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Best Way to Export Data from MDF to Excel – Step by Step Guide

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Written By Ashwani Tiwari
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On March 29th, 2024
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

how to open MDF file

“Hello. I would like to export MDF to Excel format including the tables. I have heard that this is possible via native technique but not sure of the exact process. Can someone share the instructional guide to the process to export data from MDF to Excel?”

Solution

Just like the user who made this above query, many SQL Server users want to learn how to extract MDF file to Excel file. Various reasons can lead to this requirement such as when someone decides to quit using SQL Server but needs the database content. In such a situation, saving the data in Excel Workbook is a commonly preferred choice. In this blog, we will depict the process of saving MDF file to Excel sheet using SQL Server Management Studio.

Table of Content

 

How to Export Data from MDF to Excel File with SSMS?

There are multiple ways that will assist you to save SQL database file in Excel format. Here, we will share an easy solution for this process where we will take the help of SQL Server Management Studio.

Steps to export MDF to Excel format are as follows;

  • Open SQL Server Object Explorer
  • Select the database you want to export from the list and right-click to select Tasks >> Export Data.
Export Data from MDF to Excel
  • SQL Server Import and Export Wizard will appear where you have to choose Data source.
Export MDF Tables to Excel
  • Choose the authentication mode, database name and click on Next.
Export MDF to Excel
  • Choose the Microsoft Excel File option.
Export Data from MDF to Excel
  • Click on Browse and choose any empty Excel / CSV file.
Export MDF Tables to Excel
  • Provide the authentication method and proceed.
  • Choose the option to copy data and click Next to export MDF to Excel.
Export MDF to Excel
  • Choose the tables and views you need to copy.
Export Data from MDF to Excel
  • The export MDF tables to Excel process will take place and offer you a report that can be saved.

In this way of MDF to Excel convert, the MDF file data will get saved in Excel sheet without any trouble. Users can easily open and move that Excel file later without SQL environment.

How to Extract Data from MDF File to Excel with Automated Tool

Well, as learned the SSMS method, we must know that it possesses various drawbacks as well. Therefore, in order to get the perfect solution, users should rely on the automated solution as well. There are various utilities available in the market but not all of them are reliable. SysTools SQL Recovery Tool is way better than all of them. Evidently, many users have reported that SysTools works pretty fine. If this isn’t enough, several SQL MVPs from Microsoft also praised this solution for users to learn how to extract MDF file.

Download Now Purchase Now

The automated tool is equipped with modern-day features & free from all errors to convert MDF to Excel format. The Interactive GUI makes it easier for new users to operate & get expected results. Here, users do not require SQL server installation in the system. Moreover, it makes it quite easy for users to customize their results based on their requirements.

How to Extract Data from MDF File Step by Step

Download the software & then simply follow the below-mentioned steps to get the perfect results as expected.

Step-1. Launch the Software to start MDF to Excel conversion.

open tool

Step-2. Hit the Open button to Add MDF File from the system.

open & Add MDF

Step-3. Configure Quick or Advanced Scan as per corruption.

scan mode

Step-4. Preview the Files after a successful scanning & proceed.

set excel format

Step-5. Export the MDF Files in CSV format & Save button to finish MDF data to Excel format.

save

Features of the Automated Solution to Convert MDF to Excel

The software comes with various pro features that users can benefited from. Let’s have a glimpse of these features in order to learn how to extract data from MDF file in Excel format.

  • It repairs both primary & secondary data file of SQL Database.
  • Users can convert their MDF file in SQL script file if required.
  • The software is able to convert MDF to Excel format as well.
  • If required, tool also export the MDF data to SQL database.
  • Users can preview the deleted data in RED color easily.
  • Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, & Windows Server 2012, 2016, etc. are supported
  • SQL Server 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, till 2000 versions are compatible.

Conclusion

If you are looking for the method to export data from MDF to Excel file, this is the right blog for you. Here we have described an easy and simple approach by which users can move their data from SQL database to Excel file. If you are looking for a solution to export MDF file to .sql script, this advanced utility is the best. However, for just viewing the files, users can trust the SysTools MDF File Viewer. The software can remove corruptions from the MDF file before exporting. In a nutshell, learning how to extract data from MDF file to Excel file is not difficult if users are aware of the right solution.

  author

By Ashwani Tiwari

Being a Chief Technical Analyst, I am aware of the technicalities faced by the user while working with multiple technologies. So, through my blogs and articles, I love to help all the users who face various challenges while dealing with technology.