Synopsis: The agenda of this article is to learn how to check SQL Server health check? Moreover, if we get some sort of corruption issues in the database then the solution for the same is also mentioned here. In a nutshell, this blog is going to provide almost all the required information to users regarding the topic.
Well, SQL Database is indeed very complex yet a masterpiece in itself. Managing so much data with such finesse is not easy at all. This also puts a lot of load on the database which can affect its health. Therefore, DBAs must ensure that their database is running in a healthy state. There are commands available for users to check database health.
Furthermore, when we proceed, we can understand that we need to be well-prepared for any kind of hassles, challenges & other difficulties. So, let’s begin with understanding the reasons why it’s significant to check database health.
What Is It Necessary to Check the Database Health?
There is a 50% chance that our database is working perfectly. Experienced users are smart enough to observe even the minutest change in the performance of the database. However, new users might not even observe a moderate change in performance. Similarly, there are plenty of other reasons as well that require database health checks. These reasons are:
- Data Integrity
- Performance
- Productivity
Data Integrity
Just like any other digital system, SQL Servers are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks. SQL injection is also becoming common these days & its effect can be devastating. Therefore, learning how to check SQL Server health check can help users find out if there are any potential threats, ongoing attacks, or damages.
Performance
Now, after security, we can say that performance is another major factor that users (DBAs) are most concerned about. The database works at an optimum rate in case of a healthy state. However, if there is a drop in the performance, it can be easily tracked by checking the database health. Data from the health check helps users in order to get a complete structure of the database with all the crucial findings.
Productivity
SQL is a tool nowadays that if used wisely, can take business ahead of its competitors. Using data wisely can be really fruitful for users. However, any issues in the database will cost users more than just time. Leads, capital, clients, etc & whatnot. Now, if keeping an eye on the database at all times is not possible, database health checks are beneficial.
Let’s proceed to the commands that can help users check the database health:
How to Check SQL Server Health Check Using Commands
Now, there are several T-SQL commands, that users must be aware of. These commands can be sued to check the health of the database & find out the state in which its running. Let’s have a look at these:
- Sp_db_health
sp_db_health [ database_name ] - DBCC CHECKDB
DBCC CHECKDB [ database_name ] [ WITH [ option [ ,…n ] ] ] - DBCC SHOWCONTIG
DBCC SHOWCONTIG [ @tablename = ‘table_name’ ] [ WITH [ option [ ,…n ] ] ] - DBCC MEMORYSTATUS
DBCC MEMORYSTATUS - DBCC SQLPERF
DBCC SQLPERF [ @perfcounter ]
As we can see here most of the commands are of DBCC. That is because it is directly connected to the database health check & the methods to resolve the issues.
These commands will let users know if there are any sort of issues present in the server or not.
Now, comes the main question. What can we do if we find irregularities or corruption issues in SQL Server? We know that these issues reduce productivity, and performance & are a threat to the data. So how can we fix these issues? Let’s have a look.
How to Fix Corruption Issues If Found Automatically
Now, there are commands as well for this task but we will discuss them later. Firstly, we are going to have a look at the automated solution which is much easier & reliable. For this, all that users need is an SQL Recovery Tool from SysTools software.
After learning how to check SQL Server health check, download the tool & then follow the quick 5 steps one after another:
Step-1. Launch the Tool & then Add the MDF Files.
Step-2. Select the Quick or Advanced Scan modes for scanning corruption.
Step-3. Preview the Files & Data Objects & also cross-verify them.
Step-4. Set Destination Location as SQL Server, CSV file, or a transcript file.
Step-5. Finally, Click on the Export/Save button to finish the task safely.
With just these 5 steps, users can fix any corruption issues found. Also, the reason this command is popular is because of the appreciation by SQL MVPs, IT experts as well and trusted users across the globe.
Learn How to Repair Corrupted Files Manually
The automated solution is indeed quite advanced but the manual ones are not as simple. There are several complexities present here along with the risk of data loss. Anyway, there is no loss in being aware of these commands at all. So let’s begin.
DBCC CHECKDB is the command that users need to run for this health check. Furthermore, there are three commands within this for data repair.
Repair_Rebuild
This command rebuilds the database from scratch & this is why takes time longer than what it should take. This is why it is not at all efficient for the work. Moreover, there is no surety of 100% results as expected.
Repair_Fast
After understanding how to check SQL Server health check, we have the fast command. Users need to be aware of the fact that these commands are not capable of fixing major issues. As these are fast, they can only work with small issues. So these are not as effective as expected by the users.
Repair_Allow_Data_Loss
Lastly, this is the most dangerous one. It can handle high-level issues but can not fix them, Instead, it deletes the highly corrupted data files to solve corruption. This can result in data loss which is very severe for users.
Conclusion
We’re at the end of this article & know how to check SQL Server health check? So far we have covered almost everything. We are well aware of all the aspects required to be in the knowledge of users. Moving further, the manual & automated solutions are there & users can select them as per their preference.
However, must note that when it comes to safety, manual solution is not that reliable. Whereas, the automated solution is user-trusted. A wise decision can result in easy repair whereas the wrong one can even end up losing data.