RecoveryTools

SQL Server Database Repair Software

SQL Server Recovery Tool to Repair MDF and NDF Files

SQL Recovery software repairs damaged MDF and NDF files without SQL Server installed. Preview every table and record first, then use the tool to export the data to a live database, SQL scripts or CSV files.

  • Recovers data from SUSPECT and Recovery Pending databases
  • Shows deleted records in red
  • Previews all recovered data in the free demo
  • Supports SQL Server 2025 to 2000
Buy Now from $249Download Free Demo
SQL Recovery database preview with deleted records in red
SQL Recovery previews every recovered table and shows deleted records in red.
  • Free DemoSee all recovered data
  • 30 Day RefundTest the demo first
  • Card or PayPalHosted store checkout
  • Key in 15 MinutesLicense arrives by email
  • 24x7 SupportLive chat and email

1Is this my problem?

Which SQL Server Errors Does SQL Recovery Fix?

Match your error to the list. The SQL Recovery tool scans the database files behind these problems and shows what the scan finds before you export.

  • SUSPECT DatabaseSQL Server cannot recover the primary filegroup at startup.
  • Recovery PendingA resource error stops recovery and the database stays unavailable.
  • Error 5172SQL Server reports an invalid file header.
  • Error 5171SQL Server says the file is not a primary database file.
  • Error 823The operating system returns an I/O error to SQL Server.
  • DBCC CHECKDB FailuresCHECKDB names REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS as the minimum repair level.

Ransomware and SQLi Damage

Recover tables and records from MDF files that attacks have damaged.

Deleted and Dropped Data

Advance Scan finds deleted records and objects and shows them in red.

No Usable Backup

Recover tables and records straight from the damaged file when no backup restores.

Check Your Backup First

Restore a clean backup before you repair anything. Microsoft recommends a restore over DBCC CHECKDB repair because the REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS option can lose more data than a restore. SQL Recovery fits the cases where no clean backup exists or the backup misses recent data.

Recovery Pending means a resource error stopped recovery and the database itself is not damaged. Check the missing resource first. Microsoft explains both topics on database states and DBCC CHECKDB in Microsoft Learn.

2What will I get?

What Does Scanning a Damaged Database Give You?

Before

  • Database shows SUSPECT or Recovery Pending and stays offline
  • Error 5172 or 5171 blocks the attach
  • Deleted rows look lost

After

  • Tables, views, stored procedures and triggers open in a preview
  • Deleted records show in red and objects with data show in bold
  • Selected data exports to SQL Server, scripts or CSV files

3Can it do what I need?

What Features Does SQL Recovery Include?

SQL Recovery software keeps scan, preview and export features in one window, so you move from a damaged file to clean data without extra utilities.

Quick Scan and Advance Scan

Quick Scan opens healthy files and files with normal corruption. Advance Scan handles severe corruption and deleted records.

Full Database Preview

Check tables, views, stored procedures, functions, rules, triggers, indexes, keys and schemas before you export.

Deleted Records in Red

Deleted, dropped and truncated records and objects show in red. Objects that hold data show in bold.

Binary and Complex Data

Recover BLOB, XML, JSON, vector, datetime2, geometry and hierarchyid data. Documents inside records show as binary and export intact.

Multiple NDF Files

Add several NDF files with the primary MDF file in one session. Auto detect finds the SQL Server version.

Three Export Options

Export to a new or existing SQL Server database, to SQL scripts with a batch file or to CSV files.

Selective Export

Select the databases and tables you need. Export the schema only or the schema with data.

Authentication and Collation

Connect with Windows or SQL Server authentication and set the collation before you export.

Export Reports

Success and failure reports show what exported and what did not.

4How hard is it?

How to Try SQL Recovery Free in 4 Steps

Preview all recovered components in the demo of the software. Buy the license after you see your data.

  1. 1Download

    Install the Demo

    Download the 8.89 MB Windows installer. Copy your database files to a separate folder before you scan.

  2. 2Scan

    Add Your Database

    Select Open and choose the file. Select Quick Scan for a healthy file or Advance Scan for severe corruption.

  3. 3Preview

    Check Your Data

    Browse tables, views and procedures page by page. Deleted items show in red.

  4. 4Export

    Export With a License

    Buy the license, enter the key and export every record. Demo exports stop at 25 records per table.

Save a finished scan as a .str file and select Load to open it again without a second scan. Follow the SQL Recovery step by step guide for screenshots of every screen.

5Does it look real?

What Does SQL Recovery Look Like in Use?

Four screens show how the repair tool moves from an open file to exported data.

SQL Recovery main window with the Open button

Open Your Database File

Select Open on the toolbar to add the MDF file. Load, Save and Export sit on the same toolbar.

SQL Recovery scan options with Quick Scan and Advance Scan

Select a Scan Mode

Choose Quick Scan or Advance Scan. Auto detect finds the SQL Server version and you can select it by hand.

SQL Recovery export options for SQL Server database, scripts and CSV

Choose Where to Export

Export to a SQL Server database, SQL scripts or CSV. Select a new or existing database and set the collation.

SQL Recovery preview of recovered tables with deleted records in red

Preview Deleted Records

Deleted records show in red and objects that hold data show in bold. Check every table before you export.

6Demo or full version?

Free Demo vs Full Version

See the free demo and the full software side by side before you buy.

FeatureFree DemoFull Version
Add primary and secondary filesYesYes
Quick Scan and Advance ScanYesYes
Preview of all recovered componentsYesYes
Records exported per table25All
Other objects exported5All
PriceFreeFrom $249
Download Free DemoBuy the Full Version

7Will it work on my system?

System Requirements for SQL Recovery

Product Version14.0
Download Size8.89 MB
Product TypeWindows desktop software for MDF and NDF repair
Supported FilesMDF (primary) and NDF (secondary)
SQL Server Versions2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000
WindowsWindows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7 (32 or 64 bit) and Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008
ProcessorIntel Core 2 Duo E4600 at 2.40 GHz
RAM and Disk Space4 GB RAM and 100 MB free disk space
FrameworkMicrosoft .NET 4.5 or above
File Size LimitNone. Add one primary file at a time and several secondary files.
SQL Server NeededNot to scan and repair. Export to a live server needs full admin rights on that server.
Launch MethodRight click the shortcut and select Run as Administrator.

8What does it cost?

How Much Does SQL Recovery Cost?

Choose a license by the number of computers and the way you use the software. Prices are in US dollars.

Personal License

$249

  • Works on 1 computer
  • Home use only with no commercial work
  • 1 year of free updates
  • 24x7 support for a limited time
  • Cannot move to another computer
Buy Personal License
For Companies

Business License

$499

  • Up to 100 computers
  • Business, corporate, academic or government use
  • One location in one country
  • Issued in the organization name
  • Unlimited 24x7 support
  • 1 year of free updates
Buy Business License

Enterprise License

$999

  • Up to 500 computers
  • Branches in many countries
  • Issued in the organization name
  • Not transferable
  • Unlimited 24x7 support
  • 1 year of free updates
Buy Enterprise License
30 day refund policy. Test the free demo first because software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Review the RecoveryTools refund policy for the full terms.

Need SQL Backup Recovery too? SQL Recovery Bundle adds SQL Backup Recovery for $299 instead of $398. Compare every bundle on the RecoveryTools offers page.

9Can I trust it?

Can You Trust SQL Recovery With Your Database?

4.9
out of 5 user rating from RecoveryTools customers

Test Before You Pay

The free demo scans your own file and shows every recovered component.

Company Since 2007

The company behind RecoveryTools started in 2007 and serves customers in more than 100 countries. Learn more about RecoveryTools.

ISO Certified

ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certifications cover quality and information security. See the RecoveryTools awards and certifications.

Policies in Writing

The refund policy, privacy policy and terms of use are public before you pay.

10Who helps if I am stuck?

Who Helps if You Get Stuck?

RecoveryTools support answers tool questions before and after you buy. Visit the RecoveryTools support center for phone numbers and more ways to get help.

Live Chat

Experts reply on live chat at any hour.

Email Support

Write to support@systoolsgroup.com with your file type and the error you see.

Remote Session

An expert connects to your computer and fixes a complex issue for you.

Secure File Sharing

Upload a file to the secure FTP server. RecoveryTools can sign a Non Disclosure Agreement first.

11Anything else?

SQL Recovery Questions and Answers

Does SQL Recovery work on a SUSPECT database?

Yes. SQL Recovery scans the files of a SUSPECT database even when SQL Server cannot open the database. You preview the recovered objects and export them to a new database or to files.

Do I need SQL Server installed to use SQL Recovery?

No. SQL Recovery scans and repairs damaged databases without SQL Server. Exporting to a live database needs a SQL Server instance and full admin rights on that server.

What does the free demo of SQL Recovery include?

Demo previews all recovered components. Demo exports stop at 25 records per table and 5 other objects. Test the export on your own file before you pay.

Can SQL Recovery recover deleted records?

Yes. Advance Scan recovers deleted records and objects and shows them in red. You choose whether deleted objects and deleted records go into the export.

Does SQL Recovery have a file size limit?

No. SQL Recovery sets no size limit on a file. Add one primary MDF file at a time and several NDF files together with it.

Does SQL Recovery help with errors 5172 and 5171?

Yes. Error 5172 means SQL Server found an invalid file header and error 5171 means the file is not a primary database file. Add the file to SQL Recovery, select a scan mode and preview what the scan recovers.

Can SQL Recovery recover an MDF file that ransomware damaged?

Yes. SQL Recovery scans database files that ransomware has damaged and shows the recovered data before you export the healthy objects.

Which SQL Server versions does SQL Recovery support?

SQL Recovery supports MDF and NDF files from SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000. Auto detect finds the version of your file and you can select the version by hand when detection fails.

How do I export recovered data from SQL Recovery?

Select Export and choose a SQL Server database, scripts or CSV files. Database exports go into a new or existing database on a local or network server. Script exports add a batch file that restores the scripts.

Should I restore a backup or use SQL Recovery?

Restore a clean backup first when you have one. Microsoft recommends a restore over DBCC CHECKDB repair because REPAIR_ALLOW_DATA_LOSS can lose more data than a restore. Use SQL Recovery when no clean backup exists or the backup misses recent data. Damaged BAK files need SQL Backup Recovery instead.

How fast do I receive the SQL Recovery license key?

Your license key arrives by email within 15 minutes of payment. Pay by card or PayPal at the hosted checkout.

Can I get a refund on SQL Recovery?

Yes. You can request a refund within 30 days under the RecoveryTools refund policy. Test the free demo first because software bought without a demo evaluation does not qualify. Email a signed Letter of Destruction to sales@recovery-tools.org.

12What else is there?

More Recovery Tools and SQL Server Guides

RecoveryTools SQL Backup Recovery

Repairs corrupt full, differential and compressed BAK files and exports the data to SQL Server, scripts or CSV.

RecoveryTools SQL Server Recovery Manager

Handles MDF, NDF and BAK repair, LDF log review, SA password reset and script decryption from a single home screen.

RecoveryTools MDF Viewer Pro

Previews the tables, views and stored procedures inside MDF and NDF files and adds repair and export with the Pro license.

RecoveryTools SQL Password Recovery

Sets a new SA or user password from a master.mdf file with no SQL Server install.

RecoveryTools SQL Decryptor

Decrypts stored procedures, views, functions and triggers and exports them as scripts or a database.

RecoveryTools SQL Log Analyzer

Opens LDF transaction logs so you can filter inserts, updates and deletes by type and date.

RecoveryTools SQL Server Migrator

Migrates objects and records between SQL Server instances and into Azure SQL, MySQL or script files.

RecoveryTools MySQL Recovery

Fixes corrupt InnoDB and MyISAM tables and saves recovered records to MySQL, SQL scripts or CSV.

SQL Server Guides From the RecoveryTools Blog

Test SQL Recovery on Your Own MDF File

Download the free demo, preview your data with the repair tool and buy the full software when you are ready.

Download Free DemoBuy Now from $249