Troubleshoot SQL Server Error 825 – Complete How To Guide

  Andrew Jackson
Written By Andrew Jackson
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Modified On September 25th, 2025
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

When the SQL Server observes a read operation failure in the database, it raises the SQL Server error 825 number code to users. Nowadays, we are getting plenty of user queries regarding the cause of this exact error. Although there are some solutions present in the market, all of them lack a few major points.

Therefore, this article is going to address those loopholes that users need to focus on while fixing SQL Server error number 825 in the database. Along with the best-in-class solutions, this article consists of an in-depth explanation of the error 825 itself and its causes. Our aim is to provide the perfect solution to users without missing out on any single bit of information.

What is SQL Server Error 825 Message?

There’re scenarios where the database shows errors due to failed operations. These errors with specific numbers indicate the reasons. The error 825 is an input/output read-retry error first observed in SQL Server 2005. A read operation fails & then the server retries the operation till it succeeds. The server is stuck in this loophole & shows the 825 error.

Error 825 means that the SQL server tried multiple times to execute a read operation and failed.  Now, in order to fix the issues, what users need to do is just find out the causes and fix the loopholes so that the read operation can be completed. The display error SQL Server error 825 in the system looks like the image below:

error 825

Also Read: What is SQL Error 823? Comprehensive Guide

SQL Error 825 Critical Causes to Keep in Mind

SQL error 825 in the database can arise due to I/O subsystem failures, disk corruption, misconfiguration of the storage drives, hardware issues, memory issues, file system issues, anti-virus hindrance, system crashes, etc. Have a look at these errors below in detail for a better understanding of the SQL Server error 825 and further find the best solutions to resolve the error effectively.

  • Failure of the Input/Output Subsystem: Failures in the Disk Controller, Disk itself, or Storage Area Network (SAN) can cause the I/O subsystem issues.
  • Corruption Present in the Database Disc: Corruption issues in the disc for the MDF files create a hindrance to the smooth working of the database.
  • Misconfigured Storage Subsystem Settings: Misconfiguration of the subsystem settings can cause the read retry error, as the server is unable to read the data files.
  • Critical Issues in the Hardware: The issues in the hardware, like faulty disk drives, controllers, or cables, often cause this I/O error 825 in SQL Server.
  • SQL Database Memory Issues: The exhaustion of memory, leading to inconsistent data reads or writes, causes memory issues that lead to the error.
  • Antivirus Interference: The antivirus also interferes with the read-write operations in some of cases.
  • System Crashes: Unexpected system crashes, like power outages or abrupt shutdowns, can often cause errors in SQL Server. 
  • Other Reasons: There can be several other causes, like file system issues, database inconsistency issues, etc., that result in such an error.

All these causes not only affect the performance and accessibility of the database, but also result in several other errors, such as SQL Data Error Cyclic Redundancy Check – CRC Error 23. Therefore, it becomes crucial for the users to effectively resolve these issues, to repair the SQL error further.

How to Fix SQL Server Error 825 Step by Step Manually? 

Let’s have a look at the manual solution to find out how to fix the SQL Server error number 825 using 4 simple steps as shown below:

Step 1. Detect SQL Server Error Number 825

First of all, users need to detect the error 825 & analyze it in more depth. Therefore, users need to verify the error log files of SQL Server database between the suspected time-period. Also, users can check the system event log as well in order to gain more hidden information regarding the same.

Step 2. Verify Database Hardware Health Status

As mentioned, SQL Server error 825 can occur due to disk failure. Therefore, users need to check the database hardware health from time to time. Problems related to the disks, controllers, drivers, or array cards in any way can result in poor hardware components.

Step 3. Get Latest Driver Updates

Always keep your drivers updated to avoid any I/O issues. Contacting the disk manufacturers for getting driver health checks & updates can be a good option.

Step 4. Transfer SQL Database Files to A New Drive

Now, there are chances that the major issues for SQL Server error number 825 were present in the drive. If this is the case, then users should simply move the SQL database from its existing drive to another one. Follow the steps below as mentioned:

  1. Create a new Drive in the system. For example: F Drive with enough space to accommodate database files. Also make sure this drive is configured correctly.
  2. Make the exact same folder structure on the F drive as present in the existing drive.
  3. Now, users need to stop their services of the SQL Server to continue further resolving SQL Server error 825.
  4. Move all the files from the existing drive to this newly created F Drive.
  5. Now, simply swap drive letters as shown: (E>I, F>E, I>F)
  6. Provide necessary permissions & start the SQL Server services again.

Using Automated Software to Fix SQL 825 Error Precisely

If users still get the SQL Server error number 825 in the database, then there must be corruption issues. In order to fix issues like SQL database corruption, users need to download the best-in-class SysTools SQL Database Recovery Software in the system. This advanced software can fix the damage and corruption in the MDF & NDF files without any hassles. Moreover, users only need to execute 5 simple steps to get rid of the corrupted SQL files. The utility comes with various features that provide users with customized results as per their requirements.

Download Now Purchase Now

Here are the steps that will help with resolving the SQL Server Error 825 efficiently. 

Step-1. Open the Software in your system. Click the Open button.

launch tool

Step-2. Browse and then Add the MDF or NDF files in the application.

add files

Step-3. Choose the Quick or Advance Scan mode to proceed with the SQL Server error 825 fix.

select scan mode

Step-4. Set the Destination Location and the File Path now.

set scan mode

Step-5. Hit the Export/Save button to solve SQL error 825 .

click export

Repair Using the Restore DB from Backup File Method

In case users want to execute the easiest hit & try method, they can opt for this method to fix SQL Server error 825 . However, for this, users must have a valid backup to complement the results. Just follow the command below to get the perfect solution:

RESTORE DATABASE databasetest13 
FROM DISK = 'Z:\SQLServerBackups\databasetest_db.bak' ;

After that, users can try connecting to the database again to see if the problem is fixed or not.

Use Page Level Restoration Method to Fix Error 825

In case the error messages display the error arising due to problems with the pages, such as page level corruption in SQL Server, then users can try opting for the page-level restoration. This only helps users to repair the corrupt pages except the Transaction logs, Allocation pages, and Page 0. 

Execute the below-mentioned command to fix error 825 with ease:

RESTORE DATABASE  
PAGE = ' [ ,... n ] ' [ ,... n ]
FROM [ ,... n ]
WITH NORECOVERY

The Final Say

Finally, users are aware of the best ways to fix SQL Server error 825 without any data loss or further hassles. Users can get their expected results using both manual as well as automated solutions mentioned above. Also, the best way to avoid such errors is to simply maintain the SQL Database health.

  Andrew Jackson

By Andrew Jackson

I am SQL DBA and SQL Server blogger too. I like to share about SQL Server and the problems related to it as well as their solution and also I do handle database related user queries, server or database maintenance, database management, etc. I love to share my knowledge with SQL Geeks.