Top Causes of SQL database corruption + Fixes

 A database holds high importance in information management. This structured collection of data helps in the retrieval, management, and modification of useful business records with great efficiency. It also enables data interaction with various applications necessary for the routine functioning of the organizations. This accounts for the need of utmost safety of the databases from intrusion, corruption and other issues. 

Nevertheless, despite stiff measures, it is hard to rule out the possibility of database corruption, which causes businesses to face heavy losses. In this blog, we will dig deeper into the reasons behind the top causes of SQL database corruption followed by their resolution. In addition, we will also discuss the role of third party SQL recovery tools such as Stellar Repair for MS SQL in ensuring complete data recovery in the event of database corruption.

Reasons for SQL database corruption

The more you are aware the better are your chances to prevent corruption in your database. Just to keep you up-to-date, here are some of the common reasons for database damage and their resolution.

1. Hard Drive failure

Problems with hard drives, such as physical destruction or controller issues can cause data inconsistencies and even loss of crucial data. Factors like instant malfunctions or manufacturing defects are among the major factors behind corrupted hard drives. 

Resolution

Safeguard your hard drives from failure by taking regular data backups to cloud or any external device. Alongside, proper ventilation is equally crucial, as it avoids overheating of the hard drives. Keep monitoring their working condition through system tools, and store them at safe places to avert physical wear and tear.

2. Server Reboot

Rebooting a system can deal with only minor issues occurring in the operating system. It cannot resolve database issues if the problem exists in the server. Instead, doing a system reboot will bring your SQL database offline and detect it SUSPECT mode. This will further aggravate the problem, leading to database corruption. Abrupt shutdown also falls in the same category.

Resolution

Try not to reboot your system if your database has stopped working. Using other methods while keeping the system open would be a comparably better approach. If nothing works, an SQL recovery tool can prove helpful. To avert sudden shutdown, use UPS systems.

3. Detach or Reattach database

If your database is not in the working condition, detaching or reattaching it will make the situation even worse. It can corrupt your attached database and send it to recovery pending state. At times, if you detach the attached database, it will fail to reattach. Moreover, you cannot detach a replicated and published database. If there exists a database snapshot on the database, you cannot detach it either.

Resolution

Do not detach or attach database in case of a non-working SQL database. If you have no other option left, make sure to have a recent healthy backup. Likewise, if you have to move your database files, always ensure to have their copy before proceeding. 

The best step would be to avoid moving the files. in case of snapshots on the database, drop all the snapshots before you detach it. Likewise, if you have a replicated and published database, disable publishing before going ahead.

4. Software bugs

Often, application codes or DBMS software interacting with the database have bugs. This can lead to data inconsistences, causing database corruption. Application codes can cause unnecessary data manipulations, making the database structure and records corrupt and unstable. At times, several bugs such as Memory Corruption Bugs, file system bugs, vendor-specific bugs, etc.,  go undetected resulting in silent corruption of SQL database. 

Resolution 

To reduce the database corruption risks because of software bugs, you should adopt proper measures. For instance: 

• Implement validation checks on input and output data.
• Use error-correcting codes, hashes and checksums to keep a check on data redundancy
• Keep detailed log of all the database operations to diagnose corruption as and when it occurs
• Software testing methods such as edge-case and stress testing can mitigate the corruption issues
• Regular database backups ensure satisfying data recovery in case of database corruption.

5. Malware Intrusion

With cyber attacks becoming a norm, databases also run the risk of facing severe virus attacks. Malicious software intruding into the databases can result in significant data loss. Once your database falls prey to these attacks, it becomes a daunting task to recover from the situation quickly.

Resolution

To avoid hackers inject viruses into your system and damage databases, keep changing the password of your system regularly. Avoid using unnecessary functionalities to prevent them from hacking. A web application firewall can also prove beneficial in protecting the SQL database form intrusion. Besides, regular software updates and system scanning for viruses and malware work actively in combatting security breaches.

6. Using Repair Commands

Database console commands, such as DBCC CHECKDB and DBCC REPAIR can fix SQL database corruption. Nevertheless, using them excessively or with wrong repair options can cause even more damage to your databases. At times, it leads to permanent loss of data, bringing your business to a standstill.

Resolution

To use DBCC CHECKDB and DBCC REPAIR commands, you must have in-depth technical knowledge and sound practical experience of using the commands. If you have limited technical knowledge, do not try this option or assign it to someone having penetrating knowledge of SQL commands. Be aware that this method can work only to deal with minor level SQL database corruption. In case of a severe issue, you should rely on advanced methods for SQL recovery. 

Recovery from SQL database corruption with Stellar Repair for MS SQL 

Knowing about several causes for database corruption is crucial, as it helps to tackle the issues with better preparation. Often, despite strict measures, database damage becomes inevitable, leaving you clueless. Manual methods for SQL database recovery may not prove much effective in any such instance. Instead, experienced DBAs recommend using automated third-party software to remedy this situation. This is where Stellar Repair for MS SQL can make a big difference. 

Issues that Stellar Repair for MS SQL can resolve 

This SQL recovery software is beneficial in dealing with several issues arising in the databases:

• Incidents like malware intrusion, hardware failure or server crash cause database corruption, turning it inaccessible.
• Damaged file, missing or corrupt log file has brought the database in ‘Suspect Mode’
• Commands like DBCC CHECKDB REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS do not work and lead to data loss

All these conditions of SQL database corruption need keen attention for  prompt resolution. Stellar Repair for MS SQL can work actively to resolve these issues. 

Features of Stellar Repair for MS SQL

Here are more reasons to prefer this software over others for SQL database recovery

• Performs SQL recovery with least possible downtime
• Repairs and recovers corrupt MDF and NDF files
• Extracts data from corrupted backup files(Technician version)
• Supports SQL 2022, 2019, and all the previous versions
• Recovers missing or deleted records from the corrupt database
• Allows to do selective recovery of SQL database items
• Scans the corrupt SQL database file and can save scan report
• Option to save the recovered data into Live Database or new database 
• Saves the recovered data in multiple file formats, like CSV, XLS, and HTML
• Recommended by Microsoft MVPs

Buy SQL database recovery software today

Investing in this SQL recovery software will set you free from the hassles of SQL database corruption. Ahead of manual ways, it resolves the database issues quickly and efficiently. To scan and preview the recoverable database objects, download the free trial version today. 

To repair corrupt database files and recover the contained objects, you can buy any of the following editions of Stellar Repair for MS SQL:

• Corporate
• Technician
• Toolkit

To know more about this SQL recovery software or to buy it, connect with the Stellar representatives today. 

Conclusion

SQL database corruption can cause severe issues in the working of your business. The need is hence to know the underlying causes and resolve them at the earliest. Several reasons can lead to database damage, such as hardware failure, software bugs, technical glitches, unnecessary use of SQL repair commands, server reboot or abrupt shutdown, etc. 

Being aware of these issues helps to combat them and ensure smooth functioning of your business. However, despite adopting all the necessary measures,  you cannot rule out the possibility SQL database corruption in entirety. 

Manual methods may prove incompetent to resolve these corruption issues, prompting  you to rely on automated third party SQL recovery tools. Stellar Repair for MS SQL is bankable software in this context. Buy this software today and create a solid defense of your database against corruption.