MDF is the primary database file used by Microsoft SQL Server, a popular relational database program. This file contains the database schema and tables. MDF also stores queries, stored procedures, triggers, functions, etc. SQL Server database uses LDF files for database logs while NDF files as secondary database files. MDF is the most important file in a SQL database. Any damage to this file can corrupt the entire database.
In this post, we will learn the causes behind MDF file corruption and how to repair MDF files. If you have a corrupt MDF file and looking for a simple way to repair SQL MDF files, this post will help you.
Reasons behind MDF file corruption
There are various reasons why MDF files get corrupted. We have listed some of the main reasons for MDF corruption.
Bad sectors on hard drive: If your hard drive has bad sectors and your MDF is stored on those sectors, the MDF may be corrupted.
Sudden power outage: If there is a sudden power outage or failure while working on an MDF file, the MDF file will likely become corrupted.
Virus or malware attack: If you have a virus on your system, it can damage the MDF and other files.
Improper exit: If you have SQL Server database open or working with MDF files, shutting down the PC without closing the SQL server can corrupt the files.
Common error messages displayed when MDF is corrupted
The following error message may appear due to MDF file corruption.
- Metadata corruption error.
- Error message 823
- Error message 824
- Error message 825
- Error 9004
How to repair MDF files?
You can use the DBCC CHECKDB command or a third-party MDF file repair tool to repair the SQL database MDF files. However, DBCC CHECKDB only fixes minor issues. With this command, there is always a chance that it may result in some data loss. If you are looking for a simple and free way to repair MDF files, restore MDF files from a recent backup.
If you're looking for the best way to repair MDF files, try SysCurve MDF Recovery Tool. With the help of this software, you can quickly fix corrupt SQL database files. The software also provides a free demo version that repairs corrupted SQL Server MDF files and allows users to view the repaired MDF data.
Instant Solution - SysCurve SQL Repair Tool
Quickly repair MDF and NDF files.
Repair MDF files using MDF Repair Tool
Here, we are going to use the SysCurve MDF Repair tool. With the help of this software, you can quickly repair corrupt SQL Server MDF files. The software also offers a free trial version. To repair MDF files, follow the steps below.
Note: Copy the database to another location and run the repair process on the copy.
- Download, install and open the MDF repair tool.
- Click the Browse button and select the desired MDF file. If you don't know where the file is, click the Find button, select the drive, and click the OK button. The software will search all MDF files in the selected drive.
- Choose the MDF file, select the Include Deleted Records checkbox, and click on the Repair button.
- Choose the Standard scan option and click on the OK button.
- After the process, the software will display all recovered items on the left pane.
- Select any table or database object to see a preview within the software window.
- Click the Save button and select MDF as the Save option
- Choose a New or Live database as per your requirement.
- Enter Server name/Instance name and choose the authentication mode
- Click on the Save button
Other Helpful Features
- Repair MDF and NDF files
- Include deleted records
- Recover SQL database tables, indexes, rules, triggers, etc.
- Preview deleted records
- Allows selective recovery
- Save Recovered data to MDF, XLS, CSV, and HTML formats.
- Supports all versions of MS SQL Server
- Compatible with Windows OS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this tool to recover accidentally deleted records?
Yes. SysCurve MDF repair tool provides an option to include deleted records. This option allows you to recover deleted records. With the help of this tool, you can quickly restore all deleted records to their original hierarchy without any changes and save them in a new table.
Can MDF file repair tool repair data from all associated NDF files?
Yes. With the help of the SysCurve MDF Repair Tool, you can repair MDF files and all NDF files associated with it. To do this, keep all related NDF files to the location of the damaged MDF file.
Does this tool have a file search option?
Yes. The tool provides a search option. With its help, you can quickly locate MDF files in the selected drive.
Does this tool come with a free demo version?
Yes. SysCurve MDF Repair tool comes with a free demo version. With the help of the trial version, you can repair MDF files and view the repaired database within the software window. To save the repaired MDF, you need to purchase the full version of the MDF File Repair tool.
Are there free MDF repair tools?
No. There is no free tool to repair MDF files. You can use the DBCC CHECKDB command to fix corrupt SQL Server database files. However, it only solves minor issues. If you're looking for a simple and secure way to perform this task, try the SysCurve MDF file repair tool.