How to Repair and Recover .NDF Files After System Failures

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .NDF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Repair and Recover .NDF Files After System Failures
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What is a .NDF file?

Secondary database file used by Microsoft SQL Server; created when the primary .MDF database becomes too large (such as when there is no disk space left); may also be manually added to the SQL Server File Group to distribute data between the two files.

What Are Common Causes of ".NDF" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".NDF" (secondary data file) loss or failure:

  1. Hardware failure: A hardware failure, such as a hard drive crash or disk corruption, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".NDF" files.
  2. Software issues: Software bugs, glitches, or conflicts can result in the deletion or corruption of ".NDF" files. This can occur due to issues with the operating system, database management system, or other software components.
  3. Human error: Accidental deletion or overwriting of ".NDF" files by users or administrators is a common cause of data loss. This can happen due to improper file management practices, accidental formatting, or mistaken deletion.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".NDF" files, rendering them inaccessible or unusable. Ransomware attacks can also encrypt ".NDF" files and demand a ransom for their recovery.
  5. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes while the database is in use can lead to ".NDF" file corruption or loss. If the files were being written to or read from at the time of the incident, they may become damaged or unrecoverable.
  6. Database management errors: Errors during database management operations, such as backup, restore, or migration, can result in the loss or corruption of ".NDF" files. This can happen if the operations are not properly executed or if there are compatibility issues between different versions or systems.
  7. Physical damage or theft: Physical damage to the storage media where ".NDF" files are stored, such as hard drive failure or theft of the device, can lead to permanent loss of data.

To minimize the risk of ".NDF" file loss or failure, it is important to regularly backup data, implement proper security measures, maintain hardware and software components, and follow best practices for database management.

How to recover lost ".NDF" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".NDF" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".NDF" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".NDF" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".NDF" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".NDF" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".NDF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo sQL Server Secondary Database File image file file?

Programs that open ".NDF" files

Windows
Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Microsoft SQL Server 2016
Aryson SQL Database Recovery Aryson SQL Database Recovery

Additional Information

  • File type: SQL Server Secondary Database File

  • File extension: .NDF

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Database Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:17 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .NDF files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is an .NDF backup file and how is it different from other types of backups?

    An .NDF backup file is a type of backup file used in Microsoft SQL Server databases. It is specifically used for backing up secondary data files, which are additional data files created to store user data apart from the primary data file (.MDF).

    In a SQL Server database, the primary data file (.MDF) stores the system tables and metadata, while the secondary data files (.NDF) store user data. The .NDF backup file contains a copy of the secondary data files and is created along with the backup of the primary data file.

    The primary difference between an .NDF backup file and other types of backups, such as full backups or differential backups, lies in the scope of data being backed up. Full backups capture the entire database, including both the primary and secondary data files. Differential backups capture the changes made since the last full backup, including changes in both primary and secondary data files.

    On the other hand, an .NDF backup file specifically focuses on backing up the secondary data files. This allows for more granular backup and restore operations, providing flexibility in managing the database. It can be useful in scenarios where you want to restore only the user data stored in the secondary data files without affecting the primary data file.

    Overall, .NDF backup files are specialized backups that target secondary data files in SQL Server databases, providing a more focused approach to data backup and recovery.

  • How can I create an .NDF backup of my database and what tools or software are required?

    To create an .NDF backup of your database, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on your computer.
    2. Connect to the SQL Server instance where your database is located.
    3. Expand the "Databases" folder in the Object Explorer pane.
    4. Right-click on the database you want to back up and select "Tasks" -> "Back Up..." from the context menu.
    5. In the "Back Up Database" window, select the "Full" backup type.
    6. Choose a destination for the backup file by clicking on the "Add..." button next to the "Destination" field.
    7. In the "Select Backup Destination" window, specify the path and filename for the backup file with the .NDF extension (e.g., C:BackupMyDatabase.ndf).
    8. Click on the "OK" button to close the "Select Backup Destination" window.
    9. Back in the "Back Up Database" window, review the backup options and make any necessary changes.
    10. Click on the "OK" button to start the backup process.

    No additional tools or software are required to create an .NDF backup using SSMS. However, you need to have Microsoft SQL Server and SSMS installed on your computer.

    Note: The .NDF file extension is typically used for secondary data files in SQL Server. If you want to create a backup of the entire database, including both the primary (.MDF) and secondary (.NDF) data files, you should use the "Full" backup type as mentioned in the steps above.

  • Are there any specific considerations or limitations when restoring from an .NDF backup file, and what steps should be followed to ensure a successful restoration process?

    When restoring from an .NDF backup file, there are a few considerations and limitations to keep in mind. Here are some steps to follow for a successful restoration process:

    1. Verify the backup file: Before starting the restoration process, ensure that the .NDF backup file is valid and not corrupted. You can use backup verification tools or commands to validate the integrity of the backup file.
    2. Understand the restore process: Familiarize yourself with the restore process specific to your database management system (e.g., SQL Server). Understand the different restore options and parameters available, such as recovery options, file locations, and overwrite settings.
    3. Plan the restore sequence: If you have multiple backup files, including primary (.MDF) and secondary (.NDF) files, plan the restore sequence accordingly. Typically, you should restore the primary file first, followed by the secondary files.
    4. Set up the restore environment: Ensure that the target environment, such as the server and database instance, is properly set up and configured to accommodate the restored database. This includes having sufficient disk space, appropriate file locations, and necessary permissions.
    5. Take note of file paths: While restoring an .NDF file, make sure to specify the correct file paths for both the backup file and the restored file. Double-check the file paths to avoid any errors or mismatches.
    6. Consider filegroup dependencies: If your database uses multiple filegroups, ensure that the .NDF file being restored is associated with the correct filegroup. Failure to restore the .NDF file to the correct filegroup can result in data inconsistencies or errors.
    7. Handle conflicts or overlaps: If the restored .NDF file has the same name as an existing file in the database, you may encounter conflicts or overlaps. Decide whether to overwrite the existing file or rename the restored file to avoid conflicts.
    8. Monitor the restoration process: During the restoration process, monitor the progress and check for any error messages or warnings. Keep an eye on the system resources, such as CPU and disk usage, to ensure the process is running smoothly.
    9. Test the restored database: Once the restoration is complete, perform thorough testing to ensure the database is functioning as expected. Validate the data integrity, check for any missing or corrupted data, and run necessary consistency checks or validations.

    By following these steps and considering the specific limitations and requirements of your database management system, you can increase the chances of a successful restoration process from an .NDF backup file.
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