How to open mdf file in windows 10

MDF File Type

- The quick facts

Are you having problems opening a MDF file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

MDF files have multiple uses, and Media Disk is one of them.

Media Disk File

Files given the .mdf extension contain a disc image of data saved on a CD or DVD. MDF files are similar to ISO files, but they are saved in a different format. The MDF file must be saved with an associated MDS file for the DVD or CD data to be played back correctly.

The actual data on the CD/DVD is stored in the file with the .mdf extension, while the file with the .mds extension stores the disc's header and track information. These files allow you to play the media contained on a CD or DVD without having the actual disc in your computer's CD or DVD drive.

How to open MDF files

We have identified 5 MDF openers that are compatible with this specific type of MDF file.

Programs that open Media Disk files

  • Windows

Last updated: August 27, 2022

SDL Trados Translation Index File

In this case, MDF is short for Memory Data Find. These files are index files that make searching for translation faster using the Trados translation software.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested 10 different MDF openers which you will find listed below.

More file formats using the MDF extension

Through our research of MDF files, we know that the following formats exist. However, we have not yet analyzed them in detail.

  • AUMenu Menu Definition
  • AUMenu Script
  • MapLinx Data File
  • MDIFF Patch File
  • Microsoft SQL Server Database
  • SNAP Main Data File

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about MDF file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.

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Best Ways to Open MDF File – Detailed How-to Guide

As most of us know that MDF (also known as Master Database File) is the primary database file of Microsoft SQL Server used to store all the crucial data of the database. The MDF file stores all the data in relational databases that include Tables, Rows, Columns, Fields, Indexes, etc.

Although it is a primary database file of SQL Server, most users think that it can only be opened in SQL Server but are not aware of the exact procedure to open an MDF file. Thus, we are here to provide you with a comprehensive guide for the same.

Additionally, we also get queries about how to open MDF files when they don’t have the SQL Server environment. So, we will also discuss a free solution for those users as well.

Storage Location of MDF File

If you don’t know the default location of your SQL MDF file, then you can find the files in the following locations depending on the SQL Server version that you are using.

Default Location of MDF Files in Different SQL Servers

SQL Server 2019 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL15.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

SQL Server 2017 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL14.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

SQL Server 2016 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL13.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

SQL Server 2014 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

SQL Server 2012 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

SQL Server 2008 – C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA

How to Open SQL MDF File Using SQL Server Management Studio

When we try to open an MDF file in SQL Server, then we don’t actually open the file. The actual process is known as attaching the MDF file with the SQL Server. Once the MDF file is attached, the database objects can be seen in the object explorer of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

  • Launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the SQL Server Instance.
  • Once connected, you will see the SQL Server Instance.
  • Now go to the Object Explorer >> right click on the Databases >> Attach.
  • Click on Add button in the Attach Databases window.
  • Following that, locate the MDF file on your system and click on the OK button.
  • Click on the OK button again and the database will be attached.

There are the steps to open the MDF file for free on your system. Despite being free, the major limitation of this process is the requirement of the SQL Server environment to open the file. Thus, any user who doesn’t have the Live SQL Server environment cannot implement the aforementioned process.

Moreover, if any user has a damaged MDF file and wants to open it in SQL Server, then also the above procedure will fail to open it.

So, users who want to open their MDF files without any SQL server or have a damaged MDF file can go for the advanced solution discussed below.

Best Way to Open MDF File – Tried and Tested Solution

Many times, there are situations where a user has an orphan MDF file that he/she wants to open to check the contents within the file. However, the unavailability of SQL Server makes it impossible for them to open the MDF file and check the data in it.

So, we have come up with an advanced MDF File Viewer Software that allows users to open corrupted/damaged or orphaned MDF files without any issue. Additionally, the software is completely free of cost and doesn’t require any license. It is a tried and tested solution and ensures that no data is lost and altered when you open the MDF file in the software.

Free Download

The software will provide a complete preview of your database file including, tables, columns, triggers, keys, classes, indexes, etc. Furthermore, the software will also preview the deleted items in red color.

If you want to recover deleted records in SQL Server, then you can upgrade the software to the Pro version and extract the data items easily.

Upgrade to Pro Version

Step by Step Guide

1. Free Download the software to open MDF files and click on Add button.

How to open mdf file in windows 10

2. Choose the Scan mode, detect the SQL version of the MDF file or let the tool detect it automatically and enable the Preview Deleted Records option if you want to.

How to open mdf file in windows 10

3. The software will then start scanning the MDF file and will provide you with the details of the MDF file.

How to open mdf file in windows 10

4. The software will finally provide you with a preview of MDF file contents.

How to open mdf file in windows 10

Final Words

MDF files are significantly important for the users/organizations due to the crucial data stored in the database file. However, opening MDF files can be a tricky task if you don’t know the right procedure for it. Thus, we have discussed a step-by-step guide to opening the files in a seamless manner. The users who don’t have an SQL Server environment on their system can go for the free utility provided by us and open healthy, orphaned, or damaged files without any issue.

What program will open MDF files?

Aside from Alcohol 120%, these files are also used by other CD burners such as MagicISO, Daemon Tools, PowerDVD as well as the IsoBuster. MDF files can be opened by these applications but the application called H+H Software Virtual CD can also open MDF files.

How do I unpack an MDF file?

To extract a file or a folder, right-click it and select Extract [file name] from the pop-up menu. You can also drag files from the IsoBuster window and drop them into any folder on your computer to copy them there.

How do I open MDF files for free?

Launch the free MDF Viewer tool on your system. Browse and add the SQL database file from the system, choose the recovery mode, and select the SQL Server version. Expand the retrieved SQL database objects to check complete content. Click on the database objects to view its detailed preview free.