MySQL Database Recovery
AS provides MySQL database recovery for databases that won't start or attach, which usually have intact table data behind a damaged tablespace, log or system table. We parse InnoDB and MyISAM files directly, without requiring the database to start normally.
When you need this
- MySQL/MariaDB service won't start after a crash or power loss
- InnoDB tablespace (.ibd) marked corrupted
- MyISAM table (.myd/.myi) damaged or index out of sync
- Table definition (.frm) missing or mismatched with the data file
- innodb_force_recovery still fails to bring the database up
- Binary log corruption affecting replication
- Percona XtraBackup restore failing or incomplete
- Galera cluster node corrupted or permanently out of sync (SST failure)
- Tables dropped or truncated without a usable backup
- InnoDB tablespace partially or fully encrypted by ransomware
What we do
InnoDB file-level parsing
Tablespace (.ibd) files are read directly at the page level to extract rows even when the table won't attach normally.
Manual hex-level verification
InnoDB tablespaces are organized in fixed-size pages (16KB by default), each with a 38-byte header encoding the page number, page type, LSN and index ID (FIL_PAGE_LSN, FIL_PAGE_TYPE). Where a page header is ambiguous or partially overwritten, a technician inspects the raw bytes in a hex/disk editor to confirm the true page type and boundaries before extraction.
MyISAM recovery
Data (.myd) and index (.myi) files are parsed independently, rebuilding the index from the data file where it's corrupted or missing.
Table structure reconstruction
Where a .frm definition is missing or mismatched, the underlying column structure is inferred from the data file itself where possible.
Beyond innodb_force_recovery
When MySQL's own forced-recovery modes still won't bring the database up, file-level extraction can retrieve data that the engine itself won't expose.
Replication and cluster issues
Where binary log corruption has broken replication, or a Galera cluster node is permanently out of sync, we assess the underlying data files on the affected node directly rather than assuming a fresh SST resync is the only option.
InnoDB tablespaces are made of fixed-size pages — a corrupted page group doesn't prevent the rest of the tablespace from being read directly.
How it works
- Step 1
Consultation and scope
We establish what failed, what has been tried, and which data matters most. This shapes a targeted plan rather than a generic one.
- Step 2
Secure imaging and diagnosis
Where possible the source media is imaged before any work, so the original is never altered. Diagnosis then determines the safest recovery method.
- Step 3
Recovery
Data is extracted from the image or source using methods matched to the failure — logical, structural or hardware-level as required.
- Step 4
Verification
Recovered data is checked for integrity and completeness, and a file list is shared so you can confirm what matters is there.
- Step 5
Secure delivery
Verified data is returned through an agreed secure method, with guidance on validation before it goes back into production.
What affects the outcome
Outcomes are never guaranteed. Every case is assessed on its own condition, and we tell you what is realistic before you commit.
- Physical condition of the media and the extent of any damage
- Whether the media has been written to, reformatted or re-initialised since the failure
- Encryption, corruption or partial overwriting of the data
- Availability of source data such as images, backups, logs or transaction records
- Attempts made before assessment (rebuilds, repair tools, repeated reboots)
Frequently asked questions
innodb_force_recovery isn't working — what now?
File-level parsing works independently of MySQL's own recovery modes, so it can often extract data even when every innodb_force_recovery level still fails to start the server.
Our .frm file is missing — is the table unreadable?
Not necessarily. The data itself lives in the .ibd or .myd file; the column structure can sometimes be inferred from the data even without the original .frm.
Does this work for MariaDB too?
Yes — MariaDB uses the same InnoDB and MyISAM storage formats, so the same file-level approach applies.
Our Percona XtraBackup restore keeps failing — what are our options?
We can assess the backup files directly for a partial or corrupted restore, and separately assess the original data files if the source server is still available.
A Galera cluster node won't rejoin and SST keeps failing — is the node's data lost?
Not necessarily. The node's own InnoDB files can often be assessed and recovered directly, independent of whether cluster replication itself can be restored.
How do you repair a corrupt MySQL database and restore it to a working state?
We work from the raw InnoDB or MyISAM files directly rather than relying on the server to start — parsing tablespace pages, rebuilding indexes, and reconstructing table structure where needed — then hand back a restored, importable dataset rather than requiring mysqlcheck or a repair table run to succeed first.
Ransomware encrypted our MySQL database — is a MySQL database ransomware recovery possible?
Often, at least partially. InnoDB tablespaces are organised in fixed-size pages, and many ransomware variants don't encrypt every page uniformly — especially on a large .ibd file, where fully encrypting the whole thing takes longer than an attacker wants to spend on one host. We assess how much of the tablespace is genuinely untouched and parse the intact pages directly, the same way we do for any other partially encrypted database file.
Do you provide MySQL and MySQL ransomware recovery in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune or Mumbai?
Yes. MySQL recovery is done from the InnoDB/MyISAM files directly rather than on-site on your server, so we support clients in Hyderabad and these other Indian cities remotely, with secure courier for physical storage and on-site engagement available for enterprise or urgent ransomware cases.
Related services
Not sure what you're dealing with?
Describe the situation and we'll tell you what's realistic.