Restore Database from MDF File in SQL Server - Quick Guide

In situations where database changes have caused unforeseen issues or errors, restoring from a backup MDF file allows for a rollback to a stable state. MDF files can perform as storage for recovering specific data that may have been lost or modified in the current database. Then, users want to know how to restore database from MDF File. Here, we know the several methods to restore the SQL Database from MDF and LDF.? First, we understand the basic key pointers and why it is essential.

• Data loss due to accidental deletion or corruption.
• Recovery from hardware failure or system crash.
• Migration to a new server or database environment.
• Rollback to a previous state for debugging or testing purposes.
• Compliance with data retention policies.
• Restoring data for legal or auditing requirements
• Reverting changes made in error during development or deployment

Understanding the MDF File: What Is It?

An MDF file is the primary database file in Microsoft SQL Server. It contains the database schema and data. Also, it stores tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, and other database objects, as well as the actual data stored in those tables. MDF files have the ".mdf" file extension. These files are essential components of SQL Server databases.

Three Methods to Restore Database from MDF File in SQL Server

Restoring a database from an MDF file is common task in database management, particularly in Microsoft SQL Server environments. It can be approached through various methods. In the context of SQL Server, one common method involves attaching the MDF file to a SQL Server instance. Another approach involves, using backup and restore functionalities provided by the database management system. Also, we make you introduce to the all-in-one utility to do the same. Below, we'll elaborate on each solution.

#1: Expert Approach to Recovering Corrupted MDF Files

The Cigati SQL Recovery Tool is a widely recognized and trusted solution to recover and restore SQL databases from MDF and LDF files. You have two choices for exporting the recovered files. First, export them and the schema from a corrupted MDF file. Otherwise,? you can export them into a new database file. Moreover, you can preview the recovered data before saving it. This tool restores an SQL database and saves the retrieved data into a new SQL database. Also, It provides an advanced ability to export SQL table data and save it in CSV format. You can restore each object of SQL and automatically remove that you do not want to save. Now, perform the simple steps of this utility.

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Steps to Recover a Corrupt MDF File:

• Foremost, launch and run the SQL Recovery Tool on your screen.
• After that, tap the Open button and browse the damaged MDF files.
• Later, pick the desired file to restore and tap on Open to add.
• In Select Recovery Mode, pick Standard Mode from the drop-down.
• Now, choose the auto-detect option from Collation Option>>OK.
• Then, click OK to start the scanning process and tap on Yes to close the application.
• At last, enter the path to save the resultant file and click OK to accomplish the task.

These few clicks can easily restore the Database from the MDF file. This method is easy to accomplish for both tech and nontech users. Here, we have surety of no data loss. On the other hand, if you have a technical idea about things, you can frequently continue with the manual method.?

#2: Utilizing SSMS for Restoring MDF Files in SQL Server

This manual procedure can be done with the help of SQL Server Management Studio also called SSMS. It helps to Restore the database from the MDF File manually. Now, we know the performing steps of SSMS.

Here are the steps as follows:

• Primary, you should install and run SQL Server Management Studio on the system.
• When you open it, navigate to the tab of Object Explorer.
• Now, you need to perform a right-click on the database and pick the Attach from the drop-down.
• In the next window, tap on the Add button and browse the selected MDF Files to restore from SSMS>>OK.
• Now, you can see the details of LDF and MDF files in the database>>OK.
• In case, the MDF files are not visible. Once you should refresh the database to see the restored MDF files.

Now, you have a better on how to recover corrupted MDF files using Microsoft SQL Server Management System. We also elaborate on the second manual method to do the same.?

#3: Restoring a Database from an MDF File Using T-SQL Method

Here, we describe the solution using the T-SQL Method. It is another way to restore database from MDF file manually. Proceed further and perform the steps to restore the database from the MDF File. The steps are as follows:?

• Foremost, open your Database Engine and install SSMS & Connect.
• After this, tap on the New Query tab and proceed further.
• In the next step, run the given Query. It is as follows:

CREATE DATABASE MDF_ FILE_ NAME?        

ON (FILENAME =        

‘C: \Filepath\File_name.mdf’)        

FOR ATTACH_ REBUILD_LOG        

GO        

• Once you successfully execute the given command, open the Object Explorer.?
• After refreshing the SQL database, you can find the restored database from the MDF file.

Time to Warm Up

After going through the complete blog, you have a better understanding of how to restore database from MDF File. Both methods are appropriate to accomplish the task. In the case of manual processes, you need technical expertise. However, the automated solution does not require it. Thus, this utility becomes the preferred choice for users who want to efficiently recover their SQL database files without any compromise on data integrity.