Restoring database from .mdf and .ldf files of SQL Server 2008

For some reason I have to uninstall SQL Server 2008 R2 but before that I copied two files (.mdf and .ldf) of my database from

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10_50.MSSQL2008\MSSQL\DATA

Now, the question is, is it possible for me to recover the database from these files in my new installed SQL Server 2008 R2.

If yes: then how can I do this?

Solution 1:

Yes, it is possible. The steps are:

1. First Put the .mdf and .ldf file in C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\ folder

2. Then go to sql software , Right-click “Databases” and click the “Attach” option to open the Attach Databases dialog box

3. Click the “Add” button to open and Locate Database Files From C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\MSSQL\DATA\folder

4. Click the "OK" button. SQL Server Management Studio loads the database from the .MDF file.

Solution 2:

From a script (one that works):

CREATE DATABASE Northwind
ON ( FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\DATA\Northwind.mdf' )
LOG ON ( FILENAME = 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\DATA\Northwind_log.ldf')
GO

obviously update the path:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.SQLEXPRESS\MSSQL\DATA

To where your .mdf and .ldf reside.