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How to Restore SQL Server Database Without Log File

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SQL Database

Microsoft SQL Server is a database management system widely used for storing and handling data by other applications. Mainly, SQL Server uses three types of files to store all the data. Primary SQL database file is also known as MDF file. Each SQL database has one primary file and it stores all the user data and objects including Indexes, Columns, Views, Functions, Values, Tables, Keys, Stored Procedures, Triggers, etc. Also, these files store the start-up information of the databases. Another is secondary files or NDF, these files are optional. Users can create any number of NDF files as per the requirement. These files can be used to store user data as well. Last is, transaction log files or LDF file. Every database in SQL Server has at least one transaction log file. This file is used to store the transactional information of each entry made on the primary database file (.mdf).

Now let us see the different methods through which we can easily restore the database MDF file even in the absence of log file.

Ways To Restore SQL Server Database Without Log File

You can restore the database in the absence of log file using the manual approaches mentioned below. But make sure the database file you want to restore must be in healthy condition. If your database file (.mdf) is corrupted, the mentioned methods do not work. In such cases, it is highly recommended to use a reliable third-party tool.

Attach SQL Database MDF File Without LDF – Using SSMS

Follow the instructions carefully to restore SQL server database without log file.

  1. First of all, launch SQL server management studio in your system.
  2. Go to the Object Explorer section, right-click on the Database folder and opt for Attach option from the drop-down menu.
  3. An Attach Databases wizard will appear, here click on the Add button.
  4. Browse the location of the database MDF file, select the file you want to restore, and then hit the OK button.
  5. Now, the database details will be shown on the Attach Database screen, here you notice the Log file is missing.
  6. Afterward, Select the LDF file and press the Remove button. Finally, click the OK to restore the SQL database MDF file without LDF.

Use T-SQL script Method

You can also run a T-SQL Script command to restore SQL server database without log file. Use the command mentioned below:

USE Master

Go

CREATE DATABASE Database_name ON

(FILENAME = ‘C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\..\MSSQL\DATA\’Database_name.mdf’)

For ATTACH_REBUILD_LOG

GO

What to do if manual methods fail?

The manual solutions are successful when the database MDF file is in healthy condition (not corrupted, damaged, or broken). However, the database file you are trying to restore is corrupt, then you need to use an automated tool i.e. SQL Database Recovery which fixes all the issues and restores the database file (.mdf and ..ndf) in just a few clicks. Once the file is recovered you can export the recovered data directly into an existing database or as a new database in any version of SQL Server.

Wrapping up:

Well, here we have explained several methods to restore SQL server database without log file. Both manual and automated approaches are explained above in a detailed manner. Depending on the user’s choice they pick any of the solutions. However, there are some restrictions associated with the manual approach, so it is recommended to use an automated solution for the best results.