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Summary: The blog discusses the SQL Server error ‘Multiple IAM pages error 8947,’ explaining its occurrence, causes, and effects. It suggests fixing hardware issues, repairing the database file using DBCC CHECKDB, and recommends a third-party tool, Kernel for SQL Database Recovery, for efficient recovery.

The SQL Server might throw the error “Multiple IAM pages error 8947” unexpectedly, whether you’re actively engaged with the server or attempting to access its database. Undoubtedly, this error’s occurrence could disrupt the smooth operation of the SQL Server.

The exact error message which the SQL Server encounters may look like-

Server: Msg 8947, Level 16, State 1
Table error: Multiple IAM pages for object ID O_ID, index ID I_ID containing allocations for same interval. IAM pages P_ID1 and P_ID2.

Explaining the error message:

Analyzing the error message provided, it becomes evident to any SQL Server user that there’s a problem with the associated SQL table. It appears to be corrupted or has encountered issues, possibly due to a specific event. Further details reveal the presence of multiple IAM pages P_ID1 and P_ID2 associated with the object and index.

How does the “multiple IAM pages error 8947” occur?

Each SQL Server database is comprised of numerous pages designed to house and manage allocation structures. Among these pages, the Global Allocation Page (GAP) and Index Allocation MAP Page (IAM) play pivotal roles. The GAP page holds comprehensive details about the allocated extents within the SQL Server database, whereas the IAM page keeps a record of all extents utilized by the table or index. Specifically, an IAM page dedicates a single bit or extent within each GAP page to identify the allocation of a specific index.

The usual IAM chain or sequence for an index is occasionally disrupted when two IAM pages are introduced, as indicated in the error, within a GAP interval. So, having multiple IAM pages (more than one) for

Reasons behind the error

NNow that we’ve delved into the error’s characteristics and its entire occurrence process, can we pinpoint the cause behind these numerous IAM pages? Unfortunately, we can only speculate on potential reasons, such as hardware issues or SQL Server database corruption. Our approach to resolving this error involves troubleshooting these potential causes.

Methods to fix corrupt SQL database (multiple IAM pages error 8947)

A. Fix Hardware Issues

Users of SQL Server can identify hardware failures by utilizing hardware diagnostic tools, examining SQL Server error logs, reviewing the Windows NT system application log, and other relevant methods.
Once you pinpoint the faulty hardware component, swap it out with a new one. In more serious instances, consider reformatting the disk drive or reinstalling the operating system.

B. Repair Corrupt SQL Database File

If you’ve already tried the method mentioned above and the error persists, it’s highly likely that there’s corruption in the SQL database file. Instead of repairing the entire database, consider utilizing the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio to restore from a recent, healthy SQL backup file, if you have one.

If you don’t have a pristine SQL Server database backup file on hand, we recommend opting for the sole alternative: repairing the SQL database file. You can mend your database file manually by executing the DBCC CHECKDB query in the SQL Server Management Studio.

The detailed script to be run or execute for the clean database repair is:

EXEC sp_resetstatus [YourDatabase];
ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabase] SET EMERGENCY
DBCC CHECKDB ([YourDatabase], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS)
ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabase] SET SINGLE_USER WITH ROLLBACK IMMEDIATE
DBCC DATABASE ([YourDatabase], REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS)
ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabase] SET MULTI_USER

If you manage to resolve the error through this manual repair method, consider yourself fortunate. However, be aware that this approach may occasionally fail due to corruption in the SQL database.

Use a Third-Party Tool to Recover SQL Data

We recommend a professional tool to repair SQL database file as the final solution to fix “Multiple IAM pages error 8947”. Out of a lot of SQL database recovery tools, we can suggest you the most efficient and robust one, which is Kernel for SQL Database Recovery tool. The tool is highly advanced in terms of programming and designing, but integrates a user-friendly interface.

It effortlessly restores and fixes corrupted or inaccessible SQL databases from any version of SQL Server. Using this utility, users can also recover deleted records in SQL Server which are removed accidentally or intentionally. This powerful tool can effortlessly restore even extensive databases, saving them to either a live SQL server or a batch file. With its Preview feature, you can review SQL data before completing the restoration process to the destination server. All of its features are truly outstanding, and you can experience them firsthand by trying out the free trial version of the tool.

Kernel SQL Database Recovery

Kernel for SQL Database Recovery