SQL Server Error 1813 Attach Database: Understanding Causes and Fixes

Encountering an error while working on the SQL Server database is no less than a nightmare for the database administrators. One such error is the SQL Server error 1813 attach database, an error that directly affects the database, restricting users from accessing it or any data stored in it. With the help of this technical write-up, we will be discussing thoroughly about this error thoroughly, along with its causes and the solution that will help to fix the error. 

So on that note, let’s begin by understanding more about the error 1813 SQL Server and learn the possible causes of this error. 

What is SQL Server Error 1813 Attach Database & Why It Occurs?

When we talk about the attach database error, the general idea we get is that the error is associated with the issue while configuring or attaching the SQL MDF file to SQL Server. The error can also occur when a user tries to restore a database in SQL Server. The error majorly signifies that the SQL Server setup has failed to detect the primary filegroup of the database or verify the physical file structure of the database file. Here are some of the common situations in which the error might occur:

• While attaching a detached database that has a corrupt or missing log data file in SQL Server.
• In case of server crashes or abrupt power failures. 
• While restoring a database that has incomplete backup files.
• Due to hardware failures during the attach operation. 
• Improper or incomplete operations at the file level.
• Due to database version incompatibility issues. 

These are a few common scenarios where a user might encounter the error and further face challenges while continuing the tasks with the database. Moving on to the causes, let’s take a look at the possible causes for the error. 

Possible Causes for SQL Server Error 1813 Attach Database Error 

Here are some of the common causes that lead to the occurrence of this error.

• Corruption in MDF File Header
• Mismatch with Log File and Data File in SQL Server
• Due to a Missing Log File in the Specified Database
• Interrupted During Attach or Restore Operation in SQL Server

These are all the possible causes that result in this error. Furthermore, the database administrators must know about the error and then proceed to find the appropriate solutions for resolving them. We will now take a look at some of the possible solutions that will allow users to resolve the error in a simpler way.

Top Method to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 1813

To resolve the error conveniently and effectively, we will try the optimal ways. Let’s take a look at these methods one by one and further understand how each of them works. Below are the methods we will be discussing one by one:

1. Check SQL Server Error Logs to Know the Cause
2. Attach SQL Server Database Without Log File
3. Use DBCC CHECKDB for Error Detection

Method 1: SQL Server Error Log For Error Cause Detection

This is the most common way that users tend to follow as checking the error logs in SQL Server allows users to understand the exact cause for the error. Now, how this method helps, let’s take a look at what factors are revealed by the SQL Server Error Logs.

• The corrupted file in SQL Server Database.
• If the Log Data File is missing in the database.
• Issues like Log Sequence Number (LSN) Mismatch.
• Errors like MDF file header corruption.

The error log files in SQL Server define why the error has occurred, giving a clearer aspect to the users to resolve them with appropriate solutions. Let’s now move to the next method of resolving Microsoft SQL Server Error 1813. 

Method 2: By Attaching the Database File Without Log File

In this method, we will try attaching the SQL Server database file (.mdf) without attaching the LDF file. This will allow users to prevent the error if it has occurred due to a missing or corrupted log file. Below is the command explained for this method:

CREATE DATABASE DB_NAME ON
(FILENAME = 'D:\Data\DB_NAME.mdf')
FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG;

The command allows users to attach the database using the primary database file. In case the issue has occurred due to the log file in SQL Server, it will help attach the database without the log file. Furthermore, with the help of this command, users can also rebuild a new log file for the specified database. We will now move to the next method that will allow users to fix the error.

Method 3: Use DBCC CHECKDB Command to Detect & Repair SQL Error 1813

The DBCC CHECKDB command allows users to inspect the database and further repair issues like corruption in the database. The command can be used as follows:

Step:1 The first step is to set the database in Single user mode.

ALTER DATABASE DBNAME SET SINGLE_USER;

Step:2 Run the DBCC command on the specified database.

DBCC CHECKDB (‘DBNAME’), WITH NO_INFOMSGS, ALL_ERRORMSGS;

Step:3 Now, to repair the error, we will use the repair modes offered with the DBCC command itself.

DBCC CHECKDB (‘DBNAME’, REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS);

This repair method is used to repair severe corruption in the database. However, this method is used as the last resort, as using it can result in complete data loss. 

Step:4 After the execution of this method, it is now time to set the database back to multi user mode.

ALTER DATABASE DBNAME SET MULTI_USER;

Using this method will allow users to repair the corruption in the SQL Server database and further let users access the database. 

With the help of these methods, users can fix error 1813 in SQL Server and allow them to proceed with their tasks easily and effectively. Understanding the cause of the error is crucial here, as the methods for resolving the issue depend entirely on the cause.

Conclusion

With the help of this article, we have discussed the SQL Server Error 1813 attach database. We have also discussed the possible causes for the error and the common scenarios in which the error can be encountered. Furthermore, we have also suggested a few possible solutions to resolve the error effectively.