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    How to Fix “Not a Primary Database File” Error in SQL Server

    Lakisha DavisBy Lakisha DavisMay 3, 2021Updated:May 3, 2021
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    How to Fix "Not a Primary Database File" Error in SQL Server
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    At times while attempting to attach an MDF file in SQL Server you may receive an error message which mentions the file is not a primary database. In this article, we look at the issue in detail and resolve it with the help of the DataNumen SQL Recovery application.

    The SQL Server application today is, without doubt, one of the most sought-after database products in the market. When it comes to its range of features, it can stand up to the very best in the enterprise market. The product is also used by small and mid-sized firms owing to its Express edition which is available for free. If we take the 2019 edition, it is laden with riveting elements like high availability within containers and big data clusters.  Yet for all its sophistication, the program can behave erratically once in a while and throw up uncanny error statements. One such error message that users occasionally get is the Not a Primary Database file message. Let’s understand the issue in detail.

    Possible Causes Behind the “Not a Primary Database File” Error

    There are several circumstances under which you may receive this error message like trying to attach an MDF file or during a login failure. At times this error may show up while trying to restore SQL databases. Essentially when you receive this error message, you are looking at a corrupted MDF file. This can occur due to several reasons common amongst them include power outage or malware attack. In some cases, incorrect registry entries or even damaged drivers are known to cause such an issue. The easiest way to resolve the issue involves running a specialized application to recover the contents of the MDF file.

    Consider Utilizing DataNumen SQL Recovery to Tackle the “Not a Primary Database File” Error

    If you have a compromised MDF file that is generating this error, you need to immediately consider recovering its content. Just get hold of the powerful DataNumen SQL Recovery tool and use it to extract the contents from the compromised file. This efficacious application will extra all contents from the messed up database file including records, linked tables, indexes, etc. with ease and transfer them into an output file. One of the key advantages of using this powerful application is its capacity to handle different media types. So irrespective of whether the database is residing on a virtual drive or an external hard disk, this tool can scan through it and recover the contents of any corrupted MDF file.

    A Perfect Tool for Small to Midsized Businesses Running SQL Server

    If you happen to run the SQL Server application in a small to midsized company setup, you are not likely to have too many technical hands to help you during a crisis. So it makes great sense for such companies to invest in a recovery tool like the DataNumen SQL Recovery application. For companies running SQL Server 2008, extended support from Microsoft ended in July 2019, and it may be prudent for them to invest in this tool as a failsafe against incidents of data corruption. It can also help you get back records that might have been accidentally deleted. If you just happen to run multiple instances of SQL Server, you would be best advised to go for a volume license of this powerful recovery tool.

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    Lakisha Davis

      Lakisha Davis is a tech enthusiast with a passion for innovation and digital transformation. With her extensive knowledge in software development and a keen interest in emerging tech trends, Lakisha strives to make technology accessible and understandable to everyone.

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