Troubleshooting Fatal Error 8946 in SQL Server

Most of the organization uses MS SQL Server for database management system. It is an outstanding platform but like other databases, it is also vulnerable to corruption. However, most of the SQL errors can troubleshoot by DBCC (Database Console Commands) statement. Still, there are some issues that cannot be analyzed by the SQL DBCC command such as fatal error 8946 in SQL Server.

In this article, we will help users to fix SQL Server error 8946. But first, let us have a look at what this blog will cover.

Quick Note on SQL Server Error 8946

The hard disk space granted to SQL database file is classified into pages. In other words, this logical pages is assigned to save the databases. A single page is further divided into 8 KB of pages where the data stored. All the pages have proper indexes through which data is retrieved by the SQL query. Furthermore, every page consists of a page header that comprises information of the entire page index. So, whenever a user runs a query to display the data, this header checks the page number where the data stored and show them to the software interface.

Basically, this error generates when the header information is not consistent with the page data. Because of this reason, SQL Server becomes unable to read those pages and pops-up the error 8946 on the system. The basic format of the error looks like this.

SQL error 8946 is also known as PFS page header corruption.

Reasons Responsible for Fatal Error 8946 in SQL Server

There are multiple causes behind this page information inconsistency. Whenever the header information does not match with its respective page, then the below-mentioned situation occurs with the database.

1. Unexpected shutdown of the system during any SQL transaction.
2. Malware infection or bug in Microsoft SQL Server
3. Power Failure
4. Malfunctioning of Hardware
5. Upgrade the version of SQL Server

Any of the above-mentioned reason can create PFS page header corruption.

Consequences of SQL Server Error 8946

Error 8946 in SQL Server is a page level corruption problem that makes it impossible to access the files. And, once the page header gets damaged or corrupted, it might result out in data loss. So, it is advised to fix this error on the urgent basis. Otherwise, get ready to lose your important data.

• Inaccessibility of Files.
• Risk of Data Loss.
• Database Stuck in Recovery, Suspect, or Emergency Mode Issues.

DBCC Cannot Repair Fatal Error 8946?

DBCC function is to find out the logical as well as the physical integrity of all database objects. Its primary work is to check logical data consistency, indexes, pointers, page offset. On the fundamental level, CHECKDB command uses PFS pages to determine the consistency. As we mentioned above, the SQL 8946 error known as PFS page header corruption. So, once the PFS page gets corrupted, then there is no way to determine which pages have been allocated or not. That is why DBCC statements cannot rebuild the PFS pages. One and only solution to fix PFS page is to again reconstruct it. Because they are the fixed part of database pages and cannot be deleted.

How to Fix Error 8946 in SQL Server?

The easiest solution to fix SQL Server error 8946 is to restore the database from a backup file. If you do not have a backup of your database, use SQL Database Recovery Tool. This solution is capable enough for SQL Server repair database task for both (Primary database file) & NDF (Secondary database file) files. And, restore the database that undergoes the data corruption. The software has some additional features that help the users a lot during database restoration.

Step-1. Launch Tool & Add MDF files via the Open button.

Step-2. Select the Scan mode from Quick or Advance Scan.

Step-3. Select the Destination Path to store healthy files.

Step-4. Hit the Export button to complete the task.

Striking Features of the Software

• Recover all database objects like Triggers, Rules etc
• Provide support to ASCII & Unicode XML datatype
• Support SQL Server 2017, 2016 or below editions
• Widely compatible on Windows Operating system
• No File Size Limitation for recovering MDF / NDF file
• Recover database in minimum time utilization

Bringing It All Together

A strong database plays a significant role in businesses and a fatal error can destroy it. A similar situation happens in SQL when the SQL Server error 8946 occurs. It is advised to always take a proper troubleshooting measure i.e SysTools solution that resolves all your SQL Server problem in just a few clicks. Whenever error 8946 in SQL Server arises, use the tool and erase this problem from your database.

Frequently Asked Question

Q-3. How to fix damaged page in SQL Server?

Ans: Download the modern software & follow the below steps:

• Add MDF files to the Software.
• Select Scan mode for File fixture.
• Enter the Destination SQL Server.
• Hit Export to button solve damaged page in SQL.

Q-4. How to attach a corrupted database in SQL Server?

Ans: This isn’t a direct solution but just a make-shifter:

• Create a new database with the same name & file path as the detached DB.
• Set the database as Offline & Exchange the Corrupt data files meanwhile.
• Now, Set the database online & here you get your perfect solution easily.

Q-5. Are the modern utilities capable of handling the latest SQL & Windows Versions?

Ans: Yes, the advanced solution mentioned above supports Windows 11(64 Bit), 10, 8.1, 8, 7(32 & 64 Bit) along with Windows Server 2012 & 2016. Whereas when looking at the SQL Server versions, it supports everything. All the way from SQL 2000, 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, & 2022 easily.