How to Attach MDF File to SQL Server Database?

Moving on, let’s first take an overview of SQL Server and its associated MDF files.

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server, a Relational Database Management System, developed by Microsoft- is a powerful and popular tool for managing databases. It’s like a digital filing system but for all kinds of information—transactions, business details, and application data. SQL Server uses a common language called SQL to handle this data, making it work seamlessly with different applications, whether they’re small programs or large corporate systems. It organizes data using three types of files, and one of them is called the MDF file. Let’s take a closer look at what the MDF file does.

MDF File- MDF stands for Master(main) Data File, the primary database file for a SQL Server database. A .mdf file stores user’s data and objects such as tables, indexes, stored procedures, and views that comprise a database. When you create a new database in SQL Server, it includes at least one MDF file.

Similarly, NDF files are secondary database files that serve as secondary storage. LDFs are Log Database File, that store log information important for database recovery.

Now, let us see how to add MDF file to SQL server without Log file.

How to Attach SQL Server Database Without Log File?

Attaching an MDF (Master Data File) to an SQL Server database is a common task and we generally go through queries like this. This process is useful when you have a database backup in the form of MDF and LDF files and you want to attach it to another instance of SQL Server. Here’s a step-by-step procedure.

Method 1: Using SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)

SSMS stands for SQL Server Management Studio. It is a GUI (graphical user interface) tool provided by Microsoft for managing SQL Server databases. Follow the procedure to attach MDF file to SQL server using SSMS:

• Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server instance where you want to attach the database.
• Navigate to the Object Explorer Right-click on Databases and choose the Attach… option.
• In the Attach Databases dialog box, click the Add button to specify the SQL database file you want to attach.
• When the Locate Database Files wizard appears, navigate to the location where your MDF file is stored.
• Select the MDF file. Click Ok.
• The dialog box will automatically fill in the database details. Verify that the logical and physical file names are correct.
• After verifying the details, click OK to attach the database.
• Next, check the Object Explorer to ensure the attached MDF file is listed under Databases.

Let us proceed to another method to attach MDF file to SQL server.

Method 2: Using T-SQL Script

You can also use Transact-SQL (T-SQL) to add MDF file to SQL server. Here’s an example script:

USE master;

GO

CREATE DATABASE YourDatabaseName

ON (FILENAME = ‘C:\Path\To\Your\DatabaseFile.mdf’),

   (FILENAME = ‘C:\Path\To\Your\LogFile.ldf’)

FOR ATTACH;

GO

• Replace YourDatabaseName, C:\Path\To\Your\DatabaseFile.mdf, and C:\Path\To\Your\LogFile.ldf with your actual database name, MDF file path, and LDF file path.
• Note:
  • Make sure the SQL Server service account has the necessary permissions to access the MDF and LDF files.
  • Always back up your database before attaching or detaching to prevent data loss.
  • Ensure that another SQL Server instance does not use the MDF and LDF files.
  • “Database file version is not supported” error may occur SQL Server is not updated to the latest version.
  Following these steps should allow you to successfully attach SQL database without log file.

Downsides of Manual Methods:

• This process takes time, and the steps can be complicated for those who need more technical expertise.
• You need technical know-how to run the script, making it a bit challenging method.
• There’s a chance your MDF files could get corrupted or damaged during the process.
• If SQL Server is not updated to the latest version you may fail to attach .mdf files.

Therefore, experts suggest using a professional tool to overcome the mentioned limitations. Discussed below is a proficient tool to add MDF file to SQL server.

Professionally Attach MDF File to SQL Server

How about if you find a tool to add corrupt or healthy MDF files to SQL Server? SysInfo SQL Database Recovery Tool does this. It is a comprehensive tool to repair, recover, and restore SQL databases. Moreover, it is capable enough to attach SQL database without log files. This tool supports multiple MDF files and NDF files and successfully restores Database objects to SQL Server. Furthermore, you will be surprised to know that the tool supports distinct MS SQL Server versions such as 2000, 2005, and so on till 2019. Other features of the tool include:

• Allows you to restore advanced deleted records from SQL database.
• You can preview the database contents while the process continues. So, users can simply use this tool to Open MDF Files on Windows and preview MDF file content.
• It can handle various errors that occur in SQL Server.
• Windows-based tools and compatible with all versions of Windows OS.

Thus, this tool is a convenient way to attach SQL Server database without log file and can be used by any new user. The tool has a simple and self-explanatory GUI that explains the next steps.

Additionally, if you are in doubt download the demo version of the tool to understand how it works before purchasing the premium license. However, the free demo version of the tool has certain limitations too.

Conclusion

Hence, different methods to attach MDF file to SQL Server have been discussed in this blog. Also, we have given a quick introduction to MS SQL and MDF files. Hope, you are clear about the procedures. However, if you face any difficulties while performing the manual steps, switch to a safe professional solution.