How to Export MDF to SQL Scripts File – Step by Step

It is quite a misery for the users to export MDF to SQL Scripts file in case users aren’t aware of the technicalities issues. Therefore, they often end up losing their crucial data files. Now, the question arises why it is important & what are the authentic ways to do so.

Therefore, this article is the one stop solution where users can get to learn the what, why, when & how of this query. By the end of this article, users can easily get the perfect results without facing any complications at all. In addition, this article consists of the most trusted & expert-recommended tool.

Table of Content

• User Queries to Export SQL Database to Script
• Significance for Export or Conversion
• All Possible Methods of SQL Database to .sql File Conversion
  • SSMS Method to Export MDF to Script File
  • T-SQL Method to Export MDF to SQL Scripts File
  • Software Method to Export SQL Server Data to SQL Script 
• Critical Challenges that Most Users Face
• Useful Tips for Users
• Conclusion
• FAQ

User Queries to Export SQL Database to Script

“I have a MDF file of SQL Server 2014, which contains some of my crucial Functions and Stored procedures. After some manipulation, I need to run these functions and Stored procedures into SQL server 2016, which is installed in different location. Although, I can export these objects using Generate script Wizard option. But, the problem is, I am currently having SQL Server 2012 that cannot attach SQL Server 2014 database file due to edition compatibility problem. Now, I would like to know that, Is there any solution that can help in SQL Server export table data to SQL script task? So, I will run the script file into SQL Server 2016 directly.“

Reason for this Error

MDF file is the primary database file of SQL Server that cannot be opened unless you attached them with the SQL Server application. Now, if you attached them via an unknown source, then it may get corrupt because of malicious codes. The file might start generating errors when you try to open or view them. Thus, to avoid this kind of issue, it is better to generate SQL script from .mdf file.

Export MDF to SQL Scripts File – The Sheer Significance

The significance of this operation relies within its benefits. Users can benefit with just this single task. Some of these benefits become the need of the users in case they have not exported their files to Script file or require these files for further operations. Below are some benefits for users with SQL export data to SQL script operation:

• SQL Backup & Recovery: Users often want to keep the SQL database MDF files as a backup and restore purpose. Therefore, the script file acts quite well.
• Performance Optimization: For users having large datasets, it’s easier to manage the database performance & optimize operations for the maximum efficiency.
• SQL Data Migration: Now, in order to migrate the SQL databases, it is much easier for users to take the .sql script file in use for better accuracy & minimal efforts.
• Data Sharing: Stakeholders can smoothly communicate & share the information without any errors & mis-matches.

SQL Server Export Table Data to SQL Script All Available Methods

There are several ways by which users can get their work done. However, this is exactly where users get confused. Don’t’ worry as you won’t face that problem from now on. Below are the most common methods mentioned:

• SSMS Scripts Method: This method involves the SQL Server Management Studio. Evidently, users will be needing the active license for the SQL Server along with several other prerequisites. The reason is quite common because of being complimentary with the SQL Server.
• Command Line T-SQL Method: If users want customization in their resultant SQL file and they are proficient in SQL command, they can use this T-SQL method.
• The Automated Software Solution: Now, when we move further, the automated solution is by far the easiest yet advanced solution users have. There is no way it misses out on any crucial bit of data.

Keeping this requirement of users in mind, a step-by-step guide for MSSQL export data to script using SysTools SQL Recovery Tool is what they need. In order to have a seamless conversion, a user can simply go through them and convert MDF to SQL scripts easily. Download the solution then proceed further with this solution first.

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Moreover, there are several other ways also like SSIS package implementation but this is way too hectic for users to execute quickly. Hence, we’re not including that one here.

1. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Method to Export MDF to Script File

To export SQL data to script file with the help of the SSMS or SQL Server Management Studio, users must have an active SQL Server license. After that, all they need is to execute the following steps without any mistakes.

1. Launch the SQL Server Management Studio & Connect to the Database.
2. Now, simply Right Click the Database >> Tasks >> Generate Scripts option.
3. Select Objects like Table, Stored Procedures ,etc & Set Configuration Settings.
4. Proceed with wizard formalities & review through the data selected to cross verify.
5. Finally, Click on Finish to complete the operation without any of the potential errors.

2. Export SQL Database to Script with T-SQL Commands

In case users do not want to use the GUI method, they can also use a SQLCMD to get the same task done. It is even easier that the SSMS method. The command for the same is:

sqlcmd -S servername -d dbname -E -o outputfile.sql -Q "SCRIPT DATABASE dbname TO outputfile.sql"

Here, 

• servername is SQL Server instance name.
• dbname is your database name.
• outputfile.sql is your resultant script file.

3. Steps to Export MDF to SQL Scripts Automatically Using Software

Step-1. Download and launch SQL Database Recovery Tool. Click on Open to add MDF files to export SQL database to script file.

Step-2. After adding MDF files, click on the Export button to convert MDF file to SQL Scripts.

Step-3. Now, you will get two different Export options, click SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts option to export MDF to SQL Scripts file.

Step-4. Select the database objects you want to export.

Step-5. Choose With Only Schema option if you want to create only schema for SQL Tables, Views, Triggers. Otherwise, click on With Schema & Data option for exporting schema along with tables’ data. Click on Save.

Step-6. Browse a destination location to save the resultant SQL file. Click on OK.

Step-7. The process to export MDF to SQL Scripts file process will begin after this and once it gets completed, click OK.

Step-8. Go to the exported location and check the converted MDF to .sql script files for each object.

Critical Challenges that Most Users Face

There can be several pitfalls that users need to be aware of. Avoiding these is necessary & if skipped, can spoil the entire experience. To export MDF to SQL Scripts, the most common challenges that users might face are:

• Poor Data Integrity Standards: In case users forsake the data integrity standards for real, it might lead to inconsistencies in the target database like data corruption.
• Loose handling of NULL Values: Taking Null Values for granted is another issue that trouble users. Make sure to use them wisely to avoid hassles.
• Having Insufficient Permissions: Without required privileges which is “admin privilege” in most cases resist users to get their desired solution.
• False Data or Missing Data in DB: Always ensure that your source & destination data types match. Otherwise, be ready to face an error.
• Variable Data Types in Source & Destination: Validation of data prior to the export process is crucial. Failing which can result in missing or false data.

Tips to Export SQL Database to Script (MDF to Script Tips)

Now, as we’re reaching the end of this article slowly, we must not miss out the useful tips that can make the operation seamless. Evidently, users can easily get to experience the perfect data export.

• Disable triggers on the target database, Implement logging mechanism as well as error handling mechanisms & most importantly keep a backup.
• Always monitor the duplicate files in the source database as it can significantly increase the destination database size & confusion.
• Do not miss out on the indexes. Export process of large sized databases becomes easy in case users have updated their indexes. It boosts the performance also.
• Running a Pilot Project is a must to overcome all sorts of shortcomings before executing the major operation.
• Also, write efficient SQL Queries for data insertion & retrieval to save time resources to a great extent.

Conclusion

Although, Server provides Generate scripts wizard option to convert MDF. But, sometimes the users like the above scenario are bounded with Server compatibility issues and could not able to perform the task.

The above solution explains, how to export MDF to SQL Scripts using a third-party tool without any hassle. The software is not only help to generate SQL script from .mdf file, it also fix damaged MDF files.

Frequently Asked Questions