Software Review - Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair

Introduction

While the database is in Suspect mode, no transactions are possible till it gets repaired. There can be a number of reasons due to which SQL database is marked as SUSPECT. These reasons include faulty hardware components, inappropriate shutdown, missing transaction log, malware attack, corruption in transaction log file, application crash and much more.

I came through the same situation where SQL Database turned to the SUSPECT mode. Analyzing the error log helped me to detect the actual reason behind the cause. This sometimes helps to bring the database to the online mode efficiently. To resolve this issue, initially, it requires changing the status of the database to EMERGENCY mode to gain read-only access as a DBA.

After doing this, I tried executing DBCC CHECKDB for executing logical and physical integrity checks. Further, repair_rebuild and repair_allow_data_loss were executed for SQL repair operation. However, during the initial attempt to gain access to the database tables, I realized that some content is missing.

Probability: Executing DBCC_CHECKDB with repair_allow_data_loss might have resulted in loss of data components and, sometime DECC CHECKDB with REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS is not working.

Read here the complete article on this problem: http://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/dbcc-chekcdb-repair-allow-data-loss-not-working/

Since no recent backup is available, all deleted records need to be recovered. Then I decided to deploy Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair tool with the hope to get data recovered. The tool is known to integrate the following features:

     1. Repairs damaged MDF and NDF database files
     2. Recovers deleted records
     3. Recovers SQL tables, queries, rules, indexes, keys, defaults and triggers
     4. Recovers selective data from the selected database file
     5. Saves recovered files as HTML, MS SQL, CSV and XLS file formats
     6. Supports SQL Server 2016\ 2014\ 2012\ 2008 and lower versions

What does SQL Database Repair Tool Offer?

Since database encounters data loss after being recovered from the SUSPECT mode, the MS SQL database repair software was initiated for repairing the corrupt data. The performance of the tool is quite surprising as it recovered maximum contents from the inaccessible database files. Initially, the recovered contents get displayed within the tool panel.

Listed below is the complete functionality of the tool

     1. Download, install and launch Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair. The tool will instruct to stop the SQL Server and copy the corrupted database to another location. This is quite practical because database connected to MS SQL Server cannot be modified as it is under the control of the Server.

     2. Click on Select Database button to upload the damaged database file: During MS SQL 2016 repair procedure, the tool provides the option to select the drive on system with the file type (i.e. MDF or NDF) and search database in that particular location. Alternatively, click on Find button if the location of the file is unknown.

     3. Select the checkbox that says “Include Deleted Records” to recover deleted data from database

     4. Click on Repair button to start the repairing procedure

     5. Select a particular component or folder from the left pane of the tool to preview the integrated items. Once the corrupt database file is selected, the tool enlists all the items saved into that particular file in the right panel of the tool

     6. A message will be displayed that indicates “Selected MS SQL database repaired successfully”. Click on OK to save the repaired data

     7. The tool provides different options to save the repaired data that includes MS SQL, CSV, HTML and XLS

Note: The tool also provides the option to save repaired database file at a selected location on the machine. You can select destination path by clicking on the Browse button. By selecting the given checkbox, you can instruct the tool to automatically open the destination folder once the repaired file is saved.

     8. Then, click on the OK button
     9. Next, the tool offers to save the repaired data either in the New Database or Live Database

Note: You also need to provide Server credentials while saving repaired data to the SQL Server. Next, the tool will prompt you to enter the Server instance name, Authentication, and the name of Existing database. 

     10. The tool will display a message “File saved at the desired path.” Click on OK to complete the procedure

SQL Repair Versions and Purchase Information

SQL Database Repair tool offers two different versions that include: 

     - Trial edition
     - Licensed edition

The trial version of the software offers restricted access. With this version, you can test the functionality up to Step 6 mentioned in the above procedure. This version allows accessing the preview of the repaired data within the tool panel. However, the repaired data can be saved after purchasing the licensed version of the tool. 

To buy the licensed version of the tool, click on the Purchase icon available in the Help menu on the Menu Bar. Next, select the appropriate option for purchasing the software and select a payment mode. Once the payment is processed, the Serial Key will be sent to the registered email id. You can then activate the tool by using this Serial Key. 

Final Verdict

As per my experience, the functionality of Stellar Phoenix SQL Database Repair tool is accurate and efficient when tested on MS SQL 2016 database. During MS SQL 2016 repair process, the tool repaired entire data components that have become inaccessible after the database is brought online from Suspect mode. The integral contents and attributes of the tables, triggers, rules, indexes and other components remain intact, and the integrity of the database is not compromised.