It can be a challenge to repair a corrupt SQL server database when you aren’t aware of the correct process. Today, you can have access to a manual process that enables you to repair the corrupt SQL database. However, it is always best to opt-in for authentic and professional third-party software to resolve this issue. Today, you will come across many software online that will enable you to carry on with this. However, even before you attempt to know about SQL recovery solution, it’s crucial to learn about the SQL server and why it gets corrupted.
Understanding the SQL server
Simply put, SQL server is a prominent database management system that gets used for retrieving and storing data by the other applications. And since it got developed by Microsoft, these servers have made use of the three file types for storing and managing Primary, Secondary, and Log files.
- The primary SQL database files come with MDF extensions. And every database comes with a primary file, and it can store the objects and user data comprising Views, Indexes, Columns, Keys, Values, Stored Procedures, Tables, Default Values, and Triggers. The MDF files also store the start-up data for the chosen database.
- The secondary files are optional and come with an NDF extension. Here you can develop endless NDF files based on your need. It gets used for disseminating data all through the various disks, and it can also get used for storing data as well.
- The log files are usually the backup files in the SQL database. It gets used for restoring the database when there is corruption. Each database comprises of one log file at least. These files come with LDF extensions, and it can store the log data.
Why does the SQL database get corrupted?
The SQL server database can get corrupted because of several reasons. The MDF files act as the primary database files that hold the user data, and any corruption in it can corrupt the overall database. Today, several reasons can lead to this corruption, they are:
- File header corruption
- Storage media corruption where the MDF files get stored
- Presence of the bugs in the disk drivers
- Storing the SQL database in the compressed folders
- Network failure while the database is working
- Any changes in the SQL server account
- Any deletion of data that takes place accidentally
Sudden power failure, hard disk failure, virus attacks, and unexpected system shutdown are a few reasons that lead to SQL corruption. And in such a situation, the SQL database gets inaccessible. And if you want to have access to the corrupt database, there might be various error messages. A few of the error messages are:
- The corruption on the data pages
- The SQL server page-level corruption
- The error 9004 in the SQL server
- Metadata corruption error
- The SQL server table corruption error
There might be other error messages that you can get as and when you intend to open the corrupt SQL database. If you happen to be a database administrator, it is essential to act instantly and work towards SQL repair to avert all possible kinds of loss of data.
How can you check the corruption present in the SQL database?
The primary objective of the Database Administrator is to keep a database available and secure. And in case there is corruption, there might be no sign of an error, but it can make the data unavailable. Hence, the administrator needs to deploy a few tactics to assess the database health and find corruption and errors.
You can run database backup
When you run the database backup procedure, automatically, the CHECKSUM command needs to get included with a backup command. This command will effectively check the database for any kind of corruption and halt the backup if there is any. You need to run this command and check the outcome.
You can run the DBDC CHECKDB command
Simply put, DBBC is the command for running a routine check of your database. It can detect many problems that impact the database. This command will also assess the logical and physical integrity of the database objects such as dependencies, tables, relationships, and triggers. If it locates an issue, it will get highlighted in the outcome with a message error. This message will highlight why the error came up and halted the process from getting completed.
Repairing the corrupt SQL database
Today, you can opt-in for some of the manual solutions for repairing a corrupt SQL database. However, it doesn’t promise complete data recovery.
You have the option to use the log files of the SQL Server that can restore the database. But these files aren’t enough for recovering the database in corruption. When the corruption gets severe, the backup files also get corrupted.
The other way to restore the corrupt SQL database is to use the database console command, that is DBDC CHECKDB and the DBCC DEBREPAIR. It might prove useful for fixing minor SQL database corruption problems, but it isn’t effective for every corruption case. Also, opting in for the database console commands might need specific technical kn0w-how, which can confuse the non-technical users. Hence, high-end third-party software is ideal for recovering and repairing a damaged SQL database.
Today, the market is filled with such solutions that help to address all types of SQL database effectively. Such software solution gets programmed in a way to resolve all kinds of major and minor SQL file corruption problems accurately. It can ensure seamless database recovery within a short time without any data loss. Also, some of the software comes with advanced features. It can enable you to restore various MDF files simultaneously. Irrespective of the database size, these repair tools do the job brilliantly. You can check each solution’s features and read through the customer reviews to arrive at an informed decision. It is always best to opt-in for a repair solution that has provided benefits and ease to many users and has positive reviews.
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