dbForge SQL Decryptor: Ultimate Guide to Recovering Encrypted SQL Objects

How to Use dbForge SQL Decryptor to Reveal Hidden Stored ProceduresStored procedures, functions, and views in SQL Server can be created with encryption to hide their source code. For DBAs and developers who need to audit, debug, or recover legacy database logic, being able to reveal (decrypt) that code can be essential — provided you have proper authorization. dbForge SQL Decryptor is a focused tool that helps you recover encrypted SQL Server object definitions safely and efficiently. This article explains when decryption is appropriate, how dbForge SQL Decryptor works, step-by-step usage, troubleshooting, and best practices.

When and why to decrypt SQL objects

• Legitimate maintenance and auditing: You may inherit databases with encrypted objects and no source code. Decrypting lets you inspect logic for maintenance or security reviews.
• Recovery: If original scripts were lost, decrypting encrypted objects can restore the codebase.
• Debugging and performance tuning: Viewing the original T-SQL makes diagnosing bugs, logic errors, and performance issues possible.
• Compliance and security assessment: Auditors may need to verify that encrypted objects do not hide malicious or noncompliant code.

Important: decrypting database objects without authorization can violate policies, contracts, or laws. Only proceed if you are the owner, have explicit permission, or are otherwise authorized.

What dbForge SQL Decryptor does

dbForge SQL Decryptor is a tool from Devart designed to obtain the original T-SQL definitions of encrypted SQL Server objects — including stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views. It automates the steps required to extract and reconstruct object text that SQL Server hides when the WITH ENCRYPTION option is used.

Key capabilities:

• Decrypts stored procedures, scalar and table-valued functions, views, and triggers.
• Works with multiple SQL Server versions.
• Exports decrypted scripts to files for version control or restoration.

Requirements and preparation

• dbForge SQL Decryptor installed (download from Devart; ensure you use a legitimate copy).
• SQL Server connection credentials with sufficient rights (usually sysadmin or owner-level permissions are required to read system metadata and operate the decryption routines).
• Authorization to decrypt objects in the target database.
• Backup: Always take a full backup of the database (or at minimum export object metadata) before performing operations or exporting scripts.

Step-by-step: Decrypting objects with dbForge SQL Decryptor

1. Install and launch dbForge SQL Decryptor.
2. Create a new connection:
   • Click “New Connection.”
   • Enter server name, authentication type (Windows or SQL Server), and credentials.
   • Choose the target database from the list of available databases.
   • Test the connection and click Connect.
3. Select objects to decrypt:
   • In the object tree, expand the database and navigate to “Programmability.”
   • Select the encrypted objects you need (stored procedures, functions, triggers, views). You can select multiple objects.
4. Decrypting:
   • Click the “Decrypt” or equivalent button.
   • The tool will process selected objects and display recovered T-SQL in an output pane.
5. Review decrypted code:
   • Inspect the recovered T-SQL for correctness. The result may need formatting or minor edits before reuse.
6. Exporting:
   • Use the “Save” or “Export” feature to store scripts to files or a folder. Prefer organizing by object type and adding timestamps.
7. Recreate or store safely:
   • Add decrypted scripts to your source control system.
   • If you plan to recreate objects without encryption, create scripts in a safe environment and run them after verification.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Connection failures: verify network access, server name, and credentials. Ensure SQL Server allows remote connections if connecting remotely.
• Insufficient permissions: if decryption fails or objects cannot be listed, you likely lack required server/database permissions. Request elevated rights or have a DBA assist.
• Partial or garbled output: try decrypting one object at a time. Ensure the tool version supports your SQL Server edition; upgrade dbForge if necessary.
• Large databases: selecting many objects may use memory; decrypt in batches.

Alternatives and when to use them

• Manual methods using DAC or dedicated scripts exist but require deep expertise and can be risky.
• Other third-party decryptors may provide similar functionality; evaluate them for compatibility, support, and licensing.
• If you only need to audit logic and cannot decrypt, consider asking the original authors or restoring from backups/source control.

Comparison (quick):

Security and ethical considerations

• Always obtain explicit authorization before decrypting database objects.
• Treat decrypted code as sensitive. Store it in secure source control with access controls.
• Document why and when decryption was performed, and who authorized it.

Best practices after decryption

• Add decrypted scripts to version control immediately.
• Prevent future loss by standardizing development practices: keep all object scripts in a repository and avoid creating encrypted objects unless required.
• If encryption was used for IP protection but legitimate maintenance is needed, consider replacing WITH ENCRYPTION with documented and controlled deployment processes.
• Rotate credentials and review permissions if decryption exposed sensitive logic.

Conclusion

dbForge SQL Decryptor is a practical tool for recovering encrypted SQL Server object definitions when you have authorization. It simplifies retrieval of hidden stored procedures and other objects, enabling maintenance, recovery, and audit activities. Follow authorization, backup, and security best practices to ensure safe and responsible use.