Summary: Many times users want to view or open an MDF file without an SQL server. Nowadays it is seen many organizations share SQL server databases to manage MDF files systematically. So, first, let’s know the importance of MDF File.
In each database, there is one MDF file, which is saved as.MDF extension. It comprises all the user database and other database objects such as functions, keys, indices, columns, triggers, views, etc. MDF file is a binary file, which can be attached to a running SQL server, to access the data using MS SQL transaction statements. But, sometimes users are not able to access the database due to corruption in the MDF file. It can be solved using MDF File Reader. Before going further first let’s see the main causes of MDF File corruption.
Main Causes for MDF File Corruption
System shutdown- Bear in mind, that it is always necessary to have a power backup if you are a desktop user. This habit prevents the sudden loss of your valuable files and data.
Virus issue- For longer durability of your system, it is mandatory to have an updated anti-virus. So, regularly, you must update your installed anti-virus, to prevent loss of your valuable data.
Hard disk problem- Keep a check on your hard drive and in case there is any sort of issue present, fix it quickly. Because, if there is any sort of problem present in your hard drive it will result in inaccessibility to the MDF file.
Compressed folders- It is seen some users tend to store their files in a compressed folder or volume, for having sufficient disk space. This sometimes causes inaccessibility to MDF files.
Now, let’s see how you can view MDF files using SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)
SQL server management application is an inbuilt application, which is mainly used for managing, administering, and configuring all the components and items in an SQL server. But, while doing so you will receive this error.
This happens because, LDF files ( log files), are also associated with the MDF file. So, to view the database it becomes necessary to attach the MDF file.
How to attach an MDF File in SSMS?
Follow the below-mentioned approach to read the MDF File in SQL Server Management Studio.
- Firstly, you have to open SSMS.
- Then, you have to connect to an instance of SQL Server Database Engine.
- Click on it, to have a view of instance SSMS.
- Now, in Object Explorer, right-click on the database.
- Click on Add.
- Now, in the Locate Database Files dialog box, select the disk drive which holds the database.
- You can expand the directory tree, and from there you can easily select the MDF File.
After executing this, there is a possibility that you might face an error. Some of them are like:
Trusted way to open MDF File of MS SQL Server
To meet a requirement, on an urgent basis sometimes it becomes necessary to view MDF files without SQL Server. And if it is corrupted or damaged, the scenario is more serious. To resolve such a situation here is a new MDF File Reader, which is designed to deliver output in minimum time. No matter, whether it is corrupted or damaged, you can access them all.
Final Words
In this blog, you have seen the manual technique to open an MDF file, but in a case, if it does not work then you can open a .mdf file without SQL, via the free SQL Reader.
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