Free Methods to Repair MDF Files in SQL Server

 

MDF file is the backbone of the SQL database as it includes the schema and data of the database. When it gets corrupt, then no one can make any update to the database. Other reasons are also there behind this MDF file corruption as follows:

Reasons for MDF File Corruption in SQL Server:

In a SQL Server database, there may be various possible reasons behind corruption. As everyone knows, the primary database files in a SQL database are the MDF files. They store all the user data so manipulation can corrupt the entire database in MDF files. Some other reasons are:

• Presence of a Third-party drivers or software bug in the SQL server layer
• Any hardware faults in Disk, Controller, CPU, or Memory Module.
• Microsoft software bugs.
• Infected disk drivers.
• Technical defects inside hard drives or other server-connected storage devices
• Inappropriate shutdown of device due to power failure.
• Virus infection on server.

So if the MDF file is corrupted, then the SQL database is unavailable. Besides all this, there are several other error messages a user may experience when accessing a compromised SQL database. Thus, the database administrator is responsible for doing something instantly and avoiding some form of data loss. So, let’s look at the freeways for resolving the issue.

Also Read- Convert MDF to SQL Script

Manual Methods to Repair MDF File SQL Server:

There is a free solution for repairing corrupt MDF files as follows:

Using the DBCC CHECKDB command:

Run DBCC CHECKDB on the corrupt SQL database by implementing the query below:

DBCC CHECKDB (Name_of _corrupt _database)

Note: Also, you can specify other choices, such as no_infomsgs and infomsgs with DBCC CHECKDB.

Then, test the index ID.

Scenario 1: If you see index ID > 1, then drop it and make it again.

Scenario 2: If you see index ID is either 0 or 1, then run DBCC CHECKDB again using the accurate repair options like repair_rebuild, repair_fast, or repair_allow_data_loss.

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)

Now, execute DBCC CHECKDB to ensure zero corruption and a message appears:

DBCC CHECKDB shows 0 errors of allocation and 0 errors of consistency name_of_your_corrupt_database.

Manual solutions aren’t always a tireless approach. They may have other limitations like manual fails very easily in case of severely corrupted MDF file. Additionally, a manual solution requires technical knowledge. It is therefore recommended that you use some accurate third-party software to repair a corrupted SQL database.

Use the SQL Database Recovery Utility to instant MDF file recovery. It is easy to use and does not require any technical experience. It offers a high precision recovery of file items including tables, views, stored procedures, programmability, triggers, default and functions. SQL Server database restores damaged MDF and NDF files. Without wasting any time, you can swiftly perform MDF file recovery using this tool.

Conclusion

SQL Server is used all over the world but users face some issues with its MDF files. So, free methods to repair MDF file in SQL Server are described in detail. A risk free method also explained for secure recovery within a few minutes. So, use any one of the ways of your choice. Hope you like this post.