Repair Corrupted Database in SQL Server: Complete Guide
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Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
November 13th, 2025 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: My SQL Server database has become corrupted. And I can’t access my important data. I’ve tried to restore the backup, but it’s not working. Is there any reliable method to repair corrupted database in SQL Server and recover all data safely?
Summary: Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most widely used database management systems for storing and organizing data. However, database corruption in SQL Server is a common issue caused by unexpected shutdowns, hardware failure, or system crashes. When the database becomes corrupted, users may face errors like “Database cannot be opened. It is in the middle of a restore.” Here, we’ll discuss the manual solutions as well as a professional DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool that helps you repair damage database in SQL.
Understanding Repair Damaged or Corrupted SQL Database File:
SQL Server stores data in two main files: MDF (Primary Database File) and NDF (Secondary Database File). When corruption occurs, these files become inaccessible or unreadable, which leads to issues like:
- Database not opening or showing errors.
- Missing or damaged tables and records.
- Additionally, inability to perform queries or backup operations.
Simple Steps to Repair Corrupted Database In SQL
- Run the DRS SQL Repair Tool.
- Click on Open to add SQL files.
- Choose Recovery Modes. Click OK.
- Preview all the recovered SQL files.
- Finally, click Save & choose Saving Formats.
Common Causes of SQL Database Corruption:
- Sudden power failure or improper shutdown.
- Hardware or disk failure.
- Bad sectors on the storage device.
- Incomplete SQL Server updates.
- Virus or malware attacks.
- Furthermore, faulty network or driver issues.
Manual Method to Repair Corrupted Database In SQL
The manual method to repair a corrupted database in SQL involves using built-in SQL Server utilities like DBCC CHECKDB and database restore options. These methods help identify and fix minor corruption issues without external tools. However, they require technical knowledge and are not always effective for severely damaged databases.
Method 01: Use the DBCC Command to Fix Corrupted Database In SQL
SQL Server provides a built-in tool called DBCC CHECKDB, which checks the logical and physical integrity of the database. Here is how you can perform it:
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- Firstly, launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
- Then, connect to your database. Run this command to check for errors:
- DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’);
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- Now, to repair minor corruption, use:
- DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’, REPAIR_REBUILD);
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- For severe corruption, use:
- DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);
Note: The REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS command may lead to loss of some data. Always take a backup before running this command.
Method 02: Restore Database to Repair Corrupted Database In SQL
If you have a healthy backup of your SQL database, restoring it is the simplest solution. Follow these simple steps:
- Primarily, open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
- Afterwards, right-click on Databases → Restore Database.
- Further, browse and select your backup file (.bak).
- In the end, click OK to start the restoration.
Professional Solution to Repair Corrupted Database In SQL
If your SQL server is highly corrupted, you can use the reliable DRS SQL Repair Tool. This tool allows you to repair corrupted/damaged MDF and NDF database files. Designed with a user-friendly interface, every user can easily use it without needing any technical expertise. Furthermore, this tool helps to fix several SQL Database corruption Errors. Maintains the original data formatting, structure, and metadata during the entire recovery.
One-Time Service Available
If you don’t want to install the software, DRS Softech also offers a One-Time Database Repair Service. You can share your corrupted SQL files securely with the technical team, and they’ll recover all your data safely and accurately. Our experts make sure:
- No data loss during or after recovery.
- Full data integrity maintained.
- Moreover, 100% privacy and confidentiality.
Real-Life Scenario:
A database administrator faced corruption in a 20 GB SQL Server database after a sudden power failure. The DRS team used the SQL Database Recovery Tool and successfully restored all tables, triggers, and stored procedures within hours without losing a single record.
How to Repair Damage Database In SQL Using a Tool?
- First, download and install the DRS SQL Recovery Tool.
- Click on Open to add your corrupted/damaged SQL file.
- Then, choose Recovery Modes and other options. Click OK.
- After that, you can preview all your recovered SQL files.
- Finally, click Save and choose different saving formats.
Why Use DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool?
- This tool gives 100% accurate data recovery.
- Maintains complete data privacy and safety.
- User-friendly interface: suitable for beginners and professionals.
- Offers one-time purchase and secure payment options.
- Free demo version available to preview recovered data before saving.
Conclusion
In this technical blog post, we explored several methods to repair corrupted database in SQL. While manual methods like DBCC CHECKDB and database restore may fix minor issues, they often fail with severe corruption or missing backups. In such cases, using the DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool is the safest and most effective choice. It not only restores damaged MDF and NDF files but also ensures complete data integrity without any loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: SQL database corruption can occur due to multiple reasons, such as sudden system shutdowns, power failures, bad sectors on the hard drive, virus attacks, or incomplete SQL Server updates. Hardware malfunctions and storage device issues are also common causes.
Ans: You can repair a corrupted SQL database using a professional tool like DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool for complete and safe data restoration.
Ans: Yes, the DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool can recover deleted records along with other database objects such as tables, triggers, functions, and stored procedures without altering the original structure.
Ans: To prevent SQL database corruption, regularly back up your database, use reliable hardware, avoid abrupt shutdowns, and keep your SQL Server and operating system updated. Using UPS power backup and monitoring database health regularly also helps prevent corruption issues.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.
