Troubleshoot MS SQL Server Error 945 – All in One Guide

Let’s take a scenario to understand the SQL Server error 945: Database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space. See the SQL Server Error Log for details.

“I received a query saying the SQL database is not accessible and the database goes in suspect mode. Also, Database operation was ceased and the SQL Server database stopped the transactions. Does anyone know the solution, please help me out? Why is this happening and how to resolve it?”

According to an above-discussed scenario, it is found SQL error 945 occurs when the attaching and detaching of MDF file is not properly done and recovery procedure fails to bring the database in a consistent state. Improper shutdown of the database and malware attacks is also the responsible reasons for this error.

Here, we will discuss the suspect database and the possible reasons behind why database becomes suspect. Also, we will cover the method to resolve SQL Server error 945.

What is Error 945 in SQL Server?

Microsoft SQL Server serves as a store for data that is required for different applications either on a single system or across a network. But, sometimes users may face difficulty when the SQL Server database is running under the state marked as suspect. Because this condition will lead to a failure in creating a connection with the database. Users can recover SQL database from SUSPECT MODE by addressing the causes for this SQL Server Error 945.

In order to provide users with a detailed solutions, here is a image that SQL Server displays as the error code 945 message:

SQL Error 945 All Possible Reasons

Several reasons can make the SQL Server database suspected. Therefore, users must be aware of these reasons to get the perfect solution for the ‘database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space‘ error. Evidently, some of the common reasons for SQL Server Error 945 are:

• If SQL Server Database is corrupted.
• Insufficient space available in SQL server.
• SQL files are used by any other backup software.
• If SQL database files are used by the operating system.
• If users opt for the backup & the BAK file is also corrupted, then this 945 error occurs.
• Sudden shutdown or power failure is another reason the error may arise in the database.
• Hardware component failure can also be one of the reasons why users get such a critical error.
• When the disproportionate storage is used by memory-optimized tables, this error might occur.

Challenges Encountered Due to Error Code 945 SQL Server

When the error occurs, users encounter various challenges that often concern them and further delay the recovery process. Let’s examine these challenges to gain a deeper understanding and identify the most effective solutions to address them. 

• When the SQL Server Error 945 occurs, users often wonder what the actual cause of the error might be. Furthermore, the only way to understand the cause in some cases is by checking the logs, which might be confusing for users with less technical knowledge. 
• Repairing the ‘database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space’ error without understanding the cause or the methods might lead to a risk of permanent data loss.
• After trying various ways to resolve the Error 945, it is still possible that the database might not be attached due to access issues. 
• Due to the error code 945 SQL Server in the database, the database might enter the recovery mode or suspect state until the error is resolved. 

All these challenges affect the database recovery process from the error and further delay the accessibility of the database in SQL Server. However, with the limited expertise of the users or employees of an organization, they face various issues while resolving the error. Hence, we will now proceed with the effective solutions that will help the users resolve the ‘database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files’ easily and hassle-freely.

How to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 945?

There is no hard & fast rule to fix database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space error 945. Users just need to follow the below mentioned steps respectively to get the desires solution:

Step 1. Add More Hard Drive Space

At first, you should try to add more hard drive space either by removing of unnecessary files from the hard drive or add a new hard drive with the larger size. There are scenarios where users have encountered error code 945 SQL Server due to insufficient storage space in the drive. After checking the storage space, simply move towards step 2.

Step 2. Enable the Auto-Growth Option to Resolve SQL Server Error 945

Now, check if the database is set to Auto growth. If not, then enable the auto growth feature as explained below:

1. Open the SSMS(SQL Server Management Studio) & Connect to the database.
2. Hit the View option & Go to the Object Explorer option.
3. Expand the Database folder & Right-Click on desired Database here.
4. Now, Click on the Properties option to proceed repairing error code 945 SQL Server.
5. Go to Select a Page >> Files >> Check Enable Autogrowth option.

Step 3. Cross-Check All the Permissions 

Check if the account which is trying to use the database has enough permission to perform any operation. Without the necessary permissions, users can not fix the SQL Server error 945 at all. Therefore, always provide the required permissions.

Step 4. Verify Read Only Status of MDF & NDF Files

Make sure that MDF and LDF files are not marked as read-only. this is a crucial step in solving the database cannot be opened due to inaccessible files issue. In case the read only mode is activated on the MDF or NDF files, follow he steps to remove this & fix SQL error 945:

1. Right Click MDF or NDF data files >> Properties >> Security >> Group or Username option.
2. Choose the User that is required to provide the permissions & then Check on Permissions box.
3. Click on Edit option in case the Full Control option is not there by default.
4. Under the Group or Username Box, Select the User & Set the Full Control option.

Step 5. Software to Resolve Microsoft SQL Error 945

If your SQL Database file is found to be severely corrupted, it could be the possibility that the above method gets failed to fix SQL Server code 945. In order to fix Microsoft SQL Server error 945 quickly, you can go for an automated solution i.e SysTools SQL Database Recovery Tool. The tool fixes damaged SQL MDF file and give two options to export your restored SQL Server database. Moreover, by using this Professional software, you can easily make your database from suspect mode to normal mode.

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Step-1. Launch the Software on your local machine.

Step-2. Click Open and Load MDF file that you want to bring back.

Step-3. After that, click on Advance Scan and click Auto Detect if you don’t know MDF file version. The user can check the option preview deleted records in red color.

Step-4. After scanning, the software will display the preview of data items.

Step-5. Click on Export to save the database and repair SQL Server Error 945.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we have discussed the most common SQL user and DBA faces MS SQL error 945. The blog discusses the possible reason why SQL database becomes inaccessible. It also covers the manual approach to fix SQL Server error 945. Evidently, for a simple, easy and effortless solution, the automated solution is recommended above. It is the easiest approach to fix this error 945 SQL Server from its root.

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