How to Fix Error 3183 due to Corrupt SQL Backup File?

Written By Bharat Bhushan
Approved By Raja Jegan R
Updated on 5 Feb 2024
Min Reading 4 Min

The SQL Server error 3183 is related to database corruption, specifically page corruption. In this article, we will understand why this error occurs and how to resolve it. We will also mention a SQL database repair tool that can easily repair and recover corrupt SQL Server database backup files, thus helping resolve the error.

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When restoring the SQL Server database from backup, you may encounter the error 3183. It usually occurs if validation of a page fails while restoring the database backup, performed using the CHECKSUM option. Due to this, the restore operation is terminated. You may get an error message similar to this one:

Msg 3183, Level 16, State 1, Line 1
RESTORE detected an error on page (10:10) in database "stellardb" as read from the backup set.

In the above message, 3183 is the error ID. Level 16 means that it is a severe error and State 1 means that the error occurred while reading the page. Line 1 is the line where the error occurred.

Why the error 3183 occur in SQL Server?

The most likely cause for this error is that a SQL Server database page is corrupted. This can happen due to various reasons, such as hardware failure, software problems, operating system issues, etc. For example, if the hard drive sectors are damaged, then the pages get damaged. A power outage can also damage the hardware, thus corrupting the SQL Server database pages. If your operating system fails, it can also damage the database pages. Viruses and malware can also affect the database backup.

Solutions to Fix the Error 3183 in SQL Server

You can follow the below solutions to fix the SQL Server error 3183 and restore the database.

But before that, first check if your database backup is corrupt. For this, you can use the RESTORE command in T-SQL with the VERIFYONLY option (see the below example).

RESTORE VERIFYONLY FROM DISK = 'C:\Path\To\YourBackup.bak';

This command helps check the integrity of backup file.

Solution 1: Use the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR Option

You can try to restore the database with the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR option. This option will restore the database but some data may be lost. This option tries to ignore the errors and continue to restore the database.

The following example shows how to restore the database using the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR option.

RESTORE DATABASE [stellar]FROM DISK = N'e:\Backup\stellar.bak'
WITH FILE = 2,
NOUNLOAD,
STATS = 5,
CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR;

Once restored, you can check the database status by running the DBCC CHECKDB command see the below example).

DBCC CHECKDB('stellar') WITH NO_INFOMSGS;

Solution 2: Use a Specialized SQL Database Backup Repair Software

If the RESTORE DATABASE command with the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR option fails or to avoid data loss, you can use a third-party SQL database repair software to repair the corrupt backup file. Stellar Repair for MS SQL – Technician is one such third-party software that can repair and restore corrupt database backup files of any SQL Server version. You just need to select the backup file and the software will repair it. Let us see how this software works.

First, install the Stellar Repair for MS SQL - Technician software.

Then, launch the software and select the Extract from MS SQL Backup option.

If you know where your backup file is located, press the Browse button and select the .bak file. If you do not know where it is, you can use the Find button to search the backup file.

After selecting the backup file, press the Scan button.

Scan the corrupted backfile from software interface

You will see two scan options:

The Standard Scan, which is the default option and the recommended one.
The Advanced Scan, which is slower but used in case the Standard Scan fails.

Chosing the option of scanning database in Software Interface

Select the backup and press Next.

You will see all your database objects in the preview window.

Press the Save icon.

Pressing the save icon for viewing the database

You can save the data in a New Database, Live Database, or in Other Formats, like Excel, CSV, or HTML.

How to Prevent the Error 3183?

Here are some best practices you can follow to prevent the error 3183 in SQL Server.

Make sure to install antivirus and antimalware software.
Always use UPS to avoid power outages.
Test your backups on regular basis.
Store your backups on the cloud or at least at a different physical location.
Monitor the status of your hardware.
Monitor the status of your database.

Conclusion

The SQL Server error 3183 usually occurs due to corrupt pages. You can follow the solutions mentioned above to fix this SQL Server error that appears when restoring database backup. You can try to restore the corrupted backup using the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR option. If the CONTINUE_AFTER_ERROR option fails, you can use Stellar Repair for MS SQL. This software repairs the corrupt backup and restores all the data.

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