How to Repair Corrupted SQL Server Database Using Effective Tactics

Are you looking for a way to fix an SQL database that is corrupt or damaged? Also, do you want to repair corrupted SQL database with a simple and efficient technique? If yes, this write-up is for you. Here, users will learn multiple methods on how to recover data from the corrupted SQL Server database.

Before going to resolving workarounds, let’s see some real-life incidents faced by users who want a solution on how to repair SQL database without data loss.

Users Queries

“Help! My SQL Server database has encountered severe corruption. Though I have been using it for several years, I have never faced this type of corruption in my SQL database. I tried some manual methods suggested by my friends but none of them was able to resolve this issue. Thereore, I am afraid that all my database data will get lost forever. Please suggest me an effective way to repair corrupted database in SQL Server 2008.”

“Recently, there has been some instability in the power connection of our office. As a result, the SQL database faced some damage. To retrieve data from the damaged database in SQL Server 2012, I tried the DBCC CHECKDB command. Sadly, it did not succeed to repair corrupted SQL database. Now, I am looking for a solution to this problem that will work for sure. Please share any such sure-shot solution through which I can fix database corruption in SQL Server.”

Let us understand what are the possible reasons that damaging or corrupting the database in the Microsoft SQL Server environment.

Potential Reasons for SQL Database Corruption

The factors that cause corruption in SQL database is not restricted to a single one. Various reasons can contribute to the damage to the database and the users need to suffer. In this section, we will learn some of the main reasons why users look for solutions to repair damaged SQL server databases.

• Power Cut: Abrupt power cuts and sudden shutdowns can be the reasons responsible for SQL corruption.
• Bugs: It is possible to have bugs in the SQL database. These bugs can damage your database.
• File Corruption: Sometimes, a virus or malware can corrupt any file located within the SQL database.
• Hardware Problem: At times, hardware that helps to store and run the database can get damaged badly.
• Network Issues: Network issues are a critical point to note in SQL repair tasks. Any network failure during the running operation often results in corruption.
• Software Failure: Just like hardware, software issues, bugs, glitches, etc. play a significant role as well. Keeping software updated can be beneficial.
• Inappropriate Isolation Level: To repair SQL database command or management studio, users must know that the inappropriate isolation level is also a cause that troubles users. Try to make it nominal.

In that case, page-level corruption takes place.

You can Also Read:- How to Fix Page Level Corruption in SQL?

How to Repair Corrupt Microsoft SQL Server Database Manually?

You can restore a database from a damaged DB file in SQL Server with the help of the versatile DBCC Check command. It is the one and only solution that repairs a corrupt database in Microsoft SQL Server effortlessly. Although these manual solutions aren’t reliable, still we are mentioning them for two reasons. The first one is to provide knowledge & the second is because we are also mentioning the most simple & trusted automated solution.

Generally, there are two scenarios where you can use this method and fix the SQL Server master database file. Learning both of these scenarios for SQL repair procedures is very crucial for users. It can help them to achieve the exact expected result as planned. Let’s Begin!

Situation #1: Fix Database in SQL Server in Recovery Pending Mode

The database undergoes a Recovery Pending state when there is a resource-related issue arises during the recovery procedure. In this scenario, the SQL Server database is not corrupted or damaged. However, some error in files or system resources makes it unavailable.

To fix recovery Pending status in SQL Server, you need to detach the existing database and re-attach it again using the T-SQL query. This might not be easy with the manual solution, but expert users can execute this with a little knowledge. To get this method in detail, go through the following section of this write-up once.

You Might be Interested in How to bring the database Online from Recovery Pending in SQL Server 2014 / 2016 / 2017 Situation

#2: How to Repair SQL Server Database Marked as Suspect or Corrupted

In Suspect mode, it is possible that the primary filegroup might be damaged or corrupted. This reason makes the SQL database unavailable. To repair the Suspect database, you need to use the DBCC Check command.

Here, we described a general procedure that works to fix SQL Server database Suspect mode errors proficiently. This process is classified into multiple steps.

Know more about the procedure in detail – Reasons for Suspect Database in Microsoft SQL Server

Stage 1: Set SUSPECT Database to Emergency Mode

This mode exclusively allows system administrator read-only permission to the database. Plus, the EMERGENCY State can be set by the members of sysadmin only. To make the database in EMERGENCY mode, run the below query on the panel.

ALTER DATABASE DATABASE_NAME SET EMERGENCY

Here, we take database_name – ‘testing’ and run the above-mentioned command.

Stage 2: Check Damage Level

You need to run DBCC CHECKDB (DB_Name) query and analyze the errors to repair database in SQL server.

DBCC CHECKDB (Database_Name)

3: Execute Repair Command

Moreover, with DBCC CHECKDB, there are three repair modes offered that can be used to bring back the database into functional mode from EMERGENCY mode:

REPAIR_FAST

It is capable to keep syntax for backward compatibility. It means you can run SQL Server 2005 database files in SQL Server 2008. You can only use this command to repair corrupted database in SQL Server when you don’t want to perform any heavy repair actions. If you want to resolve the backward compatibility issue, make sure the database is in SINGLE USER mode instead of EMERGENCY Status.

To make the database in SINGLE_USER MODE, use the below methods:-

Method 1: Using GUI Approach

• Select the database and right-click on it.

• Click on Options as shown in the screenshot.

• Go to Restrict Access option and click on the drop-down button. Select SINGLE_USER option and click on the OK button.

Method 2: Using T-SQL Query

You can change the DB mode into SINGLE_USER using T-SQL as well. For this, execute the below query in SSMS.

ALTER DATABASE DB_NAME SET SINGLE_USER

USE REPAIR_FAST Command

After setting up the database to Single_USER Mode, execute the below query to repair database in SQL Server.

DBCC CHECKDB (N ‘Database_Name’, REPAIR_FAST) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;

GO

REPAIR_REBUILD

This repair command for SQL database is preferred because it has very less risk of data loss. Ideally, it performs all the repair procedures that REPAIR_FAST does. In addition, it performs some time-taking repairs too that including rebuilding the indexes. To use this, execute the below-mentioned query.

Note: Make sure the database is in SINGLE_USER Mode.

DBCC CHECKDB (N ‘database name’, REPAIR_REBUILD) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;

REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS

Along with the repair, this performs the job of allocating and de-allocating the pages, deleting the objects that are corrupt, and fixing page errors. This also fixes the structural errors in the database. However, there are high chances of data loss while repairing a corrupt SQL Server database. Moreover, it can run in an EMERGENCY mode without any error.

DBCC CHECKDB (N’Database_Name’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;

GO

Stage 4: Set Database to MULTI_USER Mode

Once the database gets repaired successfully, use the below query and change the DB mode into Multi-user mode.

ALTER DATABASE DATABASE_NAME SET MULTI_USER

Unfortunately! DBCC CHECKDB Is Not An Ideal Solution

There are various scenarios where DBCC CHECKDB Job fails to repair corrupt database in SQL Server 2000 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2012 and in other editions. In that situation, you have to switch to other workarounds to fix the SQL database to access the unavailable task.

What Can We Do If DBCC Method Fails?

Well, there’s nothing really left to do if this manual method fails to repair SQL Server database. This is why users should have selected the right method in the first place only.

Therefore they should opt for a reliable solution at the beginning. Below are some of the qualities that users must seek in their method to get the best experience:

• Advanced Features – Users should go for the solution that offers advanced features that perfectly suits the requirement of modern-day users.
• Enhanced UI – As we know that the traditional solution comes with an outdated UI, which spoils the user experience. Opt for a method that offers interactive UI.
• Utmost Safety – To keep all your files safe, always trust a solution that claims to protect the data integrity & secure files from all potential threats.
• Guaranteed Results: The automated solution for SQL database repair provides results without any hassles. Users can easily follow its path step by step to get the expected results.
• Quick & Easy Steps – Select the modern-day solution that performs the entire operation in quick & easy steps without any hassles.
• Customized Recovery: The automated tool is proficient enough to provide users with the custom results as they like. This is possible because of the AI tech & complex software algorithms.
• Malware Protection: The software is capable of repairing & recovering malware or ransomware-affected database files without any difficulties.

Also Read – Why DBCC CHECKDB Job Failed in SQL Server?

Efficient Method to Repair SQL Server Database Corruption

The above-mentioned approach does not guarantee a complete recovery from a corrupted SQL Server database. To repair SQL database 2008 R2 & other versions till the latest 2022, you must take the help of a professional expert-recommended utility named SQL Database Recovery Tool. This application successfully repairs major and minor levels of corruption in the SQL database file.

Additionally, it can recover all database components of SQL Database including Rules, Functions, Tables, Triggers, etc.

Download Now Purchase Now

Instead of the method to repair SQL database management studio, using an automated tool has many benefits. After repairing SQL DB file in SQL Server, the tool provides an option to export the recovered database to Live SQL Server Environment, SQL Compatible Scripts, or CSV file format. Adding to it, the tool can fix corrupt database of SQL Server 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2005 / 2000.

You can try the demo version of this tool for free. It will provide you a preview of all the repaired components and export only 25 records from each table and 5 DB objects. Follow the below steps to get the best results.

Step-1. After downloading the tool, Activate the License, & then Click on the Open button to Add MDF data files that require repair. This is a better initiative than SQL database management studio process.

Step-2. Select the Quick or Advance Scan mode here. Select the mode based on the corruption level of the files. We suggest selecting the advance scan for highly corrupt files.

Step-3. Users can Preview the Data Files here on the left panel. All your files are now visible here. Click on the Export button.

Step-4. Select the Destination here from the three options as SQL server, CSV file, or Script file.

Step-5. Select the Schema Only or Schema with Data based on the requirements.

Step-6. Now, Click on the Save button to complete the process & repair SQL database 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019,& 2022 versions.

Final Words

Now, it’s evident from above that various factors give rise to corruption in Microsoft SQL Server. Due to which users need to repair corrupted SQL Server database to get back their tables, Views, Stored Procedures, functions, triggers, and other objects. Moreover, if you are one of them, you must consider implementing any of the techniques mentioned in this article.

It could be the possibility that the manual technique i.e., DBCC CHECKDB get fails to repair SQL Server database marked as Suspect or Corrupted. In that case, you can go with the expert-recommended tool discussed above.

Also Read: SQL Remove Encryption Task Without Errors

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How will this solution help me to repair corrupt database in SQL Server?

The entire solution is quite easy. For an easier explanation, users can refer to this video tutorial in detail to repair SQL database without data loss.

Q-1. Can I Repair the SQL database from recovery pending state?

Ans: Yes, you can easily recover database from recovery pending state easily using the aforementioned solution.

Q-2. Does this utility helps to Repair SQL database without data loss in suspect mode?

Ans: Yes, the user can repair the database from suspect mode by using this software.

Q-3. I have tried DBCC CHECKDB console commands but failed to repair the SQL database. So what to do now?

Ans: You can simply download this tool and browse the corrupted DB file to repair SQL database command items.

Q-4. I am facing table corruption in the SQL server. Does this application help to repair corrupted SQL database?

Ans: Yes, it helps to repair your corrupted SQL table database easily.

Q-5. How do I run SQL repair setup?

Ans: Start the SQL Server Setup program (setup.exe) through the SQL Server installation media. Users must go through the system verifications & the prerequisites as well. Then, they can view the SQL Server Installation Center page window. Here, Hit the Maintenance button on the left side panel. Finally, hit the Repair button to initiate the repair.

Q-6. What’s SQL Data Fix?

Ans: After SQL database repair, if users want to know the SQL data fix, here’s the answer. When we do a change related to data that involves the development team, then we call it a data fix. These changes affect only the individual instances in comparison to the product.

Q-7. How to clean up SQL?

Ans: Evidently, there are many ways to clean SQL. This is why we must do them all one after another in chronological order.

• Delete Unwanted Data Files
• Handle the Outliers Carefully
• Standardize/Normalize Data
• Delete Duplicate Data Also
• Track & Manage Lost Data
• Perform Data Validation
• Solve Structural Issues
• Do Type Conversion