Create database from .mdf file without attaching?

Question

I have an .mdf file, and I'd like to create a database from it on my computer. But I'd like to create it without attaching it to the .mdf file.

Is this possible?

You cannot "create a database from an .mdf file" - it IS the database. It's a SQL Server file, and to use it, you need to attach it to a running SQL Server instance. No way around that.... — marc_s
– marc_s, Commented Jan 29, 2011 at 22:19

E.J. Brennan · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-29 23:02:11Z

2

If you are trying to use the MDF as a template, for creating another database, you could simply copy it to a new file and then attach to the copy - but perhaps if you explained what you are trying to accomplish, and why you can't attach to the MDF, you might get better help.

answered Jan 29, 2011 at 23:02

E.J. Brennan

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Steve · Accepted Answer · 2013-05-27 18:11:52Z

2

You can create database from your mdf file,please see my example below

USE [master]
GO
CREATE DATABASE [DatabaseName] ON 
( FILENAME = N'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\...mdf' ),
( FILENAME = N'C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\...ldf' )
FOR ATTACH ;
GO

in case if you dont have the /ldf file : use this

EXEC sp_attach_single_file_db @dbname = 'pubs',
@physname = 'C:\MSSQL\Data\pubs.mdf'

answered May 27, 2013 at 18:11

Steve

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1 Comment

Brian Over a year ago

If you are going to copy something verbatim from technet, please give credit to the source.

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