Question

How to recover a corrupted .sdf file (SQL database run on a CE device)?

Asked by: sasllc

The user could no longer access this file like normal.  When I try to look at it using Query Analyzer on a CE device, all I can see is the filename, but I can't view anything about the file, such as  the table names--like I can normally do.  

I don't get any errors when trying to view the database structure using Query Analyzer, but it just doesn't show anything.  However, if I try to a simple query, such as 'select * from tablea;', I get error 0x800004005 E_FAIL, Native Error: (0), Interface defining error: IID_IDBCreateSessaion---whatever all THAT means.

I have found a few places on the internet that say they can fix a .sdf file.  But I'm wondering if there is a tool I can download to fix it--at a reasonable price--or some other way I can deal with it myself.  TIA

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Asked On
2009-10-07 at 18:16:17ID24794612
Topics

MS SQL Server

,

Windows Mobile (Pocket PC / Win CE) Operating Systems

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
3

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Answers

 

by: efatihanPosted on 2009-10-08 at 00:52:39ID: 25522964

Open the sdf file through SQL Server Management Studio. Then right click the sdf db. From Properties you will see the "Shrink and Repair". This works as is expected.

 

by: sasllcPosted on 2009-10-09 at 13:52:37ID: 25538782

I did not have the SQL Server Management Studio loaded anywhere to my knowledge, and did not know what was the best thing to do.  So, I have installed SQL server 2008 standard edition, and now I can get to the Management Studio.  Even though my databases were all created using SQL 2005 compact edition (rather than 2008), I AM able to connect to a database on a non-corrupted file and see the tables, etc.

But when I try to do the same thing with my "problem" file, I get this error: The database file may be corrupted .  Run the repair utility to check the database file.

However, I cannot find where or how to run the "repair utility".  Any suggestions?

BTW, I also do not see how or where I can simply "right click" the sdf db.  Specifically, where would I go to do that?

 

by: teebonPosted on 2009-10-10 at 01:45:01ID: 25541420

Hi sasllc,

I used this before. But I'm not sure whether it could repair your db:
http://dukelupus.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/sql-ce-database-editor-v2-beta/

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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