A method for identifying records of variable length within a data block containing corrupted data is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, such a method may include scanning backward from an end of a data block containing variable-length records. The backward scan may proceed, one record at a time, to identify a first span of good (i.e., non-corrupt) records. The method may further include scanning forward from a front of the data block, also proceeding one record at a time, to identify a second span of good records. The method may include identifying a problem region by identifying data that resides between the first span and the second span. The method may also include creating a new record between the first span and the second span that contains the problem region. A corresponding computer program product, apparatus, and system are also disclosed.