Looking for a quick solution to repair corrupted SQL server database files? Are you unable to find a reliable solution to perform this? If so, then relax! there is nothing to worry about it! We are here to help you out in getting an effective way to repair SQL Server MDF file. So without any doubt, stick to the post till the end and troubleshoot your need easily. Before jumping to the solution part, let us take a quick overview of SQL database files.
Introduction
MS SQL Server uses different files to store the data – MDF (primary database file), NDF (secondary database file), and LDF (transaction log file).
MDF is the main data file of SQL Server that contains all database information such as Indexes, Functions, Views, Tables, Triggers, and Stored Procedures, and other essential information of the database. It is also known as the primary data file of the Server. Being the main storage file of the server, it stores complete data and each database in SQL Server must have at least one MDF file that’s why it is considered as the main element for administering the SQL database.
Whereas NDF is a secondary data file of Microsoft SQL Server with .ndf file extension. Whenever the size of the database file is reached to its final storage limit, you can use the .ndf file for extra storage. The last one is LDF or Log file, it stores all transactional logs and changes made to the database by every transaction. And damage or corruption in any of the files can make the database inaccessible.
Reason for SQL Database file Corruption
Here we have mentioned some factors that are responsible for the corruption in the SQL Server database. The most common factors are given below:-
- Due to several reasons, SQL Server database files get corrupt and the most prominent ones are:
- If the database files are stored in a compressed folder, then there are more chances of corruption.
- If there is corruption in storage media where files are stored then it also leads to corruption in the database.
- Any unnecessary modifications are done in the SQL Server account.
- Accidental deletion of important data
- Defected disk drivers are also responsible for the corrupt database.
- If the database is in use and there is a network failure in between then it also leads to corruption.
- Other main reasons are virus infection, hard disk failure, abrupt shutdown, and sudden power outage, etc.
In the following segment, you will learn two different tricks to repair corrupted SQL Server database files. One is the automated approach chosen by the experts and another is a manual approach. So let’s dive into the solution part to fix this issue.
Free Method to Repair Corrupted SQL Server Database
You can use this manual method to repair your database but, this is not an effective approach. It can look for minor issues. To perform this, you need to run the following command on the corrupt database of the SQL Server.
DBCC CHECKDB (Database_Name)
The command will run and as the result, you need to check the index ID.
- If you get index ID>1, then skip it and run the command again.
- If you find the ID is either 0 or 1, you need to run the command again by using an appropriate repair option like i.e. repair_rebuild, repair_fast, repair_allow_data_loss.
The syntax to run the commands –
- DBCC CHECK (name of corrupt database, repair_fast)
- Type: DBCC CHECK (name of corrupt database, repair_rebuild)
- DBCC CHECK (name of corrupt database, repair_allow_data_loss)
Professional way to repair corrupted SQL server database Files
The above-mentioned steps are found to be very complex for non-technical or novice users as it uses complicated terms that might require great technical knowledge to execute. If you want a simple and easy solution to repair SQL Server data then it is better to go with an advanced third-party tool i.e. SQL Repair Tool.
It is a marvelous program that can repair corrupt, damaged inaccessible database components such as tables, views, functions, stored procedures, indexes, triggers, etc. in an easy manner. Not only this, but It also has the ability to recover deleted data from SQL Database files.
This application is an ideal solution for successfully repairing and restoring the SQL Server databases. Even if you don’t have any technical knowledge or experience you can still recover your database effectively using the application. And the best thing about this is that you can download its free trial version for the prior evaluation.
Steps to repair corrupted SQL Server database files
Step 1 – Download the Tool
Install ad launch it, then click on Open to choose the corrupt database MDF file to recover data from.
Step 2- Chose Scan mode
Select either Quick mode or Advance mode as per the level of database corruption. And check the Recover Deleted checkbox to recover deleted data.
Step 3- Preview Database
After completion of the scanning process, preview the recovered data on the software interface, and from the top hit the Export button.
Step 4- Choose the Export option
Select an export option to save the data (SQL Server Database, SQL Server compatible script, and CSV file format). If you choose the SQL Server Database option then users need to provide valid users credentials.
Step 5- Click on Export/Save
Here, choose export data either only with schema or with schema and data. In the end, click on the Export button to finalize the process.
Why to Choose this Automated Tool?
This advanced software is equipped with several advanced features that are mentioned below:
- Recovers table data and other components of SQL Server database from both MDF & NDF Files.
- Recover and restore permanently deleted tables, table records, rules, triggers, stored procedures, functions, indexes, and so on easily or without losing a bit of data.
- Users can export either complete or selective database components into a live SQL Server Database, as SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts, or into CSV file format.
- Once the data is repaired successfully the tool provides a preview of all the data of MDF database file, and deleted items will be shown in red color for easy recognition.
- The program has capabilities to scan and repair MDF (Primary database) and NDF (secondary database) files with no file size restrictions.
- The tool can repair and restore data from corrupted MDF files from SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, and the other versions.
- Also the application has an automated detection feature for determining the version of the SQL database MDF file. Or you can select the version of your MDF file manually.
- Using the tool users can export the repaired data to into an existing database or as a new database without any hassle.
Final Say:
After reading the above blog, now we know how to repair corrupted SQL Server database files. However, there are several limitations associated with the manual method such as it is unable to repair multiple corrupted MDF files, requires great technical knowledge, a very time-taken process, and high chances of data loss. Besides, we have also mentioned the best and finest solution to resolve all these manual interventions. By using the suggested utility users can recover SQL Server data without any hindrance. The tool is highly efficient to use and it offers a simple GUI to its users.