How to Repair Corrupt SQL Backup File in 7 Steps- Fast & Secure

SQL Server backups are important to protect your data and prevent data loss. However, corruption in SQL backup files can occur due to various reasons such as hardware failures, network issues, or software bugs. If you’re dealing with a corrupt SQL backup file, it’s essential to repair it quickly to avoid data loss. In this blog, we will explain the methods to repair corrupt SQL backup files, including the SQL Database Recovery Tool. The given methods ensure your data is restored without compromising integrity.

Top Reasons Why SQL Backup Corruption Happens?

There are several reasons associated with a corrupted SQL file. Some of the key reasons are as follows:

• Hard drive issues or sudden power outages can lead to incomplete or corrupted backups.
• Interruption during the backup process due to network problems can result in corrupt files.
• Errors in the file system or storage media can make backup files unreadable or incomplete.

Methods to Fix Corrupted SQL Server Backup File

Here, we listed different troubleshooting methods to restore a corrupt SQL database file. Just go through all the methods individually and pick the best one based on your requirements. 

Method 01: Restore SQL Database from Backup BAK File by Using SSMS 

If the corruption is minor, then SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) provides built-in tools to restore backup files. Here’s how to perform the repair process:

1. Firstly, Open SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance.
2. Now, click on Database and select Restore Database.
3. Afterward, choose Device and locate the corrupted backup file.
4. If the corruption is not severe, SSMS will successfully restore the database.

Important Note: This method works only for minor corruption. If the corruption is significant, you may not be able to restore the database fully.

Method 02: Repair Corrupt SQL Backup File by Using the T-SQL

You can use the T-SQL RESTORE command with additional options, such as the NORECOVERY option, to try restoring the backup in case of minor corruption.

Firstly, Open SQL CMD and run the following command:

RESTORE DATABASE [DatabaseName] FROM DISK = ‘C:\Backup\BackupFile.bak’WITH NORECOVERY;

Method 03: Repair Corruption by Using DBCC CHECKDB  

DBCC CHECKDB is an SQL Server command that can help you identify and repair database corruption. However, this only works when the database itself is corrupt, not the backup file. Here is how to perform:

1. First, connect the corrupted database to SQL Server.
2. Run the following T-SQL command to check for corruption.

DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’) WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS;

3. If corruption is detected, use the following command to repair it:

DBCC CHECKDB (‘DatabaseName’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);

Note: This method doesn’t work directly to repair a corrupted backup file but is useful when the issue lies within the database itself.

Method 04: Reliable Way to Restore Corrupt SQL Backup File Database

For severe cases of SQL corruption, the MS SQL Recovery Tool is often the best solution. It is used to repair damaged .bak files and recover data objects like tables, triggers, functions, etc. Moreover, it provides two recovery modes, Standard/Advanced, for better repairing and restoring the damaged data. Apart from that, helpful to preserve the original formatting and structure during recovery. Follow the given steps to repair your SQL data file with ease: 

Simple Steps to Repair Corrupt SQL Backup File:

1. Firstly, launch the MS SQL Recovery Tool on your device.
2. Now, click on Open to add corrupted SQL file.
3. After that, select the Recovery Mode either Standard or Advanced.
4. Further, apply optional features based on your requirements. Click OK.
5. Then, preview & select the file/folders that you want to recover.
6. Click on the Save and choose Save Format as per your need.
7. Finally, click on OK to complete the recovery process.

Exclusive Features of Using this Tool:

• Ability to recover both MDF & NDF corrupted SQL files.
• Offers dual recovery modes for fast recovery.
• Simple interface, easy to understand and operate.
• Option to store the schema or the data and schema.
• Also, highly compatible with all Windows OS.

Conclusion

Repairing a corrupted backup file can be difficult, but with the right approach, you can repair corrupt SQL Backup files efficiently. If you are using the manual method or a recommended tool to repair for MS SQL, it’s essential to choose the method according to the level of corruption and data recovery needs. Additionally, always ensure you maintain regular and reliable backups to prevent future data loss.

Related Post: Restore SQL Database.

FAQ

Q1. How to recover a corrupt SQL .bak file?

Ans: Follow the below steps to recover a corrupt SQL Backup File:

1. Firstly, launch the SQL Recovery Tool as an admin.
2. Now, click on Open to add the corrupted file.
3. Select Recovery Mode and opt for features. Click OK.
4. After that, Preview & select the file. Click on Save.
5. Lastly, select the saving format and press OK.

Q2. Is it possible to preview the content before saving it?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to preview the content of recovered corrupted SQL files by using the MS SQL Database Recovery Tool. It allows users to view the different database components. 

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