Fix SQLite Database Disk Image Is Malformed Error

While working with SQLite database, it is quite common to experience a few errors. One of such errors which occurs often is“SQLite database disk image is malformed”. There are many reasons behind the occurrence of this error. Most of these reasons indicate corruption of the SQLite database.

In this blog, we will help you get acquainted with the probable reasons for this error. We will also provide solutions to troubleshoot and prevent this error.

Causes of “SQLite Database Disk Image Is Malformed” Error

• The foremost reason behind the occurrence of this error is the corruption of SQLite files. Therefore, users must know the ways to fix this error without hassles.
• When a user tries to open a non-SQLite database file in SQLite database, this error comes up. For example, a user trying to open an MSSQL database in SQLite.
• When a user creates a backup of the entire database while it is currently in use, the database disk image is malformed. This is why users must stop all operations during backup.
• Addition of large amounts of data, ultimately leads to increase in the size of SQLite database over the defined limit. This may also trigger corruption and hence generate this error.
• Improper management of the entire database & its functionalities can lead to many unexpected errors. Evidently, a malformed disk image error is one of them.

Key Points for “Disk Full” or “Database Disk Image is Malformed” Errors

In case the error has occurred due to large size of the database, do not try to delete the rows or tables. This effort of yours will turn futile because the size of the SQLite database grows in multiples of the size of the pages. Therefore, the database will not shrink unless and until you use VACUUM command to reclaim space.

Also, consider that the corruption may not always be within the database itself. Sometimes, the culprit can be hardware or software issues.

• The very first thing that users need to do is verify their database using an SQLite3 embedded command. Therefore, they must have sqlite3 (v3.25.2 or later) already set up in the system. Moreover, the steps might vary based on the operating system.
• Here, users should use docker instead of direct installation. The reason for this is because this option is for only the x86_64 CPUs. Therefore, using the package manager of the operating system to install SQLite3 is the right choice.
• Also, users must run an error check in advance. This is because as we know, facing database disk image is malformed issues can be due to corruption that users need to fix using the best of the best methods.

How To Troubleshoot This Error – Basic Steps

There are number of manual solutions that can help you out to troubleshoot this error. We have mentioned some of them below:

• You can resolve your corrupt database with the help of command line utility in SQLite shell.

Navigate to your database location:

cd $DATABASE_LOCATION
Use the .dump command to export data:
echo '.dump' | sqlite3 $DB_NAME > repaired_$DB_NAME.sql

Another method to remove this error is by replicating the corrupted database.Care should be taken while copying the database, so that no corruption takes place in the newly created database. Following script should be run for doing the same:

sqlite3 some.db
Initiate the replication:
sqlite> BEGIN IMMEDIATE;

Press CTRL+Z to pause, then use:

cp some.db some.db.backup
exit

Fix Database Disk Image is Malformed SQLite Error Manually

1. Launch the SQLite DB browser to initiate the error fixing task.
2. Hit the Execute SQL tab to Run Database Check command.
3. Type PRAGMA integrity check & proceed to hit the Pay button.
   Note: In case of corrupted files, the database will result in error that looks like:

   “Query executed successfully: PRAGMA integrity_check (took 0ms)”

4. Export database to SQL file in case there is the above error present. Steps for the same are: File >> Export >> Database to SQL File.
5. Adjust Settings in the new export dialog box, Select majorObjects to export.
6. Click on the Ok button, After completion, simply import the DB back to SQLite.

Best Way to Fix Disk is Full / the Database Disk Image is Malformed

There are scenarios where users need to avoid the manual solution. It is because of the technical difficulties. Therefore, what users can do is simply trust the most advanced & expert recommended SysTools SQLite Database Recovery available.

Download the utility & then follow the given four easy steps to get the desired solution.

Step-1. Launch the Software to begin the operation.

Step-2. Add the SQLite Database file that is giving you the error.

Step-3. View SQLite Database healthy objects.

Step-4. Export the SQLite DB to destination & database disk image is malformed SQLite error is now fixed.

Conclusion

By following above mentioned shell scripts, it is possible to resolve the database that poses the Error: SQLite Database disk image is malformed. In some cases, after the basic troubleshooting steps and the manual fix, the error still persists. In such cases SQLite database may have gone corrupt. Try opting for professional software solutions as recommended here (try the free demo version first) to completely fix the damaged SQLite database.