PCDOTS® Database Repair for SQL Server

Excellent · Trusted by IT teams in 120+ countries since 2005

SQL Recovery Software
to Repair Corrupt Database

Recovers your SQL database with minimal downtime. It repairs corrupt SQL Server database (MDF and NDF) files, restores deleted records and rebuilds databases without the LDF.

  • Recovers tables, views, triggers, indexes, stored procedures and keys
  • Recovers deleted records from SQL database tables
  • Exports to a live SQL Server or as SQL scripts and CSV, no server required
Fixes the errors that stop your database Database marked SUSPECT Msg 823 / 824 I/O error Error 5171: not a primary database file DBCC CHECKDB failed or wants data loss Stuck in RECOVERY_PENDING Records lost after a DELETE command

When to Use This SQL Repair and Recovery Tool

Three situations bring most people to this page. If yours is on the list, the free demo will show you within minutes whether your data is coming back.

Database marked SUSPECT

The primary filegroup is damaged or the log is missing, so SQL Server refuses to bring the database online. The tool reads the MDF directly and rebuilds the content without needing the database to attach first.

Stuck in RECOVERY_PENDING

Startup recovery failed because of missing files or resource problems and the database sits inaccessible. Scan the data file with this tool and export a clean copy instead of waiting on a state that refuses to clear.

Rows lost to a DELETE command

A DELETE ran without a WHERE clause and the last backup is old. Where the rows have not been overwritten, the scan finds them and the preview shows the deleted records before you spend anything.

Key Features for SQL Database Recovery

Software Important Capabilities

SQL Database Recovery

The SQL database recovery software uses a page level scanning engine to retrieve data from damaged and corrupt MDF and NDF files. It recovers every database object, including tables with their data, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, indexes, primary and foreign keys, rules and defaults. The tool supports database recovery for MS SQL Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000. It reads the version straight from the file so you never have to guess.

Recovers Ransomware Affected SQL Databases

The software helps you recover SQL Server databases hit by ransomware and regain control of your business data. Where unencrypted regions of the MDF survive, the scan engine reconstructs the recoverable tables and objects from the intact pages. Run the free demo first: if the preview shows your tables, the full version will export them. For files encrypted beyond software repair, the tool connects you to the PCDOTS expert repair service.

Recovers Deleted Records from SQL Database

The software recovers deleted table records from a corrupt SQL database without touching the existing data or the original hierarchy. Tick Include deleted records before the scan and the removed rows appear directly in the preview, with a filter to view deleted tables and records on their own. That means you confirm the lost rows are recoverable before you buy, then export them and merge the data back into your live table.

Rebuilds the Database Without the LDF File

A missing, mismatched or damaged transaction log normally stops a database from attaching at all. This tool does not need the LDF: the data lives in the MDF and the software rebuilds a consistent, working database from the data file alone. The exported result attaches cleanly on your server, which makes it the fastest way out of a failed log drive or an orphaned MDF from an old machine.

Other Features of the SQL Recovery Software

Know Your Product Better

Deep Page Level Scan Engine

One scan does everything. The engine reads the corrupt MDF file page by page, rebuilds broken structures and reconstructs data from damaged regions in a single pass, with no modes or settings to choose. The live log shows pages mapped and tables found while it runs, so you watch the recovery take shape instead of staring at a progress bar.

Previews Recoverable SQL Database Objects

After the scan, the software displays every recoverable item in a tree on the left pane, with tables, views, synonyms and programmability grouped the way SSMS shows them. The right pane shows the contents of the selected object with row counts per table, page wise navigation for large tables and empty tables flagged so you spot missing data instantly. The preview lets you verify the recovered contents match your original data before anything is exported.

Search and Filter Inside the Preview

Finding one customer row inside a recovered two million row table takes seconds, not scrolling. Search the recovered data with Match Case and Whole Word options, filter any individual column and apply or clear filters without rescanning. The same controls work across deleted records, so you can confirm a specific lost row survived before you decide to buy.

Selective Recovery of SQL Objects

The software performs selective recovery by letting you tick or untick individual objects or whole groups in the tree. After previewing the data, choose only the tables, views and procedures you actually need and skip recovered deleted objects if they are not required. This avoids saving unnecessary items to your new database and keeps large exports fast and clean.

Exports to Live SQL Server or Portable Formats

Export the repaired database directly into a new or existing SQL Server database on your machine or the network. Where no SQL Server is installed, save everything as SQL compatible script files and CSV instead and restore them on any server later. Every export lets you choose schema only or schema with data, so the same tool covers full restores and structure only migrations.

Auto Version Detection and Recovery Report

The software auto detects the SQL Server version of the database file by reading the file header, from SQL Server 2000 through 2025. Once recovery finishes, one click saves a recovery report listing everything scanned and restored, giving you a clean audit trail for your manager, your client or your own records.

Every Detail DBAs Ask About, Checked Off

The small things decide whether a recovery tool is pleasant or painful at 2 a.m. Here is the full list, straight from the application.

  • Auto detects version reads it from the file header
  • One click scan with no modes or settings to configure
  • Deleted rows flagged in the preview with a deleted records only filter
  • Search with Match Case and Whole Word options
  • Per column filtering in the data preview
  • Live scan log shows pages mapped and tables found
  • Row counts per table visible in the object tree
  • Empty tables flagged so you spot missing data instantly
  • Page wise navigation through large recovered tables
  • Views, synonyms and programmability recovered with the tables
  • Schema only or schema plus data on every export
  • Export to live SQL Server new or existing database
  • SQL script and CSV export for machines without a server
  • Selective object export via checkboxes in the tree
  • Original file opened read only a scan can never make it worse
  • Runs on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 no server components required

Repair a Corrupt SQL Database in 4 Simple Steps

No query writing and no server required for the scan. Open the file, let the tool map it and watch your tables come back in the preview.

STEP 1

Select the database file

Click Select Database and pick the corrupt .mdf file. The tool detects the SQL Server version automatically.

NDF files load alongside
STEP 2

Scan the file

Run the scan and the engine reads the file page by page. The log shows pages mapped and tables found in real time.

Original file stays read only
STEP 3

Preview your data

Browse tables, views and procedures in the tree. Search any column and tick Include deleted records to see removed rows.

Deleted rows shown in preview
STEP 4

Save the recovered database

Export to a live SQL Server or save as .sql scripts and CSV. A recovery report documents everything restored.

Report saved for your records

For Files the Scan Cannot Read

Some files are damaged beyond what any software can repair. The tool tells you when that happens and our certified engineers take over from there with a free analysis of your file.

Get It Repaired by Experts

Supported SQL Server Versions and File Types

One license covers every SQL Server version and every Windows release you are likely to run. Not sure which version wrote your file? The tool reads it from the file header for you.

File types.mdf.ndf

Primary and secondary data files

Repairs corrupt MDF and NDF files of any size, including databases with ROW and PAGE compression, Unicode data and XML columns.

SQL Server20002025

Every version, auto detected

Works with SQL Server 2000 through 2025 including Express editions. The version is read from the file itself, no server connection needed for the scan.

Export optionsSQL Server.sqlCSV

Recover to wherever you need it

Push the repaired database to a live SQL Server instance or save it as .sql scripts and CSV files, exporting schema only or schema with data.

Recovery scopetablesviewsSPsmore

Complete object recovery

Tables with their data, views, stored procedures, functions, triggers, indexes, primary and foreign keys, rules and defaults, plus deleted records where they survive.

Windows111087

Runs on your desktop

Installs on Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7. The scan and preview run locally, so your database never leaves your machine.

Latest versionv6.7 for Windows.
Trial limitationThe free demo scans any corrupt MDF or NDF file and previews all recoverable data including deleted records. Exporting the recovered database requires a license.
Supported SQL Server2025, 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008, 2005 and 2000, including Express editions. Version is auto detected from the file.
Supported WindowsWindows 11, 10, 8 and 7. Run the tool as Administrator for protected file locations.
Export optionsLive SQL Server database (new or existing), SQL compatible .sql scripts and CSV files, with schema only or schema plus data.
Product resourcesSoftware guide · Support center · Refund policy · EULA and terms

Try the Free Demo First. Pay Only When You See Your Data.

The demo is the honest test. It runs the same scan engine as the full version, so if the demo previews your tables, the full version will export them.

FeatureFree DemoFull Version
Scan corrupt MDF and NDF files of any size
Live scan log with pages mapped and tables found
Auto detect SQL Server version (2000 to 2025)
Preview all recovered objects and data
View deleted records in the preview
Search and filter recovered data
Export to a live SQL Server database
Export as .sql scripts and CSV
Free support from the PCDOTS team
CostFREESee current price
Since 2005
Building recovery tools for IT teams
120+
Countries served worldwide
10M+
Downloads across PCDOTS tools
Free
Demo scan with full data preview

SQL Databases Our Users Brought Back

Three recent recoveries run with this software. Shared with customer permission. Company names withheld for confidentiality.

CASE · SUSPECT DB · 400+ TABLES ★★★★★
"A SAN failure put our main database into suspect mode on a Friday afternoon. The scan ran through the 40 GB MDF and the preview showed all 400 plus tables intact. Exported straight to a fresh instance and we were live again before Monday."
Rahul M. Database Administrator · Logistics, Mumbai
CASE · DELETED RECORDS · 18K ROWS ★★★★★
"A DELETE without a WHERE clause wiped 18,000 customer rows and our last backup was a week old. The demo showed the deleted rows right in the preview. Bought the license, exported the table and merged the rows back the same evening."
Sarah T. IT Manager · Insurance, Chicago
CASE · NO LDF · 12 GB MDF ★★★★★
"The log drive died and the database refused to attach without its LDF. This tool rebuilt everything from the MDF alone. Tables, procedures and keys all came back and the recovery report gave my manager exactly the audit trail he wanted."
Peter K. Systems Engineer · Manufacturing, Berlin

Common Questions About SQL Database Recovery

The questions we hear most before a download. Anything else, ask on live chat. A human answers.

01How do I recover a corrupt SQL Server database?
Recover a corrupt SQL Server database by scanning the damaged MDF file directly with recovery software. In PCDOTS the process takes four steps: select the .mdf file, run the scan, preview the recovered tables and objects, then export to a live SQL Server or as .sql scripts. The scan works without attaching the database, so it succeeds even when the server cannot bring the database online.
02Can this software recover deleted records?
Yes, when the deleted rows have not been overwritten by new data. Tick Include deleted records before the scan and the removed rows appear in the preview alongside live data. Recovery success depends on how much database activity happened after the deletion, so scan as soon as possible after the mistake.
03Can I recover a database without the LDF file?
Yes. The data lives in the MDF file, not the transaction log. The software rebuilds a consistent database from the MDF alone and exports it in a state that attaches cleanly on your server, even when the LDF is missing, mismatched or damaged.
04Which SQL Server versions does it support?
All versions from SQL Server 2000 through SQL Server 2025, including Express editions. You do not need to know which version created your file. The software reads the version from the file header and configures the scan automatically.
05What can I do in the free demo?
The demo runs the full scan engine and previews everything it recovers, including tables, views, stored procedures and deleted records. Exporting the recovered data to a server, scripts or CSV requires a license. That split means you verify your data is recoverable before paying a cent.
06Will it modify my original MDF file?
No. The software opens your file in read only mode and recovers everything to a new database. The original MDF is never written to, so a scan can never make your situation worse. Everything also runs locally on your PC and your data never leaves your machine.
07How long does the scan take?
Scan time depends on the file size and how badly the file is damaged. The engine reads the file page by page and the live log shows pages mapped and tables found as it works, so you always see progress. Most databases finish within minutes and even large multi gigabyte files complete without babysitting. The demo scan is free, so the fastest way to know is to run it on your file.
08What if the scan cannot read my file?
A small number of files are damaged beyond software repair, such as truncated files or ransomware encrypted regions. The software tells you when that happens and offers our expert database repair service, where a certified engineer analyses your file free and quotes a manual recovery. The software scan and the expert analysis both cost nothing, so finding out is always free.
09Do I need SQL Server installed to use this tool?
No. The scan and preview run standalone on any Windows PC, with no SQL Server or SSMS required. If a server is available you can export straight into it, on your machine or across the network. If not, export the recovered database as SQL compatible scripts and CSV files and restore them on any server later.
10What causes SQL database corruption?
The common causes are hardware faults such as failing disks and bad RAM, sudden shutdowns or power loss during a write, file header damage, virus and ransomware activity and storing database files in compressed folders. Whatever the cause, the recovery approach is the same: scan the MDF with the demo and let the preview show you what survived.
11Can it repair a corrupt BAK backup file?
This tool repairs SQL Server data files, meaning MDF and NDF. If your backup fails to RESTORE because the .bak file itself is corrupt, our expert database repair service can extract the data from the damaged backup manually. Send the file details over live chat and an engineer analyses it free before quoting anything.

Download the Free Demo.
Preview Your Recovered Data in Minutes.

Scan your corrupt MDF file now and see your tables, procedures and deleted records in the preview. Buy only when your data is on the screen.

Original file never modified Since 2005 · SQL Server 2000 to 2025 · Windows 11 to 7