We all know, SQL Server is one of the most popular database management programs used by companies & organizations for storing and accessing data. It uses different types of database files – an MDF, it is the primary data file where all the database information is stored. It plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of the server. On the other hand, LDF or transaction Log Data File is a supporting file that keeps track or records of all the changes made in the database.
However, sometimes a want to read data from MDF file without SQL server installation. It becomes a strenuous task for the users to open MDF files if the SQL Server is not installed in the system.
Hello there, I had created a student database in SQL Server 2012, last week, I have copied that database to another system and deleted it from the previous machine. Now, I need to access the data on an urgent basis. But the problem is, I do not want to install SQL Server Management Studio on another machine as it required large storage space. However, it contains some crucial data that I need to access anyhow but without installing the SQL Server. Can anyone suggest how can I get rid of this problematic situation? Please help!
Are you one of the people who are facing the same problem, do not worry as you are not the only one with this necessity. Many users want to read data from MDF file without SQL server installation. Since we have seen numerous people wanting to learn the process, we have decided to share a simple and effective method for the same.
Quick Way to Read Data from MDF File Without SQL Server
SQL Recovery tool is one of the best and widely used programs to open & view the database even in the absence of SQL Server. This is one of the easiest solutions and generates the best outcome in all cases. Not only this, the tool has the potential to repair damaged or corrupt MDF/NDF database files and provide the preview of all the database objects such as Tables, Stored Procedures, Views, Triggers, Rules, Functions, indexes, etc. Moreover, the utility offers an easy-to-use and self-explanatory graphical interface that a novice user can also operate without facing any issue.
Some Awesome Benefits of this application
Recovers both primary (.mdf) and secondary (.ndf) Database Files created in any version of SQL Server. Repair and display the recovered tables, rules, triggers, stored procedures, functions, indexes of MDF and NDF files.
Restore all data items from the inaccessible database on the SQL server without losing a bit of data.
Allows to save the scanned result of the database in .str format. It saves the time for rescanning the database file for further use in the future.
Allows the user to export the recovered data into a live SQL Server Database or as SQL Scripts or into CSV format.
The tool shows all the deleted database components of MDF file in red color.
Allow users to export complete or selective data from MDF (Primary) or NDF (Secondary) files.
Allow exporting recovered data to an existing database or as a new database in any version of SQL Server.
Also, it is compatible with all versions of the Windows OS (32-bit and 64-bit) and SQL Server 2019, 2017, 2016, and below.
Step by step procedure toread data from MDF file without SQL server installation
Step 1. Download and run the tool on your computer machine and click on Open to add the MDF whose data you want to read.Step 2. Select a scanning mode as per the level of corruption and choose the Server version also.
Choose a quick scan for the minor corruption level and an advance scan if the SQL Server database is severely corrupted. Moreover, the advance mode also enables use users to recover deleted database components.
Step 3. Once the scanning is completed, the tool provides a preview of the complete database on the software panel.
Step 4. If you want to export the data into a live SQL Server (in the same machine or server network. ), SQL server compatible Scripts, or CSV file format, hit the Export button.
Final Say:
In this post, we address the most asked question – How to read data from MDF file without SQL server installation. For the convenience of the user, we explained a simple, quick, effective, and workable technique. Using the tool users can also repair and preview the corrupt or damaged MDF file in a trouble-free manner.
Read Also : Best Solution to Fix SQL Database Access Denied Error
