SQL Server uses SQL Server Management Studio to create the database and its properties. The SSM Studio saves the whole database in an MDF data file. The MDF file is saved in your computer’s local folder like any other file and is equally prone to corruption like all Windows files. The default location of the MDF file is presented below-

SQL Server 2019-

SQL Server 2017-

SQL Server 2016-

SQL Server 2014-

MDF file corruption

There are several causes behind the damage of MDF files:

• Storage media gets corrupted
• Accidental loss or deletion of data
• Hardware malfunctioning
• Disk failures
• Improper system shut downs and application exits
• Virus attacks

Professional Tool To Open And View MDF File

The only way to access MDF files without SQL server installed on your environment is to rely on a professional tool such as Kernel for SQL Recovery. It not only enables viewing of MDF files without SQL server, but also repairs corrupt, damaged, or inaccessible MDF files. The trial version of the SQL database recovery software is free of cost and is a perfect tool for viewing all the MDF files irrespective of the version of SQL server.

Working of Kernel for SQL Database Recovery

The brief working of the tool is described below:

1. Download the trial version
2. After successful installation, launch the tool and click the Browse button.



3. Select the MDF file. Click Open.



4. A dialogue box that displays the ongoing recovery progress appears.



5. Once the progress is completed, all the database objects are displayed on the left pane with original hierarchy. You can preview the files by clicking any particular file/folder.



Note: the demo version lets you view the data of MDF files without SQL Server. However, to save the entire recovered data, you need to purchase the licensed version.

Conclusion

MDF files are the most crucial elements of SQL database server. They record the most important data. Opening and viewing these MDF files without SQL server require the support of a third-party tool. Once you have a handy tool like Kernel for SQL Database Recovery, it becomes quite easy to open and view MDF files without SQL Server.