How to Restore a Database From an LDF File

The LDF file extension stands for SQL Server Transaction Log File. These log files contain recent actions executed by the SQL Server database. If an unexpected shutdown occurs, the transaction log file can be used to restore the database to its exact state prior to the failure. Without LDF files, the database may experience errors. If you accidentally delete LDF files, you can restore them using a data recovery program, which you can download on the Internet for no cost.

• 1

  Download a free data recovery program on the Internet; these programs include File Recovery 4, Recuva and FileRestorePlus (see Resources). Once you have successfully installed the program, open it.

• 2

  Choose the computer's hard drive as the location to be scanned. The program will search the hard drive and locate deleted LDF files and other files. The deleted data will be displayed as a list.

• 3

  Click on the LDF files you want to recover and click the "Restore" tab. The LDF files will be returned to the "C:/" drive.