
Level 4: Change the Database to MULTI_USER Mode
Once you have successfully retrieved your data from the database. Next, use the given below command to change the DB mode to Multi-user mode.
ALTER DATABASE DATABASE_NAME SET MULTI_USER
Shortcomings of DBCC CHECKDB
In view of DBCC CHECKDB, there are various encounters where this tool fails to recover the corrupt data in SQL Server 2000 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2012 and more. In such cases, you have to shift to a different platform to fix the SQL database that too to access the unavailable data.
What options are available when the DBCC method encounters a failure?
As such, there is nothing much left if the manual method fails to repair database of SQL Server. Due to this reason, it is recommended to go with the absolute method in the beginning only. Given below are some of the parameters that users must seek in their solution while seeking for the best one:
Advanced Functionality – Users should choose a solution that offers cutting-edge features. Keeping in mind that it meets the needs of today’s users.
Modernized User Interface – Often it is observed that the traditional solutions come with outdated interfaces which hampers the user experience. As a result, opt for a method that offers an interactive and up-to-date UI.
Uncompromising Security – To safeguard your files, always choose a solution that provides data integrity. And also, secure your files from all potential threats.
Assured Outcomes: A professional SQL database repair tool can give seamless results. For the same purpose, follow each step to ensure the expected results.
Swift and Simple Procedures – Opt for the prevailing day solution that can seamlessly perform the entire operation in quick and simple steps.
Tailored Recovery: Make sure the expert tool is adept in tailoring results to suit users’ preferences.
Malware Resilience: Most importantly, ensure that the software exhibits the capability to effortlessly restore and recover database files afflicted by malware or ransomware.
Worthwhile Method to Repair SQL Server Database Corruption
Though the manual approach is straightforward, it does not guarantee a complete recovery of corrupted SQL Server databases. Due to this, it is recommended to prefer a professional expert utility like the SQL Recovery Tool. In addition to it, this tool can successfully address various levels of SQL database file corruption issues. Further, it can recover all SQL database components such as Rules, Functions, Triggers, Tables, Rows, etc.
Unlike the SQL database management studio repair method, this automated tool offers several benefits. After repairing the SQL DB file, the tool allows you to export the retrieved recovered database to Live SQL Server Environment, SQL Compatible Scripts, or CSV file format. Furthermore, it supports various SQL Server versions, including 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2008 R2, 2005, and 2000.
Step-1. After downloading, install and then run the tool. Henceforth, Activate the License, and click on the Open box to Add MDF data files that need repair criteria.
Step-2. Choose the Quick or Advance Scan Mode whichever suits you. However, the selection of the mode should be based on the corruption level of the files. Thus, we suggest you go with the advance scan mode for highly corrupted files.
Step-3. On the left panel, you can effortlessly Preview the Data Files. Here, you can witness all of your data files. On the next, click on the Export button in the menu tab.
Step-4. Choose the Export to/As option here from the three available options that are SQL server, CSV file, or Script file.
Step-5. Here, select the With only schema or With Schema & Data option as per your needs.
Step-6. At last, click on the save button to finish the process and repair SQL database 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019,& 2022 versions.
Final Say
After going through the blog, you should be familiar with the several factors that give rise to corruption issues in Microsoft SQL Server. For the same reason, you need to repair corrupted SQL Server databases. Moreover, this is done to regain access to their tables, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, and other essential components. However, if you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to explore the techniques outlined in this article.
It is possible that the manual approach may not be successful in repairing SQL Server databases. Especially, when you are using DBCC CHECKDB for databases that are Suspect or Corrupted. In such a scenario, you can opt for the expert-recommended tool i.e. mentioned above.