Client shipped us an MDF file from a decommissioned application for a data audit. We do not run SQL Server here. Some rows I need to inspect and export. Can an MDF be opened standalone, and does it matter that it might be slightly corrupt?
How to open an MDF file without SQL Server?
Solved SQL & Databases
RK
Rachel Kim August 21, 2018
2 replies
7,020 views
Reviewed by moderators
Two options. Free route: install SQL Server Express, attach the MDF and query away. Works only if the file is healthy and its version is not newer than your Express install.
Standalone route: SysTools MDF Viewer opens the file directly with no SQL Server at all, shows tables, views and procedures. It also reads mildly corrupt files that a normal attach rejects. For an audit-and-export job on a possibly damaged file, start there.
Viewer opened it despite two corrupt pages Express refused. Audit done. Solved.