This article explains types of database files (MDF, NDF and LOG files) and different ways to attach the database to SQL Server instance using both SSMS and T-SQL.

SQL Server databases use two files - an MDF file, known as the primary database file, which contains the schema and data, and a LDF file, which contains the logs. See wikipedia. A database may also use secondary database file, which normally uses a .ndf extension.

How in the world do I import this .mdf file as a new database into my SQL Server? This seems like a ridiculously common task that must be performed thousands of times a day across the globe, and I cannot figure out how to do it in Management Studio Express.

Aug 19, 2013 · SQL Server would be .mdf. You can attach the database to your local SQLEXPRESS instance and view it. An example of attaching it can be found on msdn: How to: attach a Database File to SQL Server Express. Essentially you're calling: ( FILENAME = N'C:\Path\To\<database name>.mdf' ), ( FILENAME = N'C:\Path\To\<database name>.ldf' ) …

Dec 23, 2020 · This article explained the database files of the SQL Server database and the ways of viewing the MDF file locations. It also described the processes of attaching and detaching the databases and illustrated the step by step process of moving the system databases data files.

Jul 20, 2020 · Ways to Attach MDF File to SQL Server. Through SQL Server Management Studio; By running Transact-SQL Script; Method 1: Connect MDF File to SQL Server Management Studio. If you need to connect SQL database MDF file through SQL Server Management studio then you have to interface with an example of the SQL DB Engines and investigate it.

Jan 5, 2025 · In SQL Server, the Primary Data File (MDF) is the main storage file, containing structured data such as tables, indexes, views, and stored procedures—everything that makes the database functional. Each database requires at least one MDF file, but larger systems often use secondary data files (.ndf) to expand storage.

MDF file is the primary file in SQL server database. The LDF is a supporting file. MDF contains database record data. Records information related to changes made in the server as well as all the actions performed. MDF can vary in its file size with the change of the table and record data.

Firstly, go to SQL Server Management Studio, right click on your database and select properties. Now select File menu, In File option, you need to get the Path of database saving location with files name saved as .MDF and .LDF files.

Feb 13, 2011 · .MDF files are SQL Server database files and .LDF files are the associated log files. But you can’t really “open” them. Instead, you have to “attach” to them. Once you attach, you’ll see the database in the object explorer of SSMS. If you’re thinking, “Why wasn’t the Backup and Restore process used instead of passing around these database files?”