How to Open MDF File - A Complete Guide

Dec 10, 2023 | By Deepak Singh Bisht

MDF is a master database file used by Microsoft SQL Server to store data. It is known as the primary database file, which contains schema and data. MDF stores user data in the form of tables, columns, rows, triggers, functions, indexes, and views in a relational database. In SQL Server, each database has a primary MDF file.

In this post, we learn how to open MDF files. If you have MDF files and are looking for a simple way to open them, then this post will be helpful for you.

Location of the MDF file

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2019

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2017

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL14.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2016

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2014

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2012

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

Default MDF file location in SQL Server 2008

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

How to open MDF files?

To open MDF files, you can use SQL Server (SSMS) and the MDF Viewer tool. Here, we will open MDF with or without SQL Server.

Open MDF file in SQL Server Management Studio

This method is known as Attach. To open the MDF file using SSMS, follow the steps below.

  1. Open SQL Server Management Studio
  2. Connect to the SQL Server Instance
  3. From the Sidebar, right-click on the database and select Attach
  4. In the Attach Databases window, click on the Add button and navigate to the location of your database
  5. Click on the database and select the MDF file
  6. Click on the OK button and click on the OK button to Attach the database

Note: If you are getting Microsoft SQL Server Error: 5120, close SSMS and run it as an administrator. After that, attach the MDF as an administrator.

Open MDF files using SQL Server Data Tools

Another method to open MDF files is by using SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) in Visual Studio. This approach is beneficial for users who work with database development and need to integrate with other Visual Studio features. Here's how to do it:

  1. Install SQL server data tools. If you haven't already, install SSDT as part of Visual Studio.
  2. Launch Visual Studio on your computer.
  3. Go to View -> SQL Server Object Explorer. Right-click on SQL Server and choose Add SQL Server.
  4. Navigate to the server where you want to attach the MDF file. Right-click on Databases and select Add New Database. Browse to your MDF file and attach it.

Note: This method requires a working installation of Visual Studio and SQL Server Data Tools, which are more developer-focused tools.

Open MDF file without SQL Server

Here we are going to use the Free viewer MDF Viewer tool. There are various free MDF viewer tools available. You can choose any software as per your convenience. To open an MDF file without SQL Server, follow the steps below.

  1. Download and install the MDF Viewer Tool
  2. Open the tool and click on Open
  3. Select the MDF file which you want to open and click on the Open button
  4. Choose Quick Scan and select Auto-detect SQL server file version checkbox
  5. Click on the OK button to start the Scanning process
  6. Once done, the software will preview MDF file data

Alternatively, for advanced recovery and viewing options, especially in cases of corrupt MDF files, the SysCurve SQL Recovery Tool is an excellent choice. It offers comprehensive repair capabilities for MDF (and NDF) files, recovering various database components and allowing for data recovery even from corrupted files. This tool is particularly useful for recovering tables, triggers, indexes, and even deleted records, and it offers the flexibility of saving recovered data in new databases or different file formats like CSV and HTML.


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Frequently Asked Questions

What program opens .mdf files?

  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Visual Studio
  • MDF Viewer Tool

How to open MDF without installing SQL Server?

To open an MDF file without SQL server, you can use a third-party MDF viewer tool. There are various MDF viewer tools available. You can also try the SQL Recovery tool. The free version of the SQL Recovery tool also allows you to view MDF file data.

How can I fix common errors when opening MDF files?

  1. Ensure SQL Server is running and you have the necessary permissions.
  2. For access errors, try running SQL Server Management Studio as an administrator.
  3. Check the SQL Server version compatibility with the MDF file.

Can MDF files be opened in any other SQL management software?

MDF files are primarily designed for SQL Server. However, some third-party SQL management tools may offer limited support to view or interact with these files.

What to do if the MDF file is corrupted?

  1. Use SQL Server's built-in repair functions.
  2. Consider third-party SQL database repair tools for severe corruption.

Is there a way to convert MDF files to another database format?

Yes, there are tools available that can convert MDF files to formats like CSV or Excel for easier access outside SQL Server.

What precautions should be taken before opening an MDF file?

  1. Always backup the MDF file before attempting any repair or conversion.
  2. Ensure you're not interrupting any live databases when attaching MDF files in SQL Server.

Can I open an MDF file directly without attaching it to SQL Server?

To view the data directly, you would need a dedicated MDF file viewer. Editing or fully interacting with the data typically requires attaching it to SQL Server.

The Final Word

Navigating the intricacies of SQL Server's MDF files can be complex, particularly for those unfamiliar with database management. This guide aims to simplify the process, offering various methods to open MDF files, whether with SQL Server Management Studio, SQL Server Data Tools in Visual Studio, or third-party MDF viewer tools.

Each method has its advantages and suits different needs - from the straightforward approach in SSMS to the developer-oriented flexibility in Visual Studio, and the convenience of third-party tools for users without SQL Server.

Remember, dealing with MDF files often involves sensitive data. Always ensure data backups before proceeding with any operations like attaching, repairing, or converting these files. Understanding common errors and knowing how to handle them can save significant time and prevent data loss.

Whether you're a database administrator, a developer, or someone just needing to access data from an MDF file, the right tools and knowledge can make a significant difference. Always choose the method that best fits your scenario and skill level.

The Author

Deepak Singh Bisht

Deepak Singh Bisht

Content Lead |

Deepak Singh Bisht is a dedicated IT professional with over 9 years of experience, is a key member at SysCurve Software for the last 5 years. His expertise lies in email migration and data recovery, with a focus on technologies like MS Outlook and Office 365. Deepak, who also delves into front-end technology and software development, holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Applications.

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