How to Repair SQL Database Error 5172 in a Hassle-Free Way
Users must understand that Microsoft SQL Server Error 5172 header page arises due to mismatched information. The differences of the actual file pages data & the header page of the file leads to critical errors. Solution of this SQL database error 5172 is easy with the ultimate solution rather than traditional ones. In order to find out the actual structure of the SQL data file pages, let’s have a look at the below table.
Data is the fuel on which the modern economy works and SQL Server is one of the best tools to maintain a database. However, sometimes users get SQL 5172 error code alerts. This indicates some issues within the header file of their database.
Moreover, ignoring this problem could result in catastrophic data loss. Therefore, it becomes all the more essential to have a proper procedure for solving this issue. Users can sigh in relief as this article contains every potential solution to this problem. But first, let us understand the causes behind this disruption.
Also Read: Repair Corrupt MDF File in SQL Server Smartly
What is Error 5172 SQL Server Database?
SQL Server error 5172 indicates that the MDF file header page is corrupted or damaged. This can happen for several reasons, such as sudden power outages, viruses, SQL injection attacks, hardware failures, and software glitches. It can be fixed with either repairing solutions or by restoring the DB to a recent backup file. The error looks like this as shown in the image below.
2024-12-06 17:55:24.15 spid9s Starting up database ‘master’. 2024-12-06 17:55:24.16 spid9s Error: 5172, Severity: 16, State: 15. 2024-12-06 17:55:24.16 spid9s The header for file ‘C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.DAR_P11D\MSSQL\DATA\master.mdf’ is not a valid database file header. The PageAudit property is incorrect. 2024-12-06 17:55:24.18 spid9s Error: 945, Severity: 14, State: 2. 2024-12-06 17:55:24.18 spid9s Database ‘model’ cannot be opened due to inaccessible files or insufficient memory or disk space. See the SQL Server error log for details. 2024-10-30 17:55:24.18 spid9s SQL Trace was stopped due to server shutdown. Trace ID = ‘1’. This is an informational message only; no user action is required.
Reasons Why Header File Error 5172 is Observed
There are quite a few explanations for encountering SQL database error 5172 we will discuss each one in brief. It will help the users identify their specific scenario’s root cause.
Disk Corruption: Whenever the hard disk gets corrupted, it can lead to the worsening of the header file stored on it. Moreover, such corruption cannot be predicted in advance.
Improper Shutdown: Error 5172 might also occur when the appropriate shutdown procedure is not followed. It is mainly due to human negligence.
Software Bugs: Due to unforeseen bugs on the SQL server, the header file may get affected, resulting in the corruption of the database.
Attachment Mismatch: It is possible that while joining a header file to its data file, some mistakes were made, which can cause error 5172.
Power Failure: Even in the modern era power failures can occur. Additionally, if backup power cannot be set up on time, users may find errors in their header files.
These are the main reasons the Microsft SQL Server Management Studio shows the FILE SIZE property is incorrect. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 5172) sign.
SQL Database Error 5172 Sorted Manually
Resolving this error requires a systematic approach to ensure a successful resolution. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you fix the error:
Step-1. Initially, terminate the currently open SQL instance.
Step-2. Then, make a separate copy of both the MDF & LDF files
Step-3. After that remove the original MDF & LDF files from the source.
Step-4. Then the user needs to restart the SQL Server instance once again.
Step-5. Next, build a new database with the same database and file name.
Step-6. Last, close the SSMS and overwrite both the newly created MDF & LDF files.
As users may have noticed the manual technique is quite complicated. Moreover, it has a high chance of failure and the users will waste a lot of time figuring it out. Therefore, the next section is dedicated to discussing the demerits of the manual procedure in greater detail.
Limitations Of The Manual Process For Solving SQL Database Error 5172
Highly Complex: This process has many small details requiring expertise in SQL Server management. Moreover, not every user can claim to be an SQL expert.
Time-Consuming: The manual technique is not very efficient and requires significant time investment from the user’s side. Users who are in a hurry may have to make another choice.
Error Prone: Due to the many different steps, there is a chance that users delete the wrong files resulting in errors and data loss. So manual fixes may do more harm than good.
These drawbacks may worry users whose time is more valuable than money or who are dealing with critical data. Therefore, they are recommended to go for a professional utility to restore their header file.
Leverage the Automated Tool To Fix Error 5172
The market leader in SQL Server resolution is none other than the BitRecover SQL Recovery Tool. This comprehensive software provides a friendly UI to manage SQL Server databases. Moreover, it offers features for error diagnosis, and performance optimization all in a single package. Users can learn to use the tool by following the simple steps given below.
Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 5172 Step by Step
Step-1. Get a copy of the tool and launch it on your PC.
Step-2. Browse for the damaged MDF file in the tool itself.
Step-3. Go for the Advanced Scan option for a full recovery.
Step-4. Configure all the details according to your preferences.
Step-5. Set the location for the recovered file and press “Export”.
With this feature-packed SQL Recovery Wizard users can relax for fixing their SQL files quickly. Now we are free to cover the basic precautions users must observe for reducing the chances that this error arises again.
Mistakes to Avoid SQL Database Error 5172 with Tips
When resolving header file errors like this, users need to avoid common mistakes that can worsen the situation. Some blunders that users might want to stay away from are here:
Neglecting Database Backups: Failure to regularly back up a database increases the risk of data loss and makes it all the more challenging to recover from errors.
Skipping Regular Maintenance Tasks: Overlooking consistency checks and index rebuilds should be minimized because they can help prevent errors.
Ignoring Basic Warning Signs: Users must address all warning signs that appear related to the header file. As ignoring them can lead to more severe problems down the line.
Crucial Tips:
- Backup MDF, NDF & LDF Files: Always make sure to backup your database files. In other words, we can say that users must copy the database files in any other location to get a safe side in emergency cases like data losses, data corruption, accidental deletion, or similar situations.
- Stop SQL Server Instance: In order to prevent any mishap in the database, users just need to simply stop the SQL Server instance services. This way, users can easily resolve the Microsoft SQL Server Error 5172 of the file header without any kind of hassles ini the procedure.
- Overwriting the Files: After fixing the files, users need to overwrite the existing files with the new healthy data files that can eradicate this 5172 error code from its very root. Moreover, users can easily get the latest files for further backup procedures.
Apart from this there are other tips as users can put the database in emergency mode to let only admin have the access, running a pilot project to test the arrangements, etc.
Last But Not Least
Now the users have a clear-cut understanding of the causes and resolution techniques of SQL database error 5172. In the outline of this article, users not only learned to tackle the error but also how to avoid getting it in the future.
Moreover, we recommend both tech and non-tech users are to implement the professional tool for avoiding common mistakes of the manual procedure. By following the useful tips users can help themselves to ensure the stability and integrity of their SQL database.