How to Convert SQL BAK File to MDF in SQL Server?

This article is going to help users learn how to convert SQL BAK file to MDF format using all the possible methods. To understand the entire process, users must be aware of the BAK & MDF file formats &  some other crucial aspects as well. Last but not least. In case users end up corrupting their BAK files, they can proceed further.

We are sure by the end of this article, users can easily convert SQL .bak file to .mdf format without any data loss or system errors.

What Are BAK & MDF File Formats?

To get started, we can explain that BAK or .bak files are the backup files of an SQL Server database. This file format contains all the database information till a specific time when the backup was taken. It is helpful for users in critical conditions like database crash, file corruption, etc for restoration process.

Now, if we talk about the master database file, it’s even more crucial. The .mdf file is the master database file which holds all the information of a database including the structure as well as the information within. Every database creates an MDF file by default & users can create multiple MDF files as well. Understanding both file formats can help users convert SQL BAK file to MDF smoothly.

How to Create BAK File in SQL Database?

Users have a few ways to create a backup of the database in the SQL Server using SSMS or command line method. Here, we’re going to explain the easiest way possible so that there will be no errors in the entire operation.

Step-1. Launch the SSMS application >> Connect SQL Server & Select Databases >> Go to tasks >> Click on BackUp option.

Step-2. The Backup Type is Full by default & users can change it. Set the Backup Name & Destination here.

Step-3. Finally, Click on the OK button to Create the BAK File at the specified destination.

Convert SQL BAK File to MDF Format Manually

Follow the below steps of SSMS & T-SQL query method to convert BAK to MDF in a easy to understand way.

Step-1. Right-click on the Database & Hit the Restore Database option.

Step-2. Click on “Device” radio button & enter the path of the BAK file. For example the path of backup file is:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL14.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\Backup\backup-file-path.bak

Step-3. Users can Set Different Paths well if required by going to the Files tab.

Step-4. At last, users just need to Click the OK/Restore button to proceed further.

Note: Make sure that database backups are of two types. The full backup allow users to back up all the data & information. Whereas, the differential backup allow users to keep only the difference between the last backup & current time.

Also, users must understand that in this process they updated their MDF file in synchronizatrion to the .bak file. Now, they can save the MDF file which is a copy ofthe BAK file. As we don’t have a direct manual solution, users can convert the backup file of SQL database to MDF format this indirect way.

How to Convert BAK to MDF SQL Server Automatically

Now, here comes the automated solution technique that most users are asking. Moreover, SQL experts, MVPs, & other professionals often rely on this. Here, we have SysTools SQL Backup Recovery Tool in use.

 

This software allow users to execute multiple tasks with the .bak file. These tasks are recovery of the backup file, repairing the corrupted .bak file, exporting the backup file to live SQL database(MDF format), CSV file format & SQL compatible script file.

Download the software, follow the below steps, & convert SQL .bak file to .mdf format with these 4 simple steps:

Step-1. Launch the Software & then Hit the Open button.

Step-2. Add the single or multiple Backup Files to the application.

Step-3. Now, Select the Destination Path to export the SQL .bak file.

Step-4. Finally, Hit the Export/Save button to convert SQL BAK file to MDF.

Note: In destination, select SQL Server Database. After the export process completion, simply extract the MDF file from the database without any issues. With proper steps, users can restore MDF file from backup for sure.

Which Method is Best to Convert BAK to MDF

First of all, we can only say that the selection of the method depends on the requirements. However, as we have observed thousands of cases, we recommend users the automated solution that can easily provide them expected outcome. Moving on, to justify this claim that the above mentioned automated solution is the best, we have mentioned the following features of it:

• Convert SQL .bak file to .mdf as well as SQL scripts & CSV format.
• Scans the damaged data & repairs any sort of corruption in present it.
• Restore & Recover MDF as well as NDF files in the SQL database easily.
• The software can detect the SQL file versions automatically without hassles.
• There is no file size limitation here & for this, we used a 1.4 TB BAk file for testing.
• This software supports the SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, etc till the 2000 version.
•  Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server 2016, 2019, etc are supported for users.

The Final Say

Now, that we know the complete procedure to convert SQL BAK file to MDF file format, it’s time to conclude this article. Although we have mentioned all the crucial elements here for users learning how to convert BAK to MDF SQL Server, they can still contact us regarding any queries.