How to Restore Database from MDF and LDF Files in SQL Server

Microsoft SQL Server is a very popular program used by most companies for storing and managing information. Microsoft SQL Server databases use two types of files – an MDF Database File which is the primary file where all the database information is stored. On the other hand, LDF or Log Database File is a supporting file that keeps track of all the changes made in the database and stores information related to transaction logs for the main data file. These files are automatically created at the time of database creation. These files play a very crucial role in the backup and recovery process of the database. We will discuss corruption reasons for SQL Database file MDF and LDF and their solution to open MDF file and LDF file.

Reasons for Restoring MDF and LDF Files

There can be multiple scenarios where you may be required to restore the database from MDF and LDF files in SQL Server. They can be:

1. While updating to the latest version of MS SQL Server.
2. On accidental deletion of data.
3. Network failure, while the SQL database is in use, may lead to the corruption of MDF files.
4. Corruption of a file header may result in the corruption of the MDF file.
5. If you have stored the SQL database in a compressed folder, there is a possibility of MDF files getting corrupted. 
6. Any sort of failure or crash in the storage media, be it a local drive or any external media may lead to the corruption of MDF files or data loss.
7. Almost all computer programs have some internal bugs. They degrade the software performance and may lead to frequent crashes and may also be harmful to the files created by the software. 
8. Internal bugs, collision with other installed applications, and human errors may result in the corruption of MDF files.   
9. Human errors such as making unwanted changes in SQL Server accounts, closing the SQL Server forcefully, and adding invalid content in the SQL database, editing or modifying the database with Hex editor, deleting crucial system files may lead to corruption of SQL database. 
10. Abnormal system shutdown, abrupt power failure, virus attacks, defected disk drivers, hard disk failure, etc. may lead to the breakdown of SQL Server.

You can make your SQL Server run again by restoring the database from MDF and LDF files. In this article, we will discuss two manual methods to restore the database from MDF and LDF files in SQL Server: SQL Management Studio and T- SQL. Before following either of the above-mentioned methods, certain prerequisites need to be fulfilled:

1. Detach the database. If you do not detach the database, you will get an error message. 
2. Keep the MDF and LDF files in a specific folder before attaching them.
3.  Keep the MDF and LDF file in the same location. 

Approach 1: Using SQL Management Studio 

Follow the instructions given below to restore the database from MDF and LDF files in SQL server:

• Click the Start button. Go to the All Programs menu and click Microsoft SQL Server.
• Click SQL Server Management Studio and open the Connect to Server dialog box.
• Select a server on your network. Set the Authentication pull-down list to Windows Authentication and click Connect.
•  Once the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio opens, go to the Object Explorer section.
• Right-click on Database and select Attach from the menu.
• An Attach Database Wizard will open. Click on the Add button. 
• Browse the MDF file whose database you want to restore. 
• You can view the MDF and LDF files under the database details section. Click on OK to restore the database in SQL Server. 

Approach 2: Using T- SQL to Restore Database from Primary Database File

You can opt for another method to restore the database from MDF file via T – SQL. Login to SQL Server Database, go to New Query Window and run the following T- SQL script for attaching the MDF file in the SQL Server. 

CREATE DATABASE MDF_ FILE_ NAME 

ON (FILENAME =

‘C: \Filepath\File_name.mdf’)

FOR ATTACH_ REBUILD_LOG

GO

Once you execute this command successfully, refresh the database and you will see the newly restored database under the Object Explorer. 

Professional Methods to Restore Database from MDF and LDF

The above-mentioned manual methods may not work if the SQL primary database is corrupted. In such a situation, you first need to repair the corrupted MDF file and then attach the healthy file with the SQL server. The SQL Database Recovery Tool is one of the most used online software to recover and restore corrupt and damaged SQL database files with ease. It successfully restores SQL database objects without any hassle. Being an advanced solution this software can easily repair and recover corrupt MDF as well as LDF file in extensions without damaging the original data. The interface of the software is so easy that even a novice user can also use it without any technical assistance. 

A Direct Ways for Restoring Database from LDF and MDF File

SQL Database Repair software restores corrupt and damaged MDF and LDF files with high accuracy and maintains the database hierarchy structure as well as the integrity of objects. The SQL Recovery software fixes all the issues in the corrupted database file and brings back the workable or new database instead of a corrupted database file.

Follow Steps to Recover Database from MDF and LDF File in SQL Server

• Step 1: Download and run MS SQL Database Recovery Software. 
• Step 2: Click on the Browse option to select the MDF file. 
• Step 3:  Now select Recovery mode to scan database .mdf files.
• Step 4: Click on the OK button to start the scanning process. 
• Step 5: Now click on the MDF file and preview the recovered database after scanning. 
• Step 6: Enter SQL Server account credentials and check the database connectivity. 
• Step 7: Click on the OK button. The recovered database is successfully saved on the destination path.

Conclusion 

We have discussed manual methods as well as the Aryson SQL Database recovery tool for restoring the database from MDF and LDF files in SQL Server and Repair SQL Server Database Corruption in this article. You can use any of the above methods as per your requirement. 

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