Repairing SQL Server Torn Page – Common Causes & Fixes

It is common to encounter several challenges while working on SQL Server databases. One of the commonly encountered issues is the SQL Server torn page. Due to this database issue, users face numerous challenges completing their day-to-day tasks. Through this article, we will thoroughly discuss torn page detection in SQL Server. 

But before getting into the repair methods and technical details, let’s take a brief look at what this issue is about and why it occurs. 

More About Torn Page SQL Server – Issue & Causes Explained

When we talk about torn pages in SQL Server database, it is an issue that occurs while saving the data, but gets interrupted before it completes or finishes. Let’s understand it more clearly. 

When we talk about SQL Server, it stores the data in chunks known as pages. These pages are responsible for saving the data and updates to the disk. However, in case the data write is interrupted due to any cause like server crash, power outage, or hardware failure, this results in incomplete writing of the page. This issue with half data written in a page is known as SQL Server Page Torn. Now, as we have a brief idea of what the issue is, let’s take a look at the possible causes of this issue to better resolve them. 

Common Causes for Torn Page SQL Server

Here we will be listing a few of the common causes that result in this issue:

• Most of the time, this issue is commonly encountered due to a Server crash or failure.
• Abrupt system shutdown or any forced restart of the SQL Server. 
• Crashes in the Operating system or file system.
• Corrupted or damaged SQL database or hardware.

These are a few common causes that lead to this issue and further restrict users from working on their SQL Server databases. Now, after knowing the causes, we will proceed with the best ways that will help the users to resolve the issue in a simpler and efficient way. 

Best Ways to Fix SQL Server Torn Page Seamlessly

We will now take a look at the optimal ways to resolve the torn page issue for database administrators. The methods we will be using are listed below:

• With DBCC CHECKDB
• Using a Professional Tool
• By Restoring Healthy Backup

Let’s now take a look at how each of these methods works and make it easier for the users to understand. 

Method – 1: Torn Page Detection in SQL Server With DBCC CHECKDB

In this method, we will learn how the DBCC CHECKDB command allows users to detect the database’s torn pages and then resolve the issue efficiently. Here is how the command works in resolving the issue. 

The first step is to put the database in Single User mode to avoid interference during the repair process. Here is the command for the same.

ALTER DATABASE (‘DBNAME’) SET SINGLE_USER;

Next, run the DBCC CHECKDB command to detect corruption or damage in the database.

DBCC CHECKDB (DBNAME) WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS;

This command will help with detecting and understanding the issue within the database. 

Once the issue is detected, the next step is to run the repair command.

DBCC CHECKDB(‘DBNAME’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);

This command allows users to repair the corruption in the database completely. Now, the users must know that this repair command is the last resort to repair any issue in the database. Hence, this command can result in complete data loss. 

After the database has been recovered, set the database back to multi-user mode.

ALTER DATABASE (DBNAME) SET MULTI_USER;

This is how the DBCC CHECKDB command helps users with resolving the issue and further bringing the SQL Server database back to workflow. Let’s now move to the next method that allows users to repair the issue. 

Method – 2: Repair SQL Server Torn Page With Professional Tool

When it comes to corruption or any other issue that directly impacts the SQL Server database or further restricts users from accessing their data, it becomes crucial for the users and database administrators to go for a professional solution. The solution we suggest is using the SysTools SQL Server Recovery Tool. This is a robust utility to resolve the database-related issues like corruption and torn pages.

Let’s take a look at how the tool works. 

1. Install and run the suggested software. Click on the Open Button to add the specified MDF file.
2. Scan the file using Quick Scan or Advance Scan mode.
3. Preview the recovered data from the SQL Database. Click on Export to save the recovered data.
4. Select the destination database and add authentication details. Select the desired database objects, including pages.
5. Click on the Export button to fix torn pages SQL Server effectively.

This is how simple it is to use the expert tool and resolve the error in a much secure way. Now, let’s move to the third method to understand how it can help users with repairing the issue. 

Method – 3: Restore SQL Database Using a Healthy Backup

This method requires the users to have a healthy backup of the affected SQL Database. If the users have a backup of the database that can be used to repair the issue, this method is effective. But in case they do not have the file present, it’s always better to go for the professional tool. Let’s see the steps for this method. 

This method also requires users to set the database to single-user mode.

ALTER DATABASE (DBNAME) SET SINGLE_USER;

Next, set the database offline for the repair process.

ALTER DATABASE Database_Name SET OFFLINE;

Use the given command to restore the database from the available backup.

RESTORE DATABASE DBName

FROM DISK = ‘D:\Backups\DB_Name_Full.bak’

WITH MOVE ‘DB_Name_Data’ TO ‘D:\SQLData\DB_Name.mdf’,

MOVE ‘DB_Name_Log’ TO ‘D:\SQLLogs\DB_Name.ldf’,

REPLACE;

This command will help users to restore the database to a healthy state. Now, the commands are efficient to repair the database; however, it is crucial for this method for the users have a healthy backup available.

Using all these methods will help the users with the repair of SQL Server Torn Pages. Let’s now take a look at the best practices to avoid this issue in the future.

Best Practices to Prevent Torn Pages in SQL Server

Here are the safety measures users can take to avoid torn page issues in the SQL Server database.

• It is advised to use high-quality and efficient storage hardware to prevent hardware crashes in the system.
• Next, it is also important to keep the SQL Server setup and OS updates to avoid issues due to outdated systems.
• Regularly run the DBCC CHECKDB command on the server to ensure there is no corruption or issues within the database.
• Avoid forcefully shutting down the system to prevent the risk of incomplete data write in the SQL Pages. 

Conclusion

With the help of this write-up, we have discussed the issue of SQL Server torn pages. This issue is mainly caused due to a server crash or page corruption in the database. Further, we have learned about the methods that will help the users in fixing the issue more conveniently and securely.