How to Import MDF File to SQL Server (Recommended Method)

If you’ve ever worked with Microsoft SQL Server, you’ve likely come across .mdf files. It is the core of your database where all the critical data resides. But what happens when you have an MDF file but detached from the server? In that condition, all you need to do is get it back into SQL Server again. It can be a backup, a file shared from another machine, or a database that crashed unexpectedly. Knowing how to import MDF to SQL Server properly can save you from major data headaches. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the safest ways, including DRS Softech SQL Database Recovery Tool to bring your MDF file back to life in SQL Server — even if you’re missing the log file or dealing with corruption.

Common Reasons to Import MDF File to SQL Server

An MDF file is the main database file used by SQL Server. It stores all the important data, like tables, views, indexes, and stored procedures. Sometimes, users only have access to the MDF file, without its accompanying LDF (log) file or SQL Server environment. In such situations, importing the MDF file is the only way to recover and work with that data.

Here are some common reasons why you may need to import MDF into SQL Server:

• Firstly, the log file (LDF) might be missing or deleted, leaving only the MDF file for recovery.
• Secondly, a SQL Server crash may require manual database import using the MDF file.
• In addition, during server migration, importing the MDF file helps transfer data easily.
• Moreover, developers often receive MDF files for testing or project collaboration.
• Finally, if no backup is available, the MDF file may be the only way to restore data.

So, now you get that importing the MDF file lets you restore the database structure and content, even when the original SQL Server setup isn’t available.

Available Methods to Import MDF to SQL Server

There are three reliable ways to import or restore an MDF file:

1. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): Graphical interface method.
2. Using T-SQL Command in SSMS Query Window: Command-based method.
3. Use DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool: For Corrupted or Inaccessible MDF Files

Using these methods, you can safely bring your MDF file back to life within SQL Server and continue working without delays.

Method 1: Attach MDF File Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a practical choice when the log file (LDF) is unavailable or you need to move the database to another server.

1. First of all, open SQL Server Management Studio on your system.
2. On the login screen, enter your SQL Server instance name and credentials.
3. After the login process, locate the Object Explorer panel on the left screen.
4. Under the connected server, right-click on the “Databases” folder.
5. From the menu, click on “Attach…” to open the Attach Databases window.
6. Click the “Add” button. Then browse to the location of your .mdf file and select it.
7. If the LDF file is not found, you’ll see a warning message on your screen. 
8. In the bottom panel, select the missing LDF entry and click Remove.
9. Click OK to attach the MDF file. SQL Server will automatically rebuild the log file.
10. Refresh the “Databases” folder to confirm your database is now listed and accessible.

Drawback:

• This method is only suitable for undamaged MDF files.
• If the MDF is corrupted or incomplete, this method may fail or throw errors.
• The newly rebuilt log file may not contain transactional history from the original LDF.

Method 2: Use T-SQL Command to Import MDF into SQL Server

When the log file (.ldf) is missing, you can use a T-SQL command to attach the MDF file manually. This method is useful for DBAs and those familiar with query execution in SSMS. Here are the steps to import MDF to SQL Server:

1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your SQL Server instance.
2. Once connected, click on “New Query” from the toolbar.
3. Now, enter the following T-SQL command:
   • CREATE DATABASE YourDatabaseName
   • ON (FILENAME = ‘C:\Path\To\YourFile.mdf’)
   • FOR ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG;
4. After that, replace YourDatabaseName with the name you want for the new database.
5. Next, replace the .mdf path with the actual location of your MDF file.
6. Now, tap on the “Execute” or press F5 to run the command.
7. If everything goes well, a confirmation message will appear.
8. After all this is set up, go to the Databases folder and refresh it.
9. Your newly attached database should now be visible and usable.

Method 3: Repair & Import MDF File to SQL Server: Recommended Solution

When manual methods don’t work due to file corruption or missing elements, the DRS Softech SQL Database Recovery Tool provides a reliable and automated solution to repair and import MDF files directly into SQL Server. This utility ensures accurate recovery of your data, even if the file is slightly damaged or severely corrupted.

It supports both MDF and NDF files. So, you can recover all your essential SQL database objects, including tables, triggers, views, stored procedures, rules, and more. Users can preview the recoverable data before restoring it. Along with that, it offers multiple export options such as live SQL Server, SQL script, or CSV format. 

Simplest Steps to Import data from MDF file to SQL Server

Follow these simple steps to restore your MDF database and import it into SQL Server safely:

1. Download DRS Softech SQL Database Recovery Tool on your Windows system.
2. Click the “Open” button, browse your system, and select the MDF file to import.
3. Select from Standard Mode (for minor corruption) or Advanced Mode (for severe damage).
4. Now, preview all recoverable items, including tables, views, stored procedures, etc.
5. Next, select the specific items you wish to restore and click on “Save” to continue.
6. Then, choose between exporting to a live SQL Server or saving as an SQL script.
7. After selecting your preferred export option, and configuring any additional settings.
8. Lastly, click “OK” to complete the import process of your MDF file to SQL Server.

Conclusion

In this blog, we explored the most effective ways to import MDF to SQL Server. We covered two reliable manual methods using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and T-SQL commands, both suitable for healthy database files. For situations where the MDF file is corrupted or the manual methods fail, we introduced the DRS SQL Database Recovery Tool as a powerful alternative that ensures safe recovery and smooth import.

Related Post: Take Backup of MDF and LDF Files in SQL Server.