Fixing SQL Server Errors 5171 and 5172
In order for SQL Server to load, attach, or open a database, the header page of an MDF file is essential. SQL Server displays a number of problems when it cannot identify the primary data file's header. Problems with the primary database file (MDF) or the log database file (LDF) are usually the cause of SQL Server errors 5171 and 5172.
These mistakes usually happen when the format or structure of the MDF file is wrong. The potential causes and fixes for SQL Server problems 5171 and 5172 are covered in this article.
What Causes the Database File Error (5171/5172) in SQL Server?
These problems can occur when an inappropriate file (such as an NDF file instead of an MDF file) is chosen during database attachment, or when the SQL Server service account on the MDF file has inadequate permissions. Corruption in the MDF or LDF file may possibly be the cause of these issues.
Typical reasons for corruption include:
Common causes of corruption include:
- Lack of storage space on the hard drive where the database file is located
- Bad sectors on the disk storing the database file
- Abrupt system shutdown or unexpected power failure
- Bugs or internal issues in SQL Server
- Virus or malware infection
Methods to Resolve SQL Server Errors 5171 and 5172
Before proceeding with the methods below, ensure that you have selected the correct MDF file and verify the permissions on the folder where the database files are stored. Also, confirm that the SQL Server service account has complete control permissions. Once permissions are validated, proceed with the troubleshooting methods.
Method 1. Check and Repair the MDF File
Corruption in the MDF file is one of the primary reasons behind SQL Server errors 5171 and 5172. To verify corruption, you can run the DBCC CHECKDB command, which checks the consistency of database pages, rows, index relationships, and other objects.
DBCC CHECKDB Test11;
If corruption is detected, SQL Server displays error details along with recommended repair options. If you have a recent and valid backup of the database, restoring the .bak file is the safest approach. However, if the backup is unavailable or also corrupted, you can attempt to repair the database using DBCC CHECKDB.
Below is the general syntax of the DBCC CHECKDB command with repair options:
DBCC CHECKDB
[
(
db_name | db_id | 0
[ , NOINDEX
| , { REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS | REPAIR_FAST | REPAIR_REBUILD } ]
)
]
[
WITH
{
[ ALL_ERRORMSGS ]
[ , EXTENDED_LOGICAL_CHECKS ]
[ , NO_INFOMSGS ]
[ , TABLOCK ]
[ , ESTIMATEONLY ]
[ , { PHYSICAL_ONLY | DATA_PURITY } ]
[ , MAXDOP = number_of_processors ]
}
];
To repair severe corruption, you can use the REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS option, as shown below:
DBCC CHECKDB (N'testing35', REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS)
WITH ALL_ERRORMSGS, NO_INFOMSGS;
GO
Although REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS can fix highly corrupted MDF files, it may result in data loss and does not always work in every scenario. For large databases, the command may need to be executed multiple times, making the process time-consuming.
To avoid data loss and speed up the recovery process, you may consider using a professional SQL database repair tool such as Stellar Repair for MS SQL. This tool is designed to repair corrupt MDF files while preserving data integrity.
Key Features of Stellar Repair for MS SQL
- Repairs both MDF and NDF files without file size limitations
- Recovers all database components with high accuracy
- Restores deleted records from the MDF file
- Allows saving repaired data to a new or live database, as well as formats like XLS, HTML, and CSV
- Supports SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, and earlier versions
Method 2. Rebuild the Transaction Log File
SQL Server errors 5171 and 5172 may also occur if the transaction log file (LDF) is corrupted or missing. In such cases, you can rebuild the transaction log by attaching the database without the LDF file. SQL Server automatically creates a new transaction log file in the same directory as the MDF file.
Use the following command to attach the database and rebuild the log file:
CREATE DATABASE testdb
ON
(FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\DATA\testdb5.mdf')
FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG;
GO
Conclusion
SQL Server errors 5171 and 5172 can be caused by corruption in the header page, damage to the MDF file, or problems with the LDF file. We discussed useful techniques to diagnose and fix these mistakes in this article. Although DBCC CHECKDB can be useful in some situations, the safest and most effective method is frequently to use a professional SQL database repair solution like Stellar Repair for MS SQL. The program allows faulty MDF and NDF files to be quickly repaired and recovered while preserving total data integrity.
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