What is SQL Server Error 33106 & How It Impacts Performance?

The SQL Server database encounters several errors during the operations. The errors, like SQL Server error 33106, affect the day-to-day tasks of the users as they restrict the users from attaching the database and resulting in prolonged downtime of the database. 

In this article, we will learn about the error and find the best ways to resolve the error in a hassle-free way. So, let’s begin by understanding the error briefly, once for better understanding. 

SQL Server Error 33106 Explained

This SQL Error signifies that the user has attempted to change the database encryption state, but they do not possess the encryption key or certificate. The error mainly occurs due to the missing key or certificate during the database encryption state change. There are a few causes that lead to the error. We will now see these reasons one by one and understand why the error occurs and what challenges it creates for the users. 

Why does the Error Occur? - Causes of SQL Error 33106

There are several reasons that lead to the occurrence of the ‘Cannot change database encryption state because no database encryption key is set’ issue. Some of these reasons are stated here as follows:

• Missing Database Encryption Key 
• While attempting to attach an encrypted database without the encryption key. 
• Due to improper TDE setup and configurations. 

These are a few common causes for the SQL Server error 33106. When the error occurs, it raises several challenges for the users. These challenges affect the users’ daily tasks and workflow. Let’s take a look at these challenges to understand the issues faced by the users and resolve them using the best solutions. 

Challenges Encountered By Users Due to SQL Error

With the occurrence of the ‘cannot change database encryption state because no database encryption key is set’ issue, many challenges arise for the users. Here, we will learn and understand these challenges to get a clearer idea of how the error affects the user’s workflow.

• Difficulty while diagnosing the issue without proper details regarding the error. 
• Risk of prolonged database downtime during the configuration of the encryption setup. 
• Error caused by to missing encryption key can cause compliance and regulatory issues for the users if not resolved timely. 
• The Encryption in databases requires certificates and keys for an efficient and smooth workflow, but managing several keys and certificates can be complex for the users, resulting in operational overload. 

To resolve all these challenges hassle-free for the users, we will now examine the solutions that will help them resolve the issue. 

How to Resolve SQL Server Error 33106?

There are several ways that can help users resolve the error in a simplified way. We will discuss these methods individually to resolve the issues more easily and effectively.  The first method we will be discussing is creating the encryption key for the database. Let’s see how this method works and how users can implement it. 

Solution 1: By Creating the Master Encryption Key 

To create the encryption certificate and key to resolve the SQL Server Error 33106, users have to follow the commands. These commands will help the users to create the encryption keys and certificate, repair the database error, and make the database accessible again for the users. 

The steps to resolve the error are:

Create the Master Key with the following command:

USE master;
GO 
CREATE MASTER KEY ENCRYPTION BY PASSWORD = ”RequiredPassword”;
GO        

To create the encryption certificate in the database, the given command will be used:

CREATE CERTIFICATE TDE123
WITH SUBJECT = ‘TDE CERTIFICATE for ENCRYPTION’ 
GO        

For the creation of Data Encryption Key, run the command given below:

USE DBNAME; 
GO 
CREATE DATABASE ENCRYPTION KEY WITH ALGORITHM = AES_256 
ENCRYPTION BY SERVER CERTIFICATE TDE123; 
GO        

Lastly, enable the encryption in the database to resolve the ‘cannot change database encryption state because no database encryption key is set’ issue. ALTER DATABASE DBNAME;

SET ENCRYPTION ON;
GO        

These steps and commands will help you to create an encryption certificate and key for the database and make the database accessible without causing the SQL error 33106. This method is helpful only to create an encryption key and certificate to prevent the error from occurring, but in case a user has already encountered the error, and they need to resolve it, they must choose an appropriate method. Now, we will take a look at an expert solution, to learn and understand how the error can be resolved. 

Solution 2: Repair the SQL Server Error 33106 With Professional Tool

When the users encounter an error and have no clue about how to resolve the error and have the fear of losing important data, the best option is to choose a professional tool. The solution we are suggesting here is using the SQL Decryptor Tool, a solution that will help the users access the database again after the occurrence of the error. The steps to use this tool are as follows:

1. Install and start the expert tool. In the Connect to SQL Server window, add the server name. 
2. Next, you will be provided with two login options, choose the desired login mode as and enter the login and authentication credentials. 
3. Choose the Required Database name, and then click on the next button. 
4. Click to open and preview the decrypted data in the database. 
5. The tool offers dual options to export the decrypted data; choose one as per your requirements. 
6. Next, select the database components that are required to be exported/decrypted. 
7. Choose export without encryption, and enter the database name.
8. Click on the export button to resolve the ‘cannot change database encryption state because no database encryption key is set’ issue. 

These steps will help you easily resolve the error and access the database without any downtime. With the help of these methods, users can easily fix the error and continue with their day to day tasks without any complexity. 

Conclusion

In this write-up, we have discussed the SQL Server Error 33106 and learned the causes and the challenges created due to the error. We have also suggested a few solutions that will help the users to resolve the error in a much efficient way.