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 the all the possible solutions to resolve SQL Server Error 5172 Header issue in 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2000 / 2005 / 2012 / 2014 / 2016 / 2017 / 2019.

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

What is Microsoft SQL Server Header Error 5172?

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

The data files – Primary MDF & Secondary NDF stores data in Pages in a sequential manner that starting with zero. Every page has a unique ID to easily distinguish in the database. The first page of every file is known as header page. This header page comprises details about the attributes of file. Thus when the header information got no harmony or mismatched with the rest of the files, then 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 shutdowns 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 counter actions.

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.

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

One can quickly remove the SQL database corruption with the help of SQL Recovery Software. The application can fix both corrupted data files (both MDF or NDF) and export it into Live SQL Server environment or SQL Server Compatible Scripts. With this tool, one can easily repair the header error. It supports SQL server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014 and all below versions. It allows to get back all of the deleted records back into the place. The tool allows users to solve database 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. Before that, it is important to know the benefits of the software:

Some Salient Features are listed here:

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. Installation of SQL Server application is not mandatory.
5. The software provides quick & advance scan modes for files.
6. Users can export only schema or 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.

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.

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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.

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

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

Step 1. You need to stop the SQL Server instance

Step 2. Afterward, copy your MDF and LDF file to other 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 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 the great amount of time for resolving SQL Server error.
• If method are not performing 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 have discussed about one of the most common SQL Server Error 5172 header issue. This technical glitch encountered while users tries to attach their SQL Server Database files. Also, we describe the various reasons behind the header information corruption. Henceforth, this write-up explains the both manual as well as automated solution. So, try any workaround that suite 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 any fail.

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