SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery — Complete Guide & FeaturesWhen an MS SQL database becomes corrupt, inaccessible, or damaged, recovering data quickly and reliably is critical. SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery is a commercial utility designed to repair corrupted MDF and NDF files, extract database objects, and export recovered data back to SQL Server or into several usable formats. This guide explains how the tool works, its main features, typical recovery workflows, practical tips, limitations, and alternatives to consider.
What is SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery?
SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery is a Windows-based recovery tool built to handle various types of corruption in Microsoft SQL Server database files (primarily MDF and NDF). It focuses on parsing damaged database files, reconstructing database objects (tables, indexes, keys, stored procedures, triggers, views), and exporting recovered data to live SQL Server instances or file formats like CSV, SQL script, or compatible database formats.
Key use cases
- Repairing corrupted MDF/NDF files after hardware failure, abrupt shutdowns, or malware.
- Extracting data from inaccessible databases to minimize downtime.
- Migrating recovered schema and data to a different SQL Server version.
Supported file types and compatibility
SysInfoTools targets the primary SQL Server file types:
- MDF (Primary data file)
- NDF (Secondary data file)
- LDF (Log file) — typically used to assist recovery when available
Compatibility generally spans multiple SQL Server editions and versions, but exact supported versions can vary with the product release. Check the vendor’s documentation or product page for the latest compatibility list before purchase.
Main features
- Repair corrupted MDF/NDF files and restore database objects.
- Preview recovered database objects and data before exporting.
- Export recovered items to:
- Live SQL Server (direct restore)
- SQL script (*.sql)
- CSV, HTML, or Excel formats for tables/data
- Support for recovery of tables, indexes, triggers, views, stored procedures, and functions.
- Optionally use the log (LDF) file to improve recovery accuracy (when available).
- Selective recovery — export only chosen tables or objects.
- User-friendly GUI with step-by-step wizard for guided recovery.
- Recovery from different levels of corruption (header/footer issues, page-level damage, etc.).
- Keeps original file intact — works on copies of MDF/NDF files.
How it works — high-level workflow
- Preparation
- Stop SQL Server access to the corrupted database if possible.
- Create backups of the original MDF/NDF/LDF files and work on copies.
- Load files into SysInfoTools
- Point the software to the corrupted MDF (and NDF/LDF if available).
- Scanning
- The tool performs an internal scan to locate database pages, metadata, and data structures.
- Preview
- Recovered schema and tables are displayed for verification. You can browse rows and objects.
- Export
- Choose export target: live SQL Server, SQL script, or file format. Configure options (destination server, authentication, file path).
- Post-recovery validation
- Verify integrity of recovered data on the destination server. Run consistency checks and application-level validation.
Practical step-by-step example
- Stop applications using the corrupted database and, if possible, detach the database from SQL Server.
- Copy MDF/NDF/LDF files to a safe recovery workstation.
- Open SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery and select the MDF file.
- Choose scan mode (if the tool offers Quick/Advanced/Deep scan).
- Wait for the scanning process to finish; inspect the preview of database objects and data.
- Select required objects or entire database for export.
- Choose target — either:
- Directly export to a live SQL Server instance (provide server name, authentication), or
- Generate SQL script to run later, or
- Export tables to CSV/Excel for manual import.
- Run export and monitor for errors.
- Attach or restore the exported database on the production server and run DBCC CHECKDB or other integrity checks.
Tips for best results
- Always work on copies of files; never modify original MDF/LDF directly.
- If possible, provide the matching LDF file — it may improve reconstruction of recent transactions.
- Use the deepest scan mode for heavily corrupted files; quick scans are faster but less thorough.
- Export to a test server first to validate structure and constraints.
- After recovery, run DBCC CHECKDB on the restored database and resolve any reported issues.
- Keep consistent backups going forward; recovery tools are an emergency measure, not a replacement for backups.
Strengths
- GUI simplifies recovery workflows for DBAs who may not be comfortable with low-level file recovery techniques.
- Preview feature reduces the risk of exporting incorrect data.
- Multiple export options increase flexibility (direct restore, scripts, CSV/Excel).
- Selective recovery avoids unnecessary transfer of unwanted objects.
Limitations and cautions
- No tool can guarantee 100% recovery from severely damaged files, especially if critical metadata pages are lost.
- Performance and success depend on file corruption extent and presence of supporting files (LDF).
- Commercial licensing required for full export features in most cases; trial versions often offer limited previews only.
- Always validate recovered data thoroughly — recovered schema or constraints might require manual fixes.
When to use SysInfoTools vs. built-in SQL Server options
Built-in options:
- RESTORE from backups: primary recommended approach when backups exist.
- DBCC CHECKDB with repair options: can fix some corruption when database is accessible.
- Attach/Detach with emergency mode repair: for certain scenarios.
Use SysInfoTools when:
- Backups are unavailable or incomplete.
- Database files are corrupt and cannot be attached normally.
- You need a GUI-driven recovery with object preview and selective export.
Alternatives to consider
- Stellar Repair for MS SQL
- ApexSQL Recover
- Kernel for SQL Database Recovery
- Redgate SQL Backup & Recovery tools (offer broader DB management)
- Native SQL Server tools (DBCC CHECKDB, RESTORE, emergency mode)
Compare pricing, supported versions, features like transactional log handling, and user reviews when choosing.
Pricing, licensing, and support
Pricing and licensing are set by SysInfoTools and often include trial/demo versions with limited functionality. For a full export to a live server or to save recovered files, you’ll likely need a paid license. Check vendor support policies, update frequency, and refund guarantees before purchase.
Conclusion
SysInfoTools MS SQL Database Recovery is a practical option for DBAs and administrators facing inaccessible or corrupted MDF/NDF files with no recent backups. Its GUI, preview capabilities, and multiple export options make it useful for controlled, selective recovery. However, no third-party tool replaces regular backups and proper database maintenance; evaluate recovery results carefully and validate recovered data before returning to production.
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