How to Fix Error 8909 in SQL Server Database? Best 4 Ways

SQL users often get troubled with errors in their database. These errors are of various kinds but the most irritating ones are those corruption-related. One such error that users often get trouble with is error 8909 SQL Server DB. Now, this is directly related to the data corruption inside the SQL database.

Therefore, in this article, we are going to address and fix this SQL error 8909 in chronological order. Firstly, we’ll understand the error and user queries followed by the four solutions with their merits and demerits.

Error 8909 in MS SQL Server Along with User Query

The error 8909 arises when users try to check the database integrity with DBCC CHECKDB CMD. They observe that these checks fail or detect any corruption with some of the DB pages. Incorrect Page ID, issues with the GAM, SGAM, or PFS pages, or corruption in tables are the most common causes here.

The database engine shows this error like this:

Msg 8909, Level 16, State 1, Line 1 Table error: Object ID 0, index ID -1, partition ID 0, alloc unit ID 0 (type Unknown), page ID (1:72792) contains an incorrect page ID in its page header.

Now, let’s have a look at the error 8909 SQL Server user query from a very popular platform:-

Just like the above query, we get similar queries from everybody in our mailboxes. Therefore, let’s understand the causes and then proceed to get the desired solutions for the same.

All Causes of SQL Server Error 8909

Although we all are aware of the fact that the major cause for this error is page level corruption in SQL Server database. However, let’s know the causes in depth to eliminate such sources that generate errors.

Hardware Causes:-

• Disk Errors: RAID arrays or faulty hard drives can significantly lead to data corruption on a page level in the initial stages.
• Power Outages: Power outages disrupting SQL transactions in between can cause the database to default and create a situation of emergency.
• Sudden Shutdowns: Sudden and inappropriate shutdowns also result in the same power outages which users must avoid toprevent error 8909 SQL Server.

Software Causes:-

• Software Bugs: Software bugs are quite common in SQL Server not maintained properly. These software bugs cause disturbance in SQL operations heavily.
• Pending Updates: Users must update their systems and servers at regular intervals to avoid such critical errors.
• Incorrect Commands: There are various issues that occur due to faulty commands and incorrect operation in SQL Server. Error 8909 page corruption is one of them.

Other Causes:-

• Virus or SQL Injection: Virus, SQL injection attacks, malware and ransomware attacks are increasing for SQL Server nowadays. Thus, users must protect their servers from being targeted and face the consequences.

List of All Methods to Fix Error 8909 in MS SQL Database

Now, that we are aware of the entire error, its meaning, and the causes, it’s time to find out the possible solutions for users. Here, we have a total of four solutions. However, only one of them is an automated advanced solution. Rest all are manual ones.

1. Backup Restore Method
2. Page Restoration Method
3. DBCC CHECKDB Method
4. Advanced Software Method

Apart from these four solutions, there are negligible chances that users can fix SQL Server error 8909 with ease. Thus, study all of them and then select the right one as per the requirements.

Method-1 Use The Backup Restore Method to Fix Error 

The first method here we have is the one where we are going to use the classic restore backup method. In case users’ backup files are readable, they can opt for this method.

To check if the backup file is readable or not, users can execute the VERIFYONLY (T-SQL) CMD. In case the response is positive, uses can proceed with this method as shown below:

Drawbacks

• A database backup file is compulsory for this method.
• Unable to get selective and customizable results.
• Technically complex for new and beginner users.

Now, in case do not have a backup file or their backup file is not readable, they can opt for the solution to restore only the pages having corruption issues.

Method-2 Page Restore Method to Fix Error 8909 SQL Server

As we know SQL error 8909 SQL Server occurs because of the damaged or corrupted pages in SQL Server. Thus, to restore the specific damaged pages, users can opt for the following T-SQL command using the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Important Note – To execute this command, users will need the File ID along with the Page itself and Page ID.

Drawbacks

• Can not restore Page 0 of the database.
• Quite technical and complex for new users.
• Works with database with full or bulk-logged recovery model.

Method-3 The Database Console Commands Method

Here comes the DBCC method. To repair SQL database DBCC CHECKDB command is one of the mainstream and high-end command line methods. As we know to repair the database with this command, we have three modes as fast, rebuild, and allow data loss. For this task, we are proceeding with the fast command. The reasons for this are:

• Quick results
• Only page damages can be fixed here.

However, if users want, they can opt for the “allow data loss” or “rebuild” modes as well. Let’s simply begin fixing error 8909 SQL Server with the steps:

1. Firstly, put the database into single-user mode to avoid conflict with other transactions.
   ALTER DATABASE db_name SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE 
2. Now, run the console commands stated below:
   DBCC CHECKDB(‘db_name’, REPAIR_FAST);
   GO
3. Finally, put the database back into multi-user mode.
   ALTER DATABASE db_name SET MULTI_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE;

Drawbacks

• This method is way too complex for new users.
• Mistakes here can lead to complete DB failure.
• Timetaking with the Rebuild repair mode. 

Method-4 Automated Tool for Error 8909 in MS SQL Server

Now that we know all the manual solutions, it’s time that we proceed toward the only automated yet effective solution. Here, we are going to use SysTools SQL Recovery Tool for the repair task. This utility can repair as well as recover deleted or damaged DB files. Moreover, users do not even need any SQL environment for this.

Download the utility and then follow the steps as stated below:

Step-1. Launch the Tool and then simply Add MDF file in the software.

Step-2. Set the Quick or Advance Scan mode for scanning & repair.

Step-3. Select the Destination Platform and Objects to repair.

Step-4. Hit the Save or Export button to fix SQL Server 8909.

Advantages

• This solution is so far the easiest for all users.
• Comes with a free demo version for users to fix.
• Several MVPs have also recommended this solution to all.
• It’s loaded with modern-day features for advanced operations.

In A Nutshell

Finally, all users must be aware of the actual causes & meaning of this error 8909 SQL Server database. In order to fix the error without any kind of issues or failure, we have mentioned the best four ways possible. Apart from these, users won’t find any other reliable solution. Moreover, Microsoft MVPs have also recommended the automated tool to certify it is not just trustworthy but also better than the manual ones.

With the right technique and a stable mind, users can fix this data corruption of a SQL DB page. Rest users are wise enough to opt for the right method. In a nutshell, it’s quite easy to fix this error 8909 in SQL with any of the above-mentioned solutions.