Summary: If you want to access the SQL database component and want to know how to attach MDF file to SQL Server. Then read this post, where we have provided a step-by-step procedure to do so. Additionally, we explored both manual and automatic methods for simply attaching MDF files to SQL Server.
In this age of cutting-edge innovation, the accessibility and ease of alternative assets are growing by the day. And to meet that, Microsoft released an upgraded version of SQL Server that is simple to use and maintains a solidly smart SQL database. It also gives consistent quality to bring additional comfort to their consumers.
However, the main issue arises when users trying to connect MDF files to the SQL Server. And find out that the database file is corrupt. As we know, MDF is the root file of the SQL database and serves as the primary storage file, while the LDF file serves as the log file in the SQL server. It maintains the transactional processes on the SQL database up to date. Both of these files are critical to the proper operation of the database. If you are finding solutions to attach MDF file without LDF then here we have mentioned different approaches for the same.
Let’s begin,
Manual Methods to attach MDF file to SQL server
• Using SQL Server Management Studio
• Using a Transact-SQL Script Method
Note: Manual methods do not work in case of corrupt database files. In such situations, it is suggested to use the professional tool to accomplish the task easily.
Method 1: Attach an MDF file to SQL Server Management Studio
If you need to connect a SQL database MDF file using SQL Server Management Studio, you have to first interact with an example of a SQL DB Engine and study it.
- Launch SQL Server Management Studio.
- Now, wait for a few seconds for it to open, and then log in by providing its accreditation data.
- Select and right-click on Databases, then select Attach.
- When you select the Attach option, a window called Attach Database Window appears on the screen. Now this time, click on the Add button.
- It displays a listing of SQL Server database files. Choose that and press the Ok button.
- Now, confirm the MDF and LDF file locations and click the Ok button.
- You have now successfully attached the Database to the SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio.
Also Read: How to Restore Master Database in SQL Server?
Method 2. Attach SQL MDF File via Transact-SQL Script
Use the script given below:-
CREATE DATABASE XYZ
ON (FILENAME = ‘C:MySQLServerXYZ _Data.mdf’),
(FILENAME = ‘C:MySQLServerXYZ _Log.ldf’) FOR ATTACH;
Assured Solution to Attach MDF file to SQL server
Manual approaches have a chance of generating the desired result. Just in case, if you fail to manually link an MDF file to a SQL server. Then try this standalone solution, which can complete your full task effectively with no additional effort. The MDF SQL Recovery tool can certainly connect database files to SQL Server without any interruptions. This utility is the foundation of all MS SQL Server versions.
Related: How to Move Table Data From One SQL Server to Another
How to attach MDF file to SQL Server – Direct Method
Here is a step-by-step guide for using this utility to add the database file without issue:
- Install the SQL Recovery software.
- Click the Open button and navigate to your MDF file.
- Click the Advanced Scan button. Check the Auto-Detect SQL version box to select the version automatically.
- Examine SQL database objects such as tables, stored procedures, functions, views, and so on.
- The software displays deleted database objects records in red for easy identification.
- Then, export the database by clicking on Export and entering the appropriate credentials.
- The tool displays the results for the exported detail.
Conclusion
In this blog, we explored how to attach MDF file to SQL server. In addition, we discussed manual ways for connecting the MDF file. However, if you are unable to carry out this method at that time. The client can then use Recover SQL Database Software to connect the database to SQL Server without issue.
