How to Restore Stored Procedure in SQL Server 2019 & Below Editions?

Accidental data deletion can occur anytime by any person. The same can happen in Microsoft SQL Server too. We cannot specify the reason behind it but it ultimately leads to important data loss. Therefore, in this guide, we are going to shed light on one of the crucial objects of the database – Stored Procedure. Here, we will be going to discuss Stored Procedure and how to restore stored procedure in SQL Server 2019 / 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2005 /2000.

Before troubleshooting the SQL Server Stored Procedure restoration, first, we have a quick steps solution & overview of the Stored Procedure.

Overview of SQL Server Stored Procedure

Before understanding the ways to restore stored procedure in SQL Server, let’s first understand what a stored procedure is. Originally, the Stored Procedure is an object in SQL Server that comprises one or more T-SQL queries in the form of a logical unit whose aim is to perform a specific job. Moreover, it enhances the code performance in terms of speed. As when the stored procedure runs initially, SQL Server makes an execution plan and stores it in the plan cache. So, when it is reuse, it executes fast with an efficient performance. The main motive to create a stored procedure is to enhance the performance of the database.

Also Read: How Can We Restore Stored Procedure From Backup File?

What Are the Causes for Could Not Find Stored Procedure?

The major cause for this is that the Stored Procedure in SQL Server cannot be found at the required time. Here are some of the causes for a missing stored procedure, and why the restoration is necessary at times in the SQL Server database. 

• Accidental deletion of the stored procedure is one of the most common reasons resulting in could not find stored procedure and requires users to restore the stored procedure in the database.
• In some cases, there is a chance that the stored procedure is corrupted in the database and cannot be accessed effectively. This can be due to a server crash or abrupt server shutdown and further requires the users to restore stored procedure in SQL Server. 
• In case of disaster recovery strategies, users require multiple database objects, like stored procedures and indexes, to restore the database to the SQL Server. 
• There are a few cases where, during the migration process, the database objects like stored procedures might not be completely transferred, and due to the partial restoration, require a complete restoration of the stored procedures. 

With all these reasons the server might encounter the SQL Server stored procedure not found error and it becomes crucial for the users to restore the database more effectively. We will now take a look at the solutions that will help resolve this issue.

How to Recover Deleted Stored Procedure from SQL Server?

However, it is impossible to restore stored procedure in SQL Server if you do not create a backup copy of it. Therefore, in such a situation where the Stored Procedure got corrupted and the server could not find stored procedure, and users do not have any backup file and no idea how to recover it. Then, take the help of SysTools SQL Recovery Tool. An ideal way to repair corrupted SQL Server files and restore either into Scripts or SQL Server database. Moreover, it supports SQL database object restoration such as Tables, Views, Stored Procedures, Rules, Functions, Triggers of SQL Server 2019 / 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2005 /2000.

On the other hand, we have the manual solution that uses the SSMS – SQL Server Management Studio. Let’s begin with the manual solution first. However, as we know that the manual solutions are not as good as the modern, we are also going to learn a step-by-step tutorial for an automated solution.

Also Read: SQL Server move stored procedure to another database without hassles

SSMS Method for SQL Server Recover Deleted Stored Procedure

Open your SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)  & then carefully follow the steps below to get the best solution to restore stored procedure in SQL Server without any difficulties. 

Step-1. Open SSMS & connect to your database instance.

Step-2. Right-click on the database & Choose Restore Database.

Step-3. Set Path to learn how to restore stored procedure in SQL Server further. 

Step-4. It is time for users to Select the Backup Sets to restore further.

Step-5. Select the Database that you are interested to restore this way.

Step-6. Select Restore with Recovery Option to continue without errors.

Step-7. Finally, Hit the OK button to start the restoring process easily to fix the SQL Server stored procedure not found error easily.

Full Guide to Recover Corrupted Stored Procedure in Microsoft SQL Server

In the subsequent section, users get to know the complete technique for to learn how to recover deleted stored procedure from SQL Server Via. expert suggested software solution.

Step 1. First Launch the Software on your system.

Step 2. Afterward, click on Open to upload the MDF file that comprises the Stored procedures.

Step 3. From Open window, select the .mdf file.

Step 4. Here two scanning options are available – Quick Scan & Advance Scan. If the files are highly corrupted, go with the Advance Scan option else to repair minor corruption choose Quick Scan. From the same window, check the box of Preview Deleted Records to restore deleted table records.

Step 5. After scanning the MDF file, all the database objects – Tables, Views, Stored Procedure, Rules, Triggers, Functions gets appeared on the left side navigation pane. Click on the Stored Procedures section to access its information. Here, you will see two stored procedures. You can click on the individual procedure to view its coding. After that, click on Export to open its setting window.

Step 6. The two options are available to export the recovered database stored procedure – SQL Server Database & SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts. If you select the SQL Server database then, you have to input the Server Name & Authentication Setting. Whereas if you opt for SQL Server Compatible Scripts then, no need to input such information.

Step 7. Once you have selected the mode, select the STORED PROCEDURE object as shown in the screenshot.

Step 8. Under the Export section, you can either opt With only schema or With Schema & Data.

Step 9. Click on Export to restore Stored Procedure in SQL Server.

Step 10. After completion of the restore process, an acknowledgment message – Export Completed pops-up on the screen. Click on OK.

Best Practices to Avoid the Could Not Find Stored Procedure Issue

Here are some of the safety measures and best practices that will help the users to carry out the restore stored procedure in SQL Server process seamlessly. 

• Maintaining the source control systems for the servers will allow the users to keep track of the version, rollback, and also for safer deployment of the server.
• Keep a regular backup of the stored procedures in the SQL Server databases, and further save them for situations where required. 
• With the help of efficient and advanced solutions for backup, users can export and recover the stored procedures from any damage.
• The object-level restore in the database is quite complex; hence, it is required to take a schema-only backup of the database for such situations.  

These measures will help you and allow you to keep the database safe after any corruption or damage, and further will allow you to resolve any errors, such as the  SQL Server stored procedure not found error.

Conclusion

The Stored Procedure is a prominent object of the database in Microsoft SQL Server as it represents a set of logical queries, which can be used again and again. And corruption in the stored procedure is not less than a bad dream.

It is good to use automated utility to restore stored procedure in SQL Server 2019 / 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 / 2008 R2 / 2005 /2000 from corrupted or damaged MDF file. A great utility that proficiently deals with SQL Server database corruption. Feel safe with this tool and repair the corrupted SQL Server file without any fail.

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