Tips to Connect Corrupt MDF File to SQL Server

Are you looking for a way to connect MDF file to SQL Server? If yes, then continue reading because this article is intended for all those users who want to know how to attach MDF File in SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012 and below versions.

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the most preferred and organized RDBMS which maintains data integrity in secured mode. SQL Server has mainly two types of files to store its data. The MDF file is the root of the SQL database, it stores tables, triggers, functions, stored procedures, views and much more data. Other than MDF (Master database file), there is NDF file which is optional for use, in case master database file gets oversized. Lastly, the LDF file (Log Database File) which stores all transactional or logs information of the main database file. There are times when the user want to connect MDF File to SQL Server. This simple task requires lots of effort if users do not follow the proper guidelines.

Therefore in the following segment, we are going to disclose some simple and effective workarounds that will help you to attach MDF file in SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2005, 2000.

Let’s consider a scenario, where user wants to attach MDF file in SQL Server

“Hello there, I’m new to Microsoft SQL Server and  don’t know much about it. Last night my friend shared a SQL database file with .mdf file extension.  Now, I want to open it in order to verify some data. But I don’t know how to connect MDF file to SQL Server. Can anyone suggest me a simple and actual working technique. Thanks in advance”

Are you tangled-up in same problem, no need to worry here we have mentioned best possible solutions to resolve such problems.

Methods to connect MDF File to SQL Server

In this subsequent section, you will get the different ways by which you can attach MDF files to SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 and all below versios.

1. Using SSMS
2. Using T-SQL script Method
3. Using an Automated software

Here, it is important to mention that the manual methods will work only if the required MDF file is in a healthy state.

Method 1: Connect MDF File to SQL Server Using SSMS

You need to follow the below-mentioned to attach MDF file in SQL Server. Although for this process, SQL database MDF file must be corruption free.

1. Launch the Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio on your system.
2. Now, go to Object Explorer and right-click on the Database and click Attach button from the menu.
3. An attach database screen will open, click on Add button to locate the MDF file that you want to connect.
4.  After that, browse the MDF file and click the OK button.
5. Again press the OK button to attach MDF file from the attach database wizard.

Now, refresh the databases and see the newly attached database under the Object Explorer.

Method 2: Using T-SQL script

You can run a TSQL Script to attach MDF file in SQL Server. Use the below-mentioned script to perform the task.

CREATE DATABASE TEST

ON (FILENAME = ‘C:MySQLServerTEST _Data.mdf’),

(FILENAME = ‘C:MySQLServerTEST _Log.ldf’)

FOR ATTACH;

Method 3: Professional Way to connect MDF File To SQL Server

In such a situation when the required MDF file is damaged or corrupted, the above-mentioned method does not work. For this, you must use an enterprise-grade level software that can connect damaged, corrupt MDF file to SQL Server easily. This software is capable to repair database file and connect it to SQL Server without any type of interruption in the process.

It has a simple and user-friendly interface that every technical and non-technical user can use this solution without any hassle. Also, this software is compatible with all versions of the Windows operating system (32-bit and 64-bit) and MS SQL Server.

Step by step procedure to attach MDF  file in SQL Server

Step 1. Download and launch the PCVITA SQL Database Recovery on your system. Click on Open to load the required MDF file.

Step 2. Select a Scan mode (Advance scan or Quick scan) and then choose the SQL Server version of the selected MDF file.

Step 3. Now the tool provide the preview of all the contents of MDF file. Click on Export button to begin the process.

Step 4. After that, select Export as SQL Server Database option. Under Export as SQL Server Database, fill Server Name & select Authentication type either Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication.

Step 5. Choose either Create New Database or Export to Existing Database option to attach MDF file in MS SQL Server.

Step 6. Select the desired database components you want to attach and then hit the Export button.

That’s it,  to check the recently connected MDF files on the SQL server, simply expand the databases under the Object Explorer.

Benefits of using this automated solution

• Easy to use interface for all technical and non-technical users.
• Recover data from corrupted Database files (.mdf and .ndf) and export recovered data to the live SQL Server environment or as SQL scripts.
• Supports to repair both primary and secondary database files of MS SQL Server.
• Display recovered database items like tables, functions, triggers, views, stored procedures etc. on its intuitive interface before saving.
• This application is compatible with all version of MS SQL Server.
• This utility does not possess any file size limitation.

Bringing It All Together

Well, this is how you can connect MDF file to SQL Server without making so much effort and complexity. But in case, if you want to attach a corrupt or damaged database file then you must use an automated SQL database Recovery tool which fix corrupt SQL database file easily and connect them to SQL Server. This software is completely safe and secure to download and it does not conflict with other programs installed on your system.