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Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the desired SQL Server instance.
In Object Explorer, right-click on Databases and select Attach.
In the Attach Databases dialog box, click Add.
Navigate to the location of the .mdf file for the database, select it, and click OK.
Verify the associated files (e.g., .ldf) in the Databases to attach grid. If a file is missing, update the path or remove it.
Click OK to complete the attachment.
Using Transact-SQL (T-SQL)
Open SQL Server Management Studio and select New Query.
Use the following T-SQL command to attach the database:
CREATE DATABASE [DatabaseName]ON (FILENAME = 'C:\Path\To\Database.mdf'),(FILENAME = 'C:\Path\To\Database_log.ldf')FOR ATTACH;Copied!âś•CopyExecute the query to attach the database.
Notes
If the log file (.ldf) is missing, you can attach the database without it. Use the following T-SQL command:
CREATE DATABASE [DatabaseName]ON (FILENAME = 'C:\Path\To\Database.mdf')FOR ATTACH;Copied!âś•Copy Attach a Database - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn
Aug 10, 2023 · This article describes how to attach a database in SQL Server with SQL Server Management Studio or Transact-SQL. You can use this feature to copy, move, or upgrade a SQL …
SQL Server Attach and Detach Database Examples
- You don’t need a log file to attach the database. In this scenario, the log file will be recreated. If you are planning to attach the database without copying the log file, make sure you execute a CHECKPOINT on the database before detaching the database.
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