As we are aware of the immense capabilities of Microsoft SQL Server. However, we should also be aware of the issues & errors. This can help us run the software in a very fluent manner. This article is all about learning how to fix SQL Server error 5171 using the most efficient manner. We’re going to learn both the manual solutions & the best-automated solution. This article is enough to provide users with the A to Z information.
We heard that it’s not possible to solve SQL Server MDF is not a primary database file error manually. So, let us clarify, that there are manual solutions available, However, those are quite complex & hectic. If you are a new user, you might experience uneasiness. However, if you’re experienced, you can do it easily.
“database.mdf is not a primary database file. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 5171)” is the error that users face in this solution. The major issue is the corruption of MDF data files. Ths is why users should protect their files from external & internal threats.
So without wasting any further time, let’s start learning the manual solution first. As the manual solution changes as per the situation, so we are mentioning both solutions respectively for troubled users.
SQL Server MDF is Not A Primary Database File - Solve Manually
Now as we said, we’re going to select the manual method based on the situation we are in. The first step is to identify that we’re having this issue. If we’re getting error 5171, which means we have the issue.
Scenario #1
In case, you are having mirrored databases in your SQL server running on your system, set them online. Run the command “ALTER DATABASE mydb SET online”. Now, simply follow the below-mentioned steps carefully:
- First of all, users need to Set the Principal Database.
- Now Use the “ALTER DATABASE MODIFY FILE” command to modify .mdf file information.
- Click on the Stop button to stop the instance of currently running SQL Server smartly.
- Here, users need to Copy their SQL Files (MDF& NDF) to a different directory.
- Now, users need to Restart their SQL Server & Attach MDF/NDF files.
Scenario #2
If you upgraded your SQL Server to the newer version and then tried to attach the MDF & NDF files, it may show you this error. To avoid this improper installation, just run the “sp_attach_db” command. Just follow as shown in the below figure to solve the issue smartly.
Learn How to Fix SQL Server Error 5171 Automatically?
Now, if the major cause of the issue is the corruption of database files, then none of the above methods will work. In that case, users need to go for the classic automated solution. This solution involves the SQL Database Recovery Tool. This tool is highly advanced & offers plenty of features to the users for repairing damaged & corrupted files.
The best part is that it comes with a demo version. Now getting such a tool with so many features simply means success. This is the first choice of IT experts & Microsoft’s MVPs. Let’s have a quick look at the step-by-step procedure of this unique tool.
Download the tool & then you can simply solve the sql .mdf is not a primary database file error in a safe manner.
Step-1. Run this Tool on your system & then Hit the Open button to add files.
Step-2. Select the Quick or Advanced Scan option for detecting corrupt data.
Step-3. Now, users need to Select the Destination of the files after fixing files.
Step-4. Select the Data Items to recover & Click the Export/Save option to finish.
Automated Features to Solve SQL .mdf Is Not A Primary Database File Error
Now it’s time to be aware of the features of this tool that users can get simply get benefitted from. There are several benefits of using the automated tool & mentioning all of them here isn’t possible. However, the most important ones are mentioned below.
- The automated tool is capable of repairing damaged or corrupted MDF, NDF & LDF data files of SQL Server.
- Other than repairing, it also recovers the deleted database objects of the SQL database without hassles.
- Another major advantage of opting for this solution is getting the dual scan mode for detecting corrupted files. Quick & Advanced Scan modes are there.
- Learning how to fix SQL Server error 5171 is quite reliable using the automated tool as it has advanced algorithms that make it faster than ever before.
- Users can export the SQL Server database files to either the SQL Server or can save them in CSV/script file format.
- This solution offers the top security to users’ data. Not only does it repair the data files but it also maintains the data integrity & protects it from potential threats.
How to Fix SQL Server Error 5171 - The Ending Note
After learning all the solutions to counter this 5171 issue, we are finally at the end of this article. All the solutions including the manual and the automated are significant for users. Solving this error is not very difficult if users have adequate knowledge.
We can say that users can easily get rid of the SQL Server MDF is not a primary database file error. The only things to keep in mind are the technique, tool, and decision-making. The early you diagnose the issue, the better & faster results you will get.
Most Asked Questions
Q- Is this automated solution available free of cost?
A- We can both yes or no. the demo verison of the software is free to download & use for testing & executing small projects. However, the full version is paid but that also comes at a very reasonable price.
Q- To learn how to fix SQL Server error 5171, is this solution fast enough to complete the entire task within minutes?
A- Well, this totally depends on the size of data files you’re trying to process. However, if talk about an average file, this solution can do it in minutes. It’s much faster than manual solutions because of the advanced features.
Q- What if my MDF & NDF file data gets leaked using this tool?
A- This solution is even safer than the manual ones. It protects the integrity of the data & protects it to the utmost level. Users can rely on this tool as it even repairs corrupted data files. So far, this is most likely the best solution to solve sql .mdf is not a primary database file error
Also Checkout: The SQL Database Viewer Software for just viewing the SQL Files without the Server.
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