How to Resolve SQL Server Error 5172 – 100 % Working Methods

Are you facing Microsoft SQL Server header error 5172? Unfortunately! Do not know how to get rid of this error message –The header for file ‘test.mdf’ is not a valid database file header. The FILE SIZE property is incorrect? Then it is the right blog where you will get all the possible solutions to resolve SQL Server Error 5172 Header issue in 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2000 / 2005 / 2012 / 2014 / 2016 / 2017 / 2019.

What is Microsoft SQL Server Header Error 5172?

When we talk about the SQL Server Error 5172, the error mainly specifies that the SQL Server engine cannot validate the file header of the database files. To understand the error better, let’s first take a look at what these database files are. 

The SQL Server database comprises two operating system files – the Data File & the Log File. The Data Files in SQL Server contain information about stored data and the database objects like – Tables, Stored Procedures, Views, and Indexes. Whereas the Log file stores the details regarding each transaction in the database. 

The data files in SQL Server – Primary MDF & Secondary NDF, store data in Pages of fixed-sizes. Every page has a unique ID that can be easily distinguished in the database. The first page of every database file is known as the header page. This header page includes data such as file type, database version, and the structural attributes. When the SQL Server header page is unable to validate the information or fails to read the header information, it leads to SQL Server Error 5172 header issue

Related: How to Fix SQL Server Error 5171 – A Complete Guide

Reasons for File Size Property is Incorrect (SQL Error 5172) in SQL Server

There are mentioned various reasons behind the error “the file size property is incorrect” (Microsoft SQL Server Header Error 5172). The page header could corrupt due to the following reasons. So let’s have a look once:

• The System Abrupt Shutdown: In case the system shuts down abruptly, users may find it extremely difficult to get the understanding of the actual error. SQL database is prone to errors in case of sudden shutdowns pr power outages.
• Unexpected Termination of SQL Server Management Studio: If the SSMS faces termination during any ongoing transaction, it’s most likely to expect an error 5172 SQL Server 2014, 2017, 2019, or 2022 version.
• Hardware Malfunction: Make sure to keep your database healthy & track the database health time to time. This is very important as faulty drives & database hardware components may cause several errors in it.
• Virus or Malware Attack: The worst & most common reasons why users get this Microsoft SQL error 5172 is of malware & viruses. Cyber attacks are quite common and users must be ready with their counteractions.
• Due to Incomplete File Copy: Another common reason for this error to occur is the interruption during the SQL Server database file copy operation, or if the files aren’t copied properly. 
• Restoration From a Corrupted Backup: Error 5172 in SQL Server majorly occurs during the attach, detach, or restore process. Therefore, when the database has been restored from a corrupt or invalid backup file, it can lead to an error. 
• Inconsistencies During Database Migration: If the user misses the database validation step after the migration process, or moves the database from one server to another forcefully, it can lead to error.

These are some major reasons that can result file size property is incorrect SQL server issue and make the database inaccessible. Or, it is also possible that users may fail to attach the database file and get SQL error 5172.

Related Solution: Methods to fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 2 Account

Well-Rounded Approach to Resolve SQL Server Error 5172 Header Issue

One can quickly remove the SQL database corruption with the help of SysTools SQL Recovery Software. The application can fix both corrupted data files (both MDF and NDF) and export them into a Live SQL Server environment or SQL Server Compatible Scripts.

Download Tool Purchase Now

With this tool, one can easily repair the header error. It supports SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, and all versions below. It allows you to get back all of the deleted records into place. The tool allows users to solve databases using two scanning modes, i.e., Quick Scan and Advance Scan mode.

Also, the software will generate a preview of all scanned and rectified database items like columns, keys, indexes, triggers, etc.

Working of Modern Utility to Fix Microsoft SQL error 5172

Steps to resolve SQL Server error 5172 header issue are as follows;

Step 1. First, Download and Install the Software on your Windows platform.

Step 2. Hit on the Open button to select the MDF file whose header is corrupted.

Step 3. Now, choose the Scan Mode and SQL MDF file version. If you want to see the deleted records, check the box Preview Deleted Record. 

Step 4. After this, the tool will scan the database file and fix the database from damaged files. Adding to it, all the deleted records appear in red color.

Step 5. Select the mode and export the new MDF file & fix the 5172 error safely.

Step 6: At last, click on Export and export SQL database files.

 

Let’s now take a look at some of the features offered by this advanced utility for resolving the error efficiently:

1. Repair corrupted SQL Server database MDF & NDF files.
2. Support SQL Server 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 / 2008 R2, 2005, 2000.
3. Restore all of the records that are deleted from the corrupted SQL Server files.
4. The installation of the SQL Server application is not mandatory.
5. The software provides quick & advance scan modes for files.
6. Users can export only the schema or the schema with data as needed.
7. The automated software is capable of fixing malware-affected files.
8. Get back Tables, Triggers, Keys, Indexes, Rules & Stored procedures.

How to Fix SQL Server Error 5172 Header Issue – Manual Technique

Almost all corporations have a backup of their database; hence, the best way to solve the Microsoft SQL Server header error 5172 is to restore backup data. But, there may be a situation where the backup is also taken at the same location, and there is a sudden power outage, which may result in SQL backup file corruption. So, in that case, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1. You need to stop the SQL Server instance

Step 2. Afterward, copy your MDF and LDF files to another location on the system

Step 3. Time to delete the original MDF and LDF files

Step 4. Then, start the SQL Server instance again

Step 5. In this Step, create the new database with the same DB name and file name

Step 6. Now, stop the SQL Server Management Studio

Step 7. Overwrite the newly created MDF and LDF database file and check whether the error 5172 get resolved or not

Unfortunately! There are some limitations while Performing Manual

• Highly complex to follow and implement properly for users lacking technical knowledge.
• The users needed a great amount of time for resolving SQL Server error.
• If methods are not performed carefully, then, high risk of irreversible damage to the database.
• The manual solutions do not provide any guarantee of fixing the Microsoft SQL Server error 5172.
• There are not enough features in the manual ways to get customized results as per the needs.

Resolved Microsoft SQL Server Header Error 5172

This blog has discussed one of the most common SQL Server Error 5172 header issues. This technical glitch is encountered while users try to attach their SQL Server Database files. Also, we describe the various reasons behind the header information corruption. Henceforth, this write-up explains both manual and automated solutions. So, try any workaround that suits you best and fix the ‘Error 5172 – The header for file ‘test.mdf’ is not a valid database file header. The FILE SIZE property is incorrect’ without fail.

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