How to Recover SQL Database from MDF and LDF Files?

Anshu_123

Member
In Microsoft SQL Server, the MDF file is the primary database file, and the LDF file is the transaction log file. If your database is deleted, corrupted, or not attaching properly, you can try the following methods.

Manual Method: Attach MDF and LDF Files​

  1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
  2. Connect to your SQL Server instance.
  3. Right-click on Databases and choose Attach.
  4. Click Add and select your MDF file.
  5. If the LDF file is in the same location, it will be detected automatically.
  6. Click OK to attach the database.
If the database attaches successfully, you can access your data again. However, this method may fail if:
  • MDF or LDF files are severely corrupted
  • Log file is missing or damaged
  • The database shows “Recovery Pending” or “Suspect” mode

Professional Method: Use Cigati SQL Recovery Tool​

If the manual method doesn’t work, you can use a professional solution like Cigati SQL Recovery Tool. This utility is specially designed to recover corrupted MDF and NDF files and restore database objects such as:

Tables
Views
Stored Procedures
Triggers
Indexes

The tool scans damaged database files and allows you to preview the recovered data before saving. It supports all major versions of Microsoft SQL Server and provides a simple interface, making the recovery process easy even for non-technical users.

Recovering a SQL database from MDF and LDF files is possible using SSMS if the files are healthy. But in case of corruption or severe damage, a reliable third-party tool like Cigati SQL Recovery Tool is a safer and more effective option.
 
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