My database's .mdf file was lost during the restore process due to changing the logical file name. Now the database is in "RESTORING" state, and I cannot recover the original file, nor do I have a backup. How can I recover the lost .mdf file?

Question

I encountered an issue during a database restore operation in SQL Server. The process and the problem are as follows:

Restore Process Details:

• I was trying to restore a database from a backup.
  • During the restore process, I changed the logical file name of the database, but I did not update the database name itself (only the logical file name was modified).
    • The restore process was interrupted when I realized there was a mistake, and I stopped the restore operation.
    Current Symptoms:

    - The database status is stuck in "RESTORING" state.
    
       - The original `.mdf` (primary data file) is now missing.
    
          - The new `.mdf` file created during the restoration is in an incomplete state and cannot be used.
    
             - When I attempt to use the `RESTORE DATABASE [your_database_name] WITH RECOVERY;` command, it reports that the file has not been restored.
    

Key Points:

• I cannot find the original .mdf file.
• The restoration process was incomplete, and I stopped it before it could fully complete.
  • There are no backups available for the database.

1. What I’ve Tried:
   • I tried running the RESTORE DATABASE [your_database_name] WITH RECOVERY; command, but it indicates that the file was not restored.
   • I’ve also used data recovery tools like Recuva and EaseUS Data Recovery to scan for the .mdf file, but I have not been able to locate the original file.

Request for Help:

• Is there any way to recover the lost .mdf file, especially since the restore operation was interrupted, and the new file overwrote the original one?
• Is there any SQL Server tool or command that can help recover the missing .mdf file?
  • Can I somehow recover the original database using the incomplete .mdf file created during the restore process?

Answer 1

你好，

因为这里是中文论坛，所以接下来的回答我将使用中文。

根据你的描述，数据库的主数据文件.mdf 在还原操作期间丢失，并且您没有 .mdf 文件的原始备份，那么将数据库恢复到完整状态的可能性可以说微乎其微。

如果你能接受数据丢失的风险的话，或许你可以试试RESTORE ... WITH REPLACE，不过我也不确信是否能成功，因为我之前并没有遇到过此类情况。

所以我还是建议你去开ticket寻求微软官方技术支持的帮助：

Services Hub (microsoft.com)

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