Do’s and Don’ts to Prevent SQL Database from Corruption

Common Causes of SQL Database Corruption

SQL Server is a leading database application. Businesses use the SQL Server to manage information like customer details and product designs. However, it’s common for users to face SQL Database accessibility errors. This can be due to various reasons like database corruption or others.

Before we find a solution to get this fixed, here are the probable causes of SQL Server database corruption:

• Hardware Failure.
• Bugs in SQL server.
• An abrupt system shuts down while the database opens.
• Changes in SQL account.
• Upgrading SQL Server from previous versions to newer ones.

So, now you know what causes SQL Server database corruption. When you try to interact with corrupt data in the Database, the following error messages can also be displayed:

• SQL Server Page Level Corruption.
• SQL Server Table Corruption Error.
• Corruption on non-clustered indexes.
• Msg 823 error in SQL Server.
• Database consistency errors reported by DBCC CHECKDB.
• Corruption on data pages.
• Metadata corruption Error.
• Msg 824 (I/O error) in SQL Server.
• Msg 825 (read retry) in SQL Server.

This will help you better understand the SQL Server Database corruption. Now, let us discuss some preventive measures to stop this issue.

How to Prevent SQL Server Database from Corruption?

To prevent SQL Server database corruption, here are some suggested measures that you should and should not take. Also, if somehow your SQL Server database is already corrupted, then follow the third measure which is to use professional recovery software.

Do’s to Prevent SQL Database from Corruption

1. Consistent Backup- Always create a backup of SQL Database files. If by any chance your database file gets corrupted, you can easily restore it from the backups. This maintains continuity in the process although you face any kind of problem in the middle of your business.
2. Add Cron Jobs- Another way to maintain database security is to use Cron Jobs. In this, you can schedule the time and repair anomalies in the database automatically. You just have to define the time intervals and the job will be done automatically.
3. Systematic Updates- Time-to-time updates of the SQL server are very necessary. You must update the database whenever any new version is introduced. You must create scripts to identify queries about the slow running of the Database. Sometimes the lag in speed can also make the SQL Database corrupted.
4. Avoid Forced Shutdown- Many users close the SQL database server in the middle of the saving process so this is the major cause of corruption. You must wait for the system to complete the whole process and then after that close the file. Also, see that no one is still connected to the server.
5. Regular Checking of Disk Space and File Size- In the beginning, the file size is not an issue. But once the server gets crowded with MDF files then there are chances that the SQL Server can get corrupted. So regular cleaning of the unwanted files on the server is mandatory otherwise you have to face the consequences.
6. Check Hardware and Software Regularly– Servicing hardware at regular intervals of time can avoid hardware failures and bug errors. Thus ultimately this prevents SQL Database Corruption. Keep an eye on the software as well because external viruses and malware can make the SQL server corrupted.

Don’ts to Prevent Database from Corruption in SQL Servers

1. Never Restart SQL Server– Everyone believes that by restarting any device all the issues can be fixed but every time it doesn’t work. If the SQL Server is unable to open and you restart it, then there are chances that your whole data on the server may get corrupted. So please avoid restarting the SQL database during corruption.
2. Avoid Updates during Corruption– Sometimes you might think that the updates will resolve the corruption but things will not work accordingly. Ultimately it will increase your problem and lead to severe corruption of the SQL database. The old file will also become incompatible with the higher version
3. Don’t use the Repair Option repeatedly– The DBCC CHECKDB option helps you to repair the SQL Database server but it can also lead to the loss of some crucial data. If you have good knowledge about this option then only apply it on the damaged SQL Server otherwise don’t use it blindly.
4. Never Close SQL Server Forcefully- If you find that the SQL server is corrupted then never try to shut it down forcefully. This can lead to a major loss of data which can never be restored by any means. I know users panic and try to close it but please avoid doing so.

Use Professional Recovery Software

SysInfo SQL Database Server Recovery is a Windows-based utility to recover your data from corrupted MS SQL database files. In addition, you can recover tables, indexes, keys, rules, constraints, triggers, and defaults using the software.

Some prominent features of this tool are as follows:

• The tool supports Recovery from both MDF & NDF Files.
• Standard and Advanced Recovery Mode to recover corrupt files.
• Once the data is recovered, one can preview the recovered database.
• It also supports all significant SQL Server table Compressions.
• Allows to save recovered data: Save as SQL Database and SQL Scripts.
• It also assists to fix SQL Server Database 5171 error.

Conclusion

Hence, this is how you can make your SQL server corruption-free. You must avoid the mentioned ‘Don’ts’ to avoid SQL server corruption. Following the do’s and don’ts will help you to prevent database corruption in SQL servers. Furthermore, if ever your SQL server files get corrupted, use professional SQL Server Database Recovery Software. This tool is one of the best utilities to recover server databases inappropriately.

About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.