What is the difference between Rebuild Video and Rebuild All in the HDD management or maintenance settings?

[michaelpoh1982]

Hi All,
What is the difference between Rebuild Video and Rebuild All in the HDD management or maintenance settings?

 

[whzone]

Hi,

Both options are used to reconstruct the recorder’s database, but they serve different purposes.

Rebuild Video​

• This option rebuilds and refreshes only the video recording database.
• The process is relatively quick compared to a full rebuild.
• It is typically used when:
  
  • Recorded footage cannot be found during playback search.
  • The recorder is not indexing video correctly.
  • You need to restore video search functionality as soon as possible.

If the issue is limited to video playback or search results, this is usually the first option to try.

Rebuild All

• This option rebuilds the database for all stored data, including:
  
  • Video recordings
  • Snapshots
  • Alarm data
  • Event data
• The process takes considerably longer.
• The first ~30% of the progress typically relates to rebuilding the video database.

This option is generally recommended when:

• There are broader database issues.
• Multiple data types are missing or not searchable.
• You suspect database corruption affecting more than just video.

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Recommendation​

If the problem is video playback only, start with Rebuild Video.
If the issue affects multiple data types or persists, proceed with Rebuild All.

 

[Bernie 49]

My DS-7204HUHI-K1/P says 0 free space out of 931.52GB, overwrite is enabled but still not clearing, thought about Repair Database but unsure as it says will rebuild all databases, where as your example says you can clear just video or all. Any I dea what I can do?

 

[whzone]

My DS-7204HUHI-K1/P says 0 free space out of 931.52GB, overwrite is enabled but still not clearing, thought about Repair Database but unsure as it says will rebuild all databases, where as your example says you can clear just video or all. Any I dea what I can do?

Dear member,

The 0 space out of XXGB is a normal behavior and expected for Hikvision recorders.
To clarify the “0 free space”

• Once the HDD is fully utilized, the recorder will always show 0 free space.
• This does not mean recording has stopped or that overwrite isn’t working.
• It simply indicates the disk is in a steady-state overwrite cycle.

How overwrite actually works

• With overwrite enabled, the DVR operates on a FIFO (First In, First Out) basis.
• Example:
  • If your HDD stores ~20 days of footage
  • On day 21 → day 1 gets overwritten
  • On day 22 → day 2 gets overwritten, and so on

So the disk remains “full” permanently, but old data is continuously replaced.

What you should verify (important checks)
Before considering any database repair, confirm:

1. Recording status
   • Go to: Menu → Record → Schedule / Status
   • Ensure cameras are still actively recording
2. Playback availability
   • Try playing back today’s footage
   • Then check older dates (e.g. 5–10 days back)

When should you use Repair Database
Only consider this if you see actual symptoms such as:

• Missing recordings in playback
• Timeline gaps
• Playback errors or corrupted footage

Difference explained

• Rebuild Video → Repairs only recording database (faster, safer first step)
• Rebuild All → Rebuilds video + events + logs (much longer, more intrusive)

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