SQL database errors are a nightmare for IT geeks, as they typically interfere with important operations. Since MS SQL is extensively used, this serves as a backbone for the majority of important operations. Due to a power outage or server crash with improperly configured updates, it can display an error, “Cannot Recover MS SQL Database.” In this blog, we will discuss why this occurs, along with a simple guide towards resolving this. Both manual recovery methods and the professional MailConverterTools SQL Database Recovery Tool will be covered. It can repair MS SQL database successfully to provide data integrity and less downtime.

What Causes the MS SQL Database to Corrupt?

Microsoft SQL Server databases get corrupted for one reason or another. The corruption may be anything from slight discrepancies in the database to serious structural damage. Here are the frequent causes of MS SQL database corruption:

  • Hard disk drive failures, such as bad sectors, may cause data corruption.
  • Sudden power failure or power surges may interrupt SQL Server processes in the course of writing.
  • Sometimes, database corruption is caused by bugs or flaws in the SQL Server itself.
  • When the SQL Server or the server running the SQL Server is terminated improperly.
  • When an application using SQL Server crashes.
  • Poor locking and transaction management could result in deadlock issues.
  • When SQL Server runs out of disk space while writing to the database.
  • High levels of fragmentation in the database files can enhance the likelihood of corruption.
  • Malware or viruses that infect the server on which SQL Server is running can lead to database corruption.
  • Data corruption can be caused by accidental deletion of database objects or improper SQL queries.

How Do I Recover a Corrupted SQL Database?

To fetch the SQL database, we execute multiple ways, including manual ways and professional ways. Execute each way carefully to minimize any possibility of loss of data or data breach.

Manual Methods to Repair Microsoft SQL Server

Corrupted Microsoft SQL Server database repair using manual techniques includes several methods, which are based on the type and severity of corruption. In the following, I'll explain all the manual techniques in detail, which you can use to repair a Microsoft SQL Server database.

1. Repair MS SQL Database Using DBCC CHECKDB

DBCC CHECKDB is the most powerful and widely used command to verify the integrity of a SQL Server database. It also offers repair options for some forms of corruption.

Steps:

  1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on your system to execute the job.
  2. After that, run the below command to scan the database:

DBCC CHECKDB ('DatabaseName') WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS;

This command will scan the entire database for any integrity problems, such as table and index corruption, page allocation problems, and other internal errors.
  1. Then, read the error message displayed to know the level of corruption.

Note: If corruption is found, DBCC CHECKDB will report errors and provide information about what needs to be repaired.

  1. Now, execute the corresponding repair command to fix the corruption of the database:

REPAIR_REBUILD: Fixes minor corruption without data loss.

DBCC CHECKDB ('DatabaseName', REPAIR_REBUILD);

ALTER DATABASE DatabaseName SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;

DBCC CHECKDB ('DatabaseName', REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);

ALTER DATABASE DatabaseName SET MULTI_USER;

2. Repair MS SQL Database From Backup

Using a backup to restore a database would be the most dependable means of recovering the database from data loss or corruption. The process entails recovering the database by offering it a backup file in place of the corrupt one, hence restoring it to a functional state.

Steps:

  1. Firstly, locate the most recent full backup, differential backup, and transaction log backup for the database.
  2. Next, open SSMS and go to the object explorer.
  3. After that, select Tasks > Restore > Database.
  4. Under the restore and database option, choose the functional backup file.
  5. Then, choose the start option to begin the restore process. 
  6. In the last, verify the functionality of your restored database by running DBCC CHECKDB.

OR

  1. Firstly, locate the most recent full backup, differential backup, and transaction log backup for the database.
  2. Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or T-SQL to restore the database from the backup.

RESTORE DATABASE YourDatabaseName

FROM DISK = ‘Path_to_your_backup.bak'

WITH REPLACE;
  1. After restoring the necessary backups, bring the database online using:

RESTORE DATABASE YourDatabaseName WITH RECOVERY;

3. Repair MS SQL Database Using Emergency Mode

If the database is in suspect or emergency mode and you cannot open it normally, you may set it to EMERGENCY mode, under which you can still do repair work even on a highly damaged database.

Steps:

  1. First, open SSMS on your system and execute the following command on the query panel:

ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET EMERGENCY;
  1. After that, execute the command to set the database to single-user mode:

ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET SINGLE_USER;



This ensures no other connections are interfering with the repair process.
  1. Now, run DBCC CHECKDB in Emergency Mode using the following command:

DBCC CHECKDB ('YourDatabaseName', REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);
  1. After successfully repairing the database using the DBCC CHECKDB, set your database back to multi-user mode.

ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET MULTI_USER;
  1. In the end, verify the database's integrity.

4. Repair MS SQL Database by Exporting Data

A working database is a good method to save useful information while reducing the impact of corruption. This procedure is done by establishing a new database instance and transferring available data from the corrupted database.

Steps:

  1. Begin by making a new database within SSMS.
  2. Then to export data, utilize the Export option. 
  3. For this, proceed to the tasks option and choose the export data option.
  4. Then, choose the corrupted database and the new database.
  5. Now, move all the schemas of the databases.
  6. At the end, check all the tables, data, and queries to minimize the likelihood of error.

The above methods encompass different approaches to fixing a SQL Server database from a corrupted state manually. The selection of methods is based primarily on the nature of corruption and available resources (e.g., backups). Ensure you have the latest backup in place and test methods for repair in a non-production environment before implementing them in a live environment.

Instant Solution to Repair MS SQL Database

The SQL database recovery software is a top-rated log file reading and database file recovery software. It recovers damaged transaction log files by reading LDF files and extracting valuable data. With advanced features for enhanced performance, it offers an intuitive and interactive user interface. In addition to this, this application also fixes MDF files in SQL. This is convenient for virtually any user to look at and study log file content. It presents a convenient SQL Server transaction log management solution.

Easy Steps to Repair MS SQL Server Database

  1. First, download and install the  SQL Database Recovery on your Windows computer.
  2. Now, go ahead and click on the Open option to include the SQL database that indicated an error.
  3. Then, navigate to the MDF file of the damaged database.
  4. Next, select the correct recovery mode to repair the server error.
  5. Finally, click on the Save SQL Data button to save the restored data.

Conclusion

It shows up whenever the MDF file becomes corrupt, then MS SQL is unable to access the database files. It also doesn't permit users to perform activities on SQL. Now, the question is how to repair MS SQL database. Users panicked if they didn't know the correct pathway to resolve pending SQL recovery issues. The users can recover the SQL server by choosing the above-discussed professional solution approach in such a way that the SQL error can be easily resolved.