Here Is How You Can Deal With SQL Server Error 926

Are you among one of them who are looking for the solution to resolve SQL Server 2008 R2 Error 926? Have you ever thought the reason behind this error? If not, then in this blog, we are going to learn all the important facts about SQL Server error 926 along with the solution to fix it.

What is MSDB Suspect Error 926 Problem?

Sometimes while user attempts to connect SQL instance using sysadmin login and SSMS, the SQL server throws an error prompt saying ‘database msdb cannot be opened‘. It may occur very rare and it will be marked suspect by recovery.

Error code 926 lead SQL database into the inconsistent state and affect its file structure. Users may able to query their databases from the new query window. However, they cannot see any of them. It also may vanish the smooth workflow of SQL server as it makes the database inaccessible for the user. Well, there are some other scenarios when this error prompts and they are highlighted below:

• When SQL Server user is attaching a database
• While restoring the database in SQL server
• Extracting transactions from the database log

Why SQL Server Error 926 Arises in the Database?

• The SQL Database Might be Marked as Suspected –  If yes, then users must be facing database ‘msdb’ cannot be opened. it has been marked suspect by recovery error. Therefore, they need to bring the database out of suspect mode.
• Some Malware Defect in the System that can be Risky – The system might be full of viruses, malware, or any other kind of unwanted bot that can be harmful for the users database & the data in it.
• Due to Corruption in the Header Part of System File – If the header of the files gets corrupted or even any other part of the MDF file gets damaged, the error 926 SQL Server arises in the server.
• Abrupt Shutdown/ Closing of the Server Application – In case, the system undergoes constant system shutdowns or power outages, ongoing transactions might get affected resulting in the origin of error code 926.
• Falsely Detaching or Attaching the SQL Database –  If users attach or detach the SQL Server database incorrectly, the database might collapse or show error in opening. Therefore, users might face this code 926 error display message.
• Transaction Log File Issues – In case the transaction log file in the SQL Server is missing, corrupted, or damaged due to any issues, the server might fail to recover the database and further put the database in SUSPECT mode till it’s repaired. 
• Disk Corruption – Any corruption in the disk space can lead to possible failure of the database recovery process and can further affect the entire process to repair SQL Server error 926.
• Permission Issues in Database – Lack of permissions to read/write in the database can also become a major factor for the database not to load effectively, and further create issues.

Tips to Remove SQL Server 2008 R2 Error 926

There are several ways to fix this SQL Server error 926: database msdb cannot be opened. However, users must begin with trying some basic solutions as sometimes little fixes also can resolve the error.

So, Kindly check below fixes to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Restart your Computer
2. Refresh the Connection
3. Reconnect the Connection
4. Restart the SQL Server Management Studio
5. Restart the Service SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)
6. Monitor Database for Any Kind of Corruption Issues
7. Don’t Miss to Check indexes of the SQL Server Once
8. Get A Dual Internet Connection or Check Existing One

If these basic workarounds do not work for you then, there two other manual solutions to fix SQL Server 2008 R2 Error 926.

T-SQL Method to Solve Cannot Open Database SQL Server 926 Error Code

• Open a new window to execute the query
  EXEC sp_resetstatus ‘DB_Name’
  Explanation: sp_resetstatus disables the suspect flag on a database. It basically updates the mode as well as status columns that are named as sys.databases. Only logins having sysadmin rights can perform this task.
• ALTER DATABASE DB_Name SET EMERGENCY
  Explanation: If the database is set to EMERGENCY mode then, it becomes READ_ONLY copy. After that, only those sysadmin members can access it who have access privileges.
• DBCC checkdb (‘DB_Name’)
  Explanation: This command will check the integrity between all the objects.
• ALTER DATABASE DB_Name SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
  Explanation: Executing this query will set your database into single user mode.
• DBCC CheckDB (‘DB_Name’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS)
  Explanation: It will repair the errors including SQL Server error 926
• ALTER DATABASE DB_Name SET MULTI_USERDetails
  Explanation: With this command, the database will set to multi-user mode and after that, it can be accessed by others also.

Fix Error Code 926 SQL Server Using SSMS Method

• Open MS SQL Management Studio and click Object Explorer then, in opened connection item hit a right-click and select Stop
• Next, open Control Panel in your computer and click Administrative Tools >> Services
• Highlight SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) item from the services and right-click on it. From the opened menu list, select Stop
• Navigate to the following location:
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA
• After that, move MSDBData.mdf & MSDBlog.ldf to any other location
• And then, copy this file again from the new location and paste it in the older place i.e.,
  C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA
• Next, in the opened connection in Object Explorer, hit a right-click and choose Start option
• Refresh your database to resolve the database msdb cannot be opened error 
• Now, you can Detach the MSDB File

Limitations of Manual Methods

• Requires technical expertise to execute as not all users are proficient in SQL Server technicalities and most of them are beginners.
• Manual methods to fix error 926 SQL Server are quite time-consuming or we can say inefficient. It does not allow users to quickly get the desired results.
• A Single step gone wrong can affect the entire database in a very wrong manner as it can corrupt files even more or delete the entire database.
• There are no advanced features present in the manual methods of SSMS or T-SQL to customize the results. Users need to opt for other ways to get customized results.

Alternate Solution to Fix SQL Server Error 926

SysTools SQL Database Recovery is a powerful software to repair corrupt SQL database file and makes the objects accessible again quickly. This can resolve all SQL Server errors that take database into inconsistent state or damages the file structure.

Hence, SQL Server 2008 R2 Error 926 can be fixed easily with the help of this utility as it provides Quick and Advanced Scan options to repair SQL Database files. It is capable enough to recover the master database files created in SQL Server 2019 and all below versions. Therefore, users prefer this method to fix error 926 SQL Server DB.

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Step-1. Launch the Tool and Hit the Open button.

Step-2. Browse and Select the MDF Files here.

Step-3. Set the Scan Mode as Quick or Advanced.

Step-4. Set desired Destination Platform & Location.

Step-5. Click on Export to fix MDF & solve SQL Server error 926.

Best Practices to Avoid SQL Server Error 926

Here are some of the safety measures that will help the users to effectively secure their database from the database msdb cannot be opened error. 

• By implementing a good backup strategy for database disasters, users can safeguard their databases. Furthermore, it is crucial for the users to test the database backup files regularly to ensure they are reliable. 
• For effectively restoring the database and avoiding any issues during the process, it is also important for the users to monitor the disk space in which the backup files are stored.
• As one of the causes for the occurrence of this error code 926 is permission issues, it is crucial for the users to grant the required permissions in the database. 
• Avoid manual ways of attaching or detaching the database as they are prone to errors and might lead to bigger challenges in the database.

In Summation

SQL Server plays a vital role when it comes to the management of the business database. Several organizations use it and keep their data safely. However, we cannot neglect the fact that there are some issues associated with it. One such common issue is SQL Server error 926.

Considering the fact, that it is not simple to eliminate this error code, we have discussed some manual solutions for the same. Additionally, users can opt a third party tool also if required.

Frequently Asked Questions