How to Open NDF File in SQL Server? Get the Best Solution Available

Synopsis: This article is all about the solution to learn how to open NDF file in SQL Server safely. We all know about the MDF files but now we’re going to have a look at the NDF file. Simply, there are a few ways to get the work done. However, only one ideal solution is available to get the desired results. Indeed we’re going to show you the advanced features of the best solutions well to provide users with all the expected results.
NDF files are the secondary database files of the SQL database. These consists of the supporting information to the primary data file. During any emergency, for backup, these NDF data files are really important. To view the data files, we have several solutions but the automated application to open NDF file is still the best one.
Follow this guide till the end to get the best ever solution to provide desired results. Missing out on any crucial step may result in data loss, data corruption & other issues.
Application to Open NDF File – Know All The Solutions Available
It’s time to know about all the available solutions that can help users to open & view their desired data files. So, as of now, there is a total of four ways available that users can opt for. Three of them are manual & then the last one is an automated solution. Now, we are going to look at all four solutions.
- SSMS – SQL Server Management Studio
The SQL server management studio is one of the most common solutions for users. Users can use this utility as this is meant to manage the SQL Server database. However, there are some drawbacks present here that users aren’t aware of. - T-SQL Command Line Method
Another method is the complete manual method that involves the SQL command & query. This method is highly technical & only experienced users can execute this method in a safe way. - Microsoft Visual Studio Utility
The Microsoft visual studio utility is an advanced solution to manage & develop websites, apps, programs, etc. Not all users are aware of this solution & its entire procedure. - Advanced Automated Method
Last but not least, the automated solution is quite advanced & better than all the other solutions available. This involves the SQL Database Viewer Software that can easily open NDF data files.
How to Open NDF File in SQL Server Using Automated Solution?
Now as we discussed above that the automated solution is quite advanced & better than all other solutions, let’s learn the step-by-step tutorial for this method & get our expected results back.
Step-1. Launch the Tool & then Click on the Open button to add your NDF files.
Step-2. Select the Quick Scan or Advanced Scan option to detect corruption issues if any.
Step-3. Now the software will take a few minutes to complete the scan, just Wait for a while.
Step-4. Click on the Ok button to finish the operation & get to view the data files without issues.
Note:- If you are using Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 operating systems, you should run the application to open NDF file as an administrator option.
Advanced Features:-
- Can open & view NDF, MDF & LDF data files of SQL Server.
- Offers the Quick & Advance Scan option to detect the data files.
- There is no limitation in the software to process the heavy database files.
- Automatically detect SQL Server verison & name using NDF files’ metadata.
- There is no need to install the SQL Server. This solution also supports data files of SQL Server from the year 2000 to 2019.
Why Manual Application to Open NDF File Are Not Worthy?
There is a reason we are recommending the automated solution as the manual method isn’t ideal. Now, we’re going to have a look at the drawbacks of the manual methods due to which we should opt for the automated solution.
Time-Consuming Operation
The manual solution is quite hectic. It involves several complex & repetitive steps that increase the duration of the entire operation. Where time is money, users can not afford to select such a solution that is time-taking.
Uninteractive User Interface
Another issue with the manual method is that it has an outdated user interface. Users have to be experienced in order to operate these manual solutions as these require highly technical knowledge.
Limitation of Heavy Data Files
Learning how to open NDF file in SQL Server using the manual method has several limitations. One such limitation is the inability to process heavy large-sized data files. We are going to say that with the manual method, users can only operate on small files to avoid lags.
The Manual Solutions Are Risky
Another major issue that the manual solution has, is the involvement of risk factors. Users may end up losing their SQL NDF data files or having corruption issues in them. This is why these ways aren’t as practical as the automated ones.
Lack of Features & Advancement
The manual solution is outdated. Hence, it lacks the advanced features that are present in the automated solution, users can feel that these solutions are weak. These aren’t powerful enough to solve complex issues.
Bringing It All Together
In the conclusion, we can say that users can opt for any of the solutions. However, what we need to understand is the manual solutions are way too complex for new users. If you don’t want to risk your crucial data files, manual methods are not advisable. Users can opt for the automated solution. To learn how to open NDF file in SQL Server, an automated solution is the most ideal solution.
The above-mentioned solution is itself used by IT experts & even Microsoft’s experts. This is why it’s leading the market. Not just NDF file but it can also help to tackle the MDF data files.
Also Read: How to Restore Deleted Database SQL Server? An Overview