SQL MDF Viewer and Repair Software
MDF Viewer Pro to View and Repair MDF Files
MDF Viewer Pro opens MDF and NDF files and shows every table, view, trigger and stored procedure before you spend anything. Buying the Pro license adds repair and export.
- Opens MDF and NDF files without SQL Server
- Quick Scan and Advanced Scan modes
- Deleted records show in red
- Works with SQL Server 2022 to 2000
- Demo FirstTest your own file
- Refund Window30 days to ask
- Safe CheckoutCard or PayPal
- Key by EmailArrives in 15 minutes
- 24x7 HelpChat or email
1Which problem is mine?
Which MDF File Problems Does MDF Viewer Pro Solve?
Match your symptom to a fix below. Quick Scan covers normal corruption and Advanced Scan covers severe damage.
- SQL Server Refuses to AttachOpen the MDF file in Viewer Pro and browse its tables when the attach fails.
- Database Sits in Suspect ModeSuspect databases open in the preview tree with their objects listed.
- Records Vanished From a TableDeleted records show in red so you can spot them before you export.
- Ransomware Touched the MDF FilesWallet ransomware affected MDF files appear in the supported list. Check yours in the demo.
- Secondary NDF Files Scatter DataAdd several NDF files beside the primary MDF file in one session.
- No SQL Server on the ComputerScanning and previewing need no SQL Server setup. Only export does.
Database Administrators
Repair a damaged database file and export the healthy objects to a live server.
IT Support Teams
Check a customer MDF file on a laptop without installing SQL Server.
Consultants and Analysts
Review deleted rows in red while you investigate a data loss.
Microsoft says every data file of a database must be available when you attach it. Its guide on attaching a database also tells you to give the current path of any file that moved.
Microsoft advises against attaching databases from unknown or untrusted sources. Viewer Pro previews such a file first and keeps it away from your server.
2What changes?
What Changes When You Open the File First?
Before
- SQL Server refuses to attach the MDF
- Deleted records stay out of sight
- Nobody knows what the file holds
After
- Tables, views and procedures show in a tree
- Deleted rows appear in red
- Healthy objects go to SQL Server or a script
3What is inside?
Which Features Does MDF Viewer Pro Include?
Quick and Advanced Scan
Quick Scan handles normal corruption. Advanced Scan digs into severe damage.
MDF and NDF Repair
Repair the primary MDF file and load several secondary NDF files in one session.
Deleted Data in Red
Deleted table records and deleted objects show in red during the preview.
Full Object Recovery
Tables, stored procedures, functions, views, rules, triggers, indexes, keys and data types come back.
Scan Saved as STR
Save a finished scan as an .str file and load it later without scanning again.
Version Detection
Auto detect finds the SQL Server version of the file. Select it by hand when you know it.
Newer Data Types
Datetime2, datetimeoffset, sql_variant, hierarchyid, geometry, geography and XML columns are covered.
Selective Export
Check or uncheck objects, then export the schema alone or the schema with its data.
Suspect Database Support
Open databases in suspect state and browse their objects.
4How do I start?
Free Trial Steps for MDF Viewer Pro
Preview your own tables in the free demo. Buy the Pro license once the preview matches what you expect.
- 1Download
Get the Installer
Download the 8.40 MB Windows setup file and start it with administrator rights.
- 2Open
Add Your File
Select Open and browse to the MDF file. Choose a scan mode and add NDF files when the database has them.
- 3Preview
Check Your Data
Browse tables, views, triggers and stored procedures in the tree. Deleted rows show in red.
- 4Export
Activate and Export
Enter your license key to export the full data. Free exports cap at 25 records per table plus 5 other categories.
Select Load to reopen a saved .str file and skip the next scan. See the MDF Viewer Pro guide for the full path from scan to export.
5Want a preview?
MDF Viewer Pro Screens From Scan to Export
Open the MDF File
Select Open on the toolbar and browse to the damaged MDF file.
Choose a Scan Mode
Quick Scan suits normal corruption. Tick Auto detect and Viewer Pro finds the SQL Server version.
Scan Summary
The summary lists the database name, version, collation and the count of tables, views, procedures, rules, triggers and functions.
Send the Data Out
Select Export on the toolbar to move the recovered objects into a SQL Server database or a script.
6Which edition?
MDF Viewer Pro Free Demo vs Pro Version
| Feature | Free Demo | Pro Version |
|---|---|---|
| Add MDF and NDF files | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Scan and Advanced Scan | Yes | Yes |
| Preview MDF and NDF components | Yes | Yes |
| Save the scan in .str format | Yes | Yes |
| SQL Server 2022 to 2000 support | Yes | Yes |
| Recover and save the entire data | Limited | Yes |
| Export to a SQL Server database | Limited | Yes |
| Price | Free | From $249 |
Demo exports stop at 25 records per table and 5 other categories.
7Will it fit my system?
System Requirements for Viewer Pro
| Product Version | 13.1 |
|---|---|
| Download Size | 8.40 MB |
| Supported Files | MDF primary files and NDF secondary files |
| SQL Server Versions | 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000 |
| Windows | Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8.1, 8 and 7 (32 or 64 bit) or Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 at 2.40 GHz |
| RAM and Disk Space | 4 GB RAM recommended and 100 MB free disk space |
| Framework | Microsoft .NET 4.5 |
| File Size Limit | None. MDF files of any size open. |
| SQL Server Needed | Not for scanning and previewing. Export to a live database or a script needs a SQL Server environment. |
| Export Rights | Export to a SQL Server database needs the server name, a login and full admin rights. |
| Machines per Order | 1 to 500 |
8What will it cost?
What Does MDF Viewer Pro Cost?
One machine costs $249. Five to 500 machines cost $69 per machine. Prices show in USD.
1 Machine
$249
- Covers one computer
- Pro export and recovery unlocked
- 1 year of free updates
- License key by email
5 Machines
$345
- $69 per machine
- Costs less than two single licenses
- 1 year of free updates
- License key by email
10 Machines
$690
- $69 per machine
- Same Pro features on every machine
- 1 year of free updates
- License key by email
Orders cover 1 to 500 machines. Checkout lets you type any number from 5 up. Need log, password or script tools too? SQL Server Recovery Manager bundles six modules at $299 per machine per month. Browse more savings on the RecoveryTools offers page.
9Can I rely on it?
Can You Trust MDF Viewer Pro?
Test on Real Data
Load a real MDF file in the demo and judge the preview yourself before checkout.
Since 2007
Customers in over 100 countries have used tools from the company behind RecoveryTools since 2007. Visit the about page.
Certified Quality
ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certificates back the quality and security processes of the company. See the awards page.
Open Policies
All three policy pages stay public. Open the refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use before checkout.
10Who helps me?
Which Support Channels Help With MDF Viewer Pro?
Engineers answer questions before and after your order. Find phone numbers on the RecoveryTools support page.
Live Chat
Live chat connects you with an engineer day or night.
Write to Us
Email support@systoolsgroup.com with the SQL Server version of the file and the exact message on screen.
Remote Help
An engineer connects to your computer and works through the file with you.
Secure Transfer
Send a large MDF file over the secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign an NDA first.
11Got a question?
MDF Viewer Pro Questions and Answers
What does MDF Viewer Pro do?
MDF Viewer Pro opens MDF and NDF files, previews their tables, views, triggers and stored procedures, repairs damaged data and exports it to SQL Server or a script.
Does MDF Viewer Pro need SQL Server installed?
No for scanning and previewing. Exporting to a live database or a script needs a SQL Server environment.
How do Quick Scan and Advanced Scan differ?
Quick Scan handles normal corruption and finishes sooner. Advanced Scan targets severe corruption.
Can Viewer Pro add several NDF files?
Yes. Add one MDF file and several NDF files in the same session.
Does Viewer Pro show deleted records?
Yes. Deleted table data and deleted objects show in red in the preview tree.
Can Viewer Pro open a suspect database or a ransomware affected file?
Suspect databases open in the preview. Wallet ransomware affected MDF files also appear in the supported list. Check your own file in the free demo first.
How do I reopen a finished scan?
Save the scan as an .str file. Select Load later and the .str file opens without another scan.
What can the free demo of Viewer Pro do?
Demo mode adds MDF and NDF files, offers both scan modes, previews objects, saves .str files and supports SQL Server 2022 to 2000. Exports stop at 25 records per table and 5 other categories.
How much does MDF Viewer Pro cost?
One machine costs $249. Five to 500 machines cost $69 per machine. Five machines cost $345 in total.
Should I choose MDF Viewer Pro or SQL Recovery?
MDF Viewer Pro and SQL Recovery both open and repair MDF and NDF files. MDF Viewer Pro charges $69 per machine from five machines, while SQL Recovery sells Personal, Business and Enterprise licenses. SQL Server Recovery Manager adds backups, logs, passwords and scripts.
Which SQL Server versions does Viewer Pro support?
Files from SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000 work. Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8 and 7 plus Windows Server 2022 to 2008 host the software.
Can I get a refund on MDF Viewer Pro?
Yes. Buyers who tested the free demo first can ask for a refund within 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Attach a signed Letter of Destruction to your request at sales@recovery-tools.org.
12Where next?
Other SQL Tools and MDF File Guides
Test MDF Viewer Pro on Your Own MDF File
Download the free demo, preview your tables and buy the Pro license when the data looks right.