Overview: In this post, we’ll explore all the trusted and reliable techniques to restore db from MDF and LDF files. Also, we’ll discuss why users want to restore database with MDF and LDF files. Let’s get started!
What are MDF and LDF files in SQL Server? An Overview
The MDF file, which stands for Master Database File in SQL Server, is where all of the primary data and database objects are stored. Along with tables, indexes, and other crucial database elements, it houses the real data. On the other hand, an LDF, or log database file, keeps track of all database modifications, including inserts, updates, and deletions. The transaction log for SQL Server databases is stored in an LDF file.
In the upcoming section, we’ll explore different methods and tools to restore data from MDF and LDF files.
Why Might the User Need to Restore Database With MDF and LDF File?
There are several reasons why you might need to restore db from MDF and LDF files. Here are some common ones –
- During data migration to a new server
- Data Loss or Corruption Issue
- Database Rollback
- Backup Restoration
- System Recovery
Also Read : How to Copy Table From One Database to Another Database in SQL Server.
Methods to Recover Database From MDF and LDF Files
Users can restore SQL Server databases from .mdf and .ldf files using different ways, but only a few of them are trustworthy & reliable. Now, Let’s talk about the manual solution and the automated solution. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Method # 1 Learn How to Restore DB From MDF and LDF Files (Without Corruption) Manually
In this section, we’ve discussed the most commonly used solution to restore MDF file SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS). It is a free solution to recover your database from MDF and LDF files, but there is a catch- it only works if your data is free from corruption. In case your data is corrupted, the manual technique won’t work for you.
Follow the instructions below to restore the MDF file database.
Step-1. Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio on your Windows Computer.
Step-2. In SSMS, Go to the Object Explorer section.
Step-3. Right-click on “Database” and pick “Attach” from the menu.
Step-4. Attach Databases wizard pops up on the screen & click on “Add.”
Step-5. Browse and choose the MDF file you want to bring back. Click “OK.”
Step-6. Here, you’ll see the MDF and LDF files listed. Click “OK” to restore the database in SQL Server.
Step-7. Refresh the database, and you’ll see the MDF file’s database that you just brought back.
Method # 2 Manual Method to Restore SQL Server Database MDF – Using the T-SQL Method
This is another method to restore a SQL Server database from an MDF file using the T-SQL approach. In this alternative solution, carefully follow the steps mentioned below in the management studio to achieve your desired result.
- First, Launch and open the SSMS and connect to your “Database Engine”.
- Hit the “New Query” option to continue the process.
- Run the below “Query” to restore database from MDF file:
CREATE DATABASE MDF_FILE_NAME
ON (FILENAME = ‘C:FilePathFile_name.mdf’)
FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG
GO
Once you’ve run this command without any issues, go ahead and refresh the database. You’ll notice the recently restored database showing up in the Object Explorer.
Method # 3 Learn How to Restore DB From MDF and LDF Files Using Automated Solution
If you don’t want to spend a lot of time on a tricky manual process, then use the SysTools SQL Database Recovery Tool. It is an effective and trusted solution that will help you easily recover SQL database objects such as tables, indexes, functions, keys, values, triggers, stored procedures, and more. It is a 100% safe & secure option to recover & repair corrupted MDF /LDF file database files. Moreover, this tool supports all the versions of MS SQL servers such as 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, and the below versions. This is top-notch software designed to repair SQL server databases and can also handle SQL repair and recovery
Steps to Restore from MDF and LDF file
Step-1 Download, run, and open the software on your Windows computer system and Click “Open” to load the SQL MDF file.
Step-2 After that, Choose the Scan Mode, pick either “Quick” or “Advance” for scanning, and then select the SQL Server version of the MDF file either manually or automatically, Also, check the Recover Deleted Objects option dialogue box to recover the deleted database objects.
Step-3 Next step, Preview the recovered SQL database objects such as triggers, rules, tables, etc., and then Click the Export button.
Step-4 Now, you can select export with only schema or with schema & data. fill in all the export details and click on the Export button to repair a backup file.
These steps help you to resolve the user query “How to restore db from MDF and LDF files” and straightforwardly recover your SQL database.
Summing It Up
In the above blog, you learned how to restore a database from MDF and LDF files. The manual method is okay but not very useful. However, the automated tool is faster and better compared to the manual method. It helps repair and recover the database from MDF and LDF files, and you won’t have any trouble. Plus, if you use the automated solution, it provides customer support to help you if something goes wrong.
