.SDF File Recovery

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 .SDF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

What is a .SDF file?

Compact relational database developed by Microsoft, also known the SQL Server Compact (SQL CE) format; designed for applications that run on mobile devices and desktops; contains the complete database contents and can be up to 4GB in size.

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

There can be several common causes for ".SDF" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".SDF" files while performing file management tasks, such as deleting unnecessary files or folders.
  2. File system errors: File system errors can occur due to improper system shutdown, power outages, or hardware failures. These errors can corrupt the ".SDF" files, making them inaccessible or causing data loss.
  3. Software or application failures: Issues with the software or application that uses the ".SDF" files can lead to their loss or failure. This can include software crashes, bugs, or compatibility issues.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".SDF" files, leading to their loss or failure. Viruses or malware can corrupt the files or delete them entirely.
  5. Disk formatting or partitioning: If a disk or partition containing ".SDF" files is formatted or partitioned without proper backup, it can result in permanent loss of the files.
  6. Hardware failures: Hard drive failures, disk errors, or other hardware malfunctions can cause ".SDF" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  7. Human errors: Human errors, such as accidental file overwriting, incorrect file manipulation, or improper handling of storage devices, can result in the loss or failure of ".SDF" files.
  8. Software updates or upgrades: Sometimes, during software updates or upgrades, ".SDF" files may be affected or incompatible, leading to their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly backup ".SDF" files to minimize the risk of data loss and use reliable data recovery tools in case of any accidental deletion or file corruption.

How to recover lost ".SDF" 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 ".SDF" file may be deleted.

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

Use programs for recovering ".SDF" 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 ".SDF" 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.

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.

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

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

  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.

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

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

How to open file with ".SDF" extension?

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

Programs that open ".SDF" files

Windows
Microsoft SQL Server 2016
Microsoft Visual Studio 2019

Additional Information

  • File type: SQL Server Compact Database File

  • File extension: .SDF

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Database Files

  • Format: N/A

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00 53 53 43 45 20 44 61 74 61 62 61 73 65

  • ASCII: