How to Open MDF File of SQL Server Online

The primary database files of the SQL server are MDF files and the files are stored in .mdf file extension. MDF file stores all the SQL database objects including triggers, keys, tables, functions, columns, etc. SQL server generally uses the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for creating the database and its properties. Although, MDF files are equally prone to corruption as any other Windows file. Due to corruption issues, the MDF files may become inaccessible to the user. That means the user can lose their important data. So to open MDF file and avoid the risk of data loss, we came out with a perfect guide for users. We will describe some causes of MDF file corruption followed by different techniques to solve user’s queries about “how to open .mdf file ?”. We are going to discuss the best and the most recommended professional SQL Database Recovery Online solution. There is no direct manual solution to open MDF file online which got corrupted or damaged. 

Causes For MDF File Corruption

There are some common causes behind MDF file corruption that we have listed below – 

• Accidental deletion of the data. 
• Hard disk failure. 
• Power failure. 
• Virus or Malware attacks.
• Hardware Malfunctioning.
• Improper system shutdown. 

These are a few causes of corruption in the MDF file. Now let’s proceed further to the most recommended method to open MDF file without SQL server.

Professional Method to Open MDF File Online

To access MDF files that got damaged or corrupted and becomes inaccessible to the user. Users can use any trusted and reliable SQL Recovery utility. Using the DRS MDF File Recovery Software, users can easily recover or restore the SQL data from corrupt MDF files. The software smoothly restores all the SQL database objects from the corrupt MDF & NDF data files. The tool effectively restores the entire database objects like tables, rules, records, triggers, functions, etc. The amazing utility supports all Windows and Mac versions. Also, there is no technical expertise required to run the software. The software offers a preview feature that helps users to view the recovered SQL data prior to saving. 

How to Open MDF File Without SQL Server

1. Launch DRS SQL Recovery Software on your system.
2. Go to the open button and add the corrupt MDF file for recovery. 

3. Click on the browse icon to add files and select MDF files from your computer.

4. Choose the recovery mode. 

5. Provide the log file path and hit the OK button to start scanning.

6. Once the scanning is done, click on the OK button. 

7. Now open MDF file in tree structure and select the MDF file item you want to recover.

8. Press the Save button to start the process of saving. 

9. Select the saving mode i.e, SQL Server Database or SQL Server Compatible Scripts. 
10. Click OK to initiate the process of recovery.

Also Read – How to Recover SQL Data From a Dropped Table Without Backups

Salient Features

• Swiftly restores all corrupt or damaged SQL data files from corrupt MDF & NDF files. 
• Supports restoring Unicode XML and ASCII data types. 
• Offers two options to transfer recovered SQL data i.e, export with schema and data, and export with Schema only. 
• Restore entire database items such as rules, tables, records, triggers, etc. 
• Facilitates with a preview option to view recovered data. 
• Supports entire Windows versions.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have described some common causes for MDF file corruption and different methods to open MDF file that got damaged or corrupted. As there is no direct method to access corrupt SQL files. We have provided one of the best methods available to repair or restore SQL objects from corrupt MDF and NDF files. 

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