When in doubt, engage a SQL Server recovery specialist—some states cannot be fixed with standard commands without irreversible data loss.
-- Step 3: Run DBCC CHECKDB (repair with data loss risk) DBCC CHECKDB (YourDatabaseName, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS); mssql database recovery pending
-- Restore full backup with recovery RESTORE DATABASE YourDatabaseName FROM DISK = 'D:\Backups\YourDB_full.bak' WITH REPLACE, RECOVERY; -- Then restore subsequent log backups RESTORE LOG YourDatabaseName FROM DISK = 'D:\Backups\YourDB_log.trn' WITH RECOVERY; When the log is beyond repair and no backup exists: When in doubt, engage a SQL Server recovery
-- 1. Set emergency mode ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET EMERGENCY; -- 2. Enable allow page locks (critical for export) ALTER DATABASE YourDatabaseName SET SINGLE_USER; Enable allow page locks (critical for export) ALTER
For older versions, use DBCC CHECKDB(YourDatabaseName, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS) after step 2. If you have a recent full backup + log backups, this is the only guaranteed safe method:
BACKUP LOG YourDatabaseName TO DISK = 'D:\Backups\corrupt_log_backup.trn' WITH CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR; Even a damaged log backup may contain salvageable transaction data.