How to Open LDF File in Notepad / Excel Program – Superlative Way

If for any reason, the user needs to access the LDF file in Notepad or Excel then, this blog certainly provides the answer that you are looking for you. So, keep reading till the end.

As we know, the LDF is an extension used to keep track of every transaction executed on a database in SQL Server. It is a log file that comprises crucial data and cannot be opened as a normal DOC file. There are many security concerns attached to LDF file due to which no one can open & view log file of SQL Server in the application such as Notepad or Excel.

Although, if there is a requirement to open the SQL Server Transaction Log file in Excel or Notepad application, then it cannot be achieved by the manual tricks. The user needs a proper dedicated technique that lets you how to open LDF file in Notepad.

It is suggested to use SysTools LDF File Reader Software whose function is to scan and open LDF file of SQL Server. Afterward, one can export the .ldf file in SQL Server Compatible Scripts that can be easily opened in Notepad & Excel application. Let’s check out how this can be performed by the software.

How to Open LDF File in Notepad/ Excel On Windows

Step 1: First of all, you need to download the software and install into your Windows System. The demo version is also available that does not provide the export feature. It means you can only open LDF file in the software. To get all the features, use the licensed version.

Step 2:- Click on Open button from the menu. Now, you have two options to select a SQL Server Log file.

• Online DB Option – It is used to directly select a database from SQL Server and its associated Log file automatically scanned by the software and open on the preview pane.
• Offline DB Option – Use to manually select an open LDF file without SQL Server and open on the software interface.

Step 3:- Time to click on Export button to open its settings.

Step 4:- Here, you can even select which T-SQL query you want to open in Notepad – INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE.

Step 5:- Afterward, you can also apply Date filter to the selected query. The tool will only export those transactions that were executed within the selected time. For this, check the box corresponding to Apply Date Filters option.

Step 6:- Under Export To/ As section, select the radio button adjacent to SQL Server Compatible SQL Scripts. It will export the LDF in .sql format that can be easily open in the application such as Notepad and Excel.

Step 7:- Select a location where you want to export LDF file in scripts. And, once you have done with this, click on Export button.

Step 8:- Go to the folder and open the .sql file in Notepad or Excel.

That’s all about how to open LDF file in Notepad / Excel application. Moreover, the same utility used by forensic investigator to identify who made changes in the SQL Server database. And, it also helps to recover deleted records from Log file in Microsoft SQL Server. It supports to open LDF file in Notepad of SQL Server 2017 / 2016 / 2014 / 2012 / 2008 and SQL Server 2005.

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