MS SQL Server is the most preferred database application in this technical world, where every user uses it on a daily basis. SQL Server databases use two types of files – MDF File also known as primary database file which stores all the database information including tables, triggers, functions, stored procedures, and much more data. On the other hand, LDF or Log Database File is a supporting file that keeps track of all the changes made in the database and stores all the transaction logs for the main data file.
These files play a very crucial role to ensure uninterrupted operations of the database. But there are some situations due to which SQL database files becomes damaged and all data stored in it is inaccessible. If you are dealing with such an issue then, read this article carefully and get the right method to recover data from damaged SQL Server database files in a perfect way.
Do you know,
Why SQL Database files get damaged?
There are several factors that are responsible for the damaged MDF file. All the core reasons are mentioned below, have a look at it and prevent the database files from damage.
- Corruption in the file header
- Accidental deletion of the data
- Power outage or network failure
- Modification in SQL Server account
- SQL database files are stored in compressed folder
- Issues in disk drivers
- Bugs in software
- Interruption with any installed software
After knowing the reasons of damaged SQL database, let’s explore the methods to troubleshoot this problem.
Methods to Recover data from damaged SQL Server Database files
You can use the manual technique to repair damaged or corrupted MDF file in SQL Server. But this is not a reliable approach because there is no guarantee of complete data recovery using manual approach. However, there is a reliable third-party tool that claim to recover data from damaged MDF files in an easy manner.
So let’s get started,
Recover Data from Corrupt MDF File Using Manual Method
There are multiple inbuilt tools available in SQL Server which are helpful for damaged database recovery. Follow the steps to repair data from damaged or corrupted MDF file.
- Run DBCC CHECKDB on the corrupt SQL database by executing the following query:
DBCC CHECKDB (Name_of_corrupt_database)
- After that, check the index ID.
Case 1. If index ID > 1, then drop it and create it again.
Case 2. If index ID is either 0 or 1, then run DBCC CHECKDB again with the appropriate repair options such as-
DBCC CHECK (name_of_corrupt_database, repair_fast)
DBCC CHECK (name_of_corrupt_database, repair_rebuild)
DBCC CHECK (name_of_corrupt_database, repair_allow_data_loss)
Professional Method to recover data from damaged SQL database Files
The above-mentioned solution might be tricky for novice users as it uses more technical terms that might require a little technical knowledge to understand. In such situations it is better to go with a reliable third-party tool i.e. SysTools SQL Recovery.
It is a brilliant utility that can recover data from corrupt and damaged SQL database files with ease. Being an advanced solution this software can easily repair corrupt MDF as well as NDF files without damaging the original data. The interface of the software is so easy that a novice user can also use it without any technical assistance.
Follow the steps to recover data from damaged MDF File
Step 1. Download and Run the software in your system. Click on Add to open damaged MDF file.
Step 2. Choose Scan Mode and select the SQL Server version of damaged MDF file.
Step 3. The software will provide a preview of all data items stored in damaged the MDF file.
Step 4. Now, click on Export to save the recovered data.
Wrapping Up:
The above article suggests all the possible ways to recover data from damaged SQL Server database files efficiently.
Now, users can use any of the above methods according to their need. If in case user cannot repair their damaged MDF file manually then they can use the professional utility as it provides 100% assurance of the successful results. By using the demo edition of the software, users can check the performance and capabilities of the software before purchasing its licensed version for further use.
