All about MDF Files

The MDF file type is primarily associated with SQL Server.

MDF	File extension: MDF
	File type:	database file

What is an MDF file?

MDF files mostly belong to SQL Server by Microsoft. MDF files are disc image files associated with multiple disc authorization applications.

Main Use: MDF stands for Media Disc Image File. The MDF files save CD/DVD optical disc information. The header and track details are saved along with the MDF file in an MDS file format. Functionally, MDF files serve the same purpose as ISO files, although the data is stored differently. There are a lot of software that use MDF files to store disc image data. Some of them are Alcohol 120%, MagicISO, IsoBuster, WinMount, DAEMON Tools, and PowerISO.
Other Uses: Microsoft SQL Server is an enterprise-level database application that uses MDF files as the primary database file format in the creation, organization, and management of SQL databases. MDF file format is also used as a Measurement Data Format in the automobile industry. It stores unprocessed measurement information and metadata that can be used to analyze the data at a later stage. MDF file format is also used by SDL Trados translation software in facilitating the quick lookup and retrieval of the required information from translation memory (Translation memory contains five different formats viz. MDF, MTF, TMW, AWF, and IIX.)

How to open an MDF file

You need a suitable software like SQL Server to open an MDF file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your MDF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a MDF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

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Programs that open and convert MDF files:

SQL Server by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. MDF files are often referred to as SQL Server data files because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Alcohol 120% (disk image file) by Alcohol Soft
Alcohol 120% is a burning software developed for the creation of DVD and CD backups under the Windows operating system. This software also provides the possibility of storing CD/DVD image files on the hard drive and mounting them into virtual drives. It has a Pre-Mastering function for burning files directly from a hard drive and supports Blu-ray format and HD DVD. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Manual, Support, Alcohol 120% on Wikipedia
CANape (measurement data) by Vector
Vector CANape is software designed to optimize parameterization (calibrate algorithms) in electronic control units (ECU) - at their running time. It is most commonly used in the automotive industry for modifying behavior control for different vehicle models. This is done by changing the ECU's parameterization, which involves measurement and calibration systems like CANape. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Getting Started, More Info, Support, CANape on Wikipedia
CANgraph (measurement data) by Vector
CANgraph is the offline evaluation tool for the internally measured variables of an ECU, measured data from the CAN/LIN bus, or other test equipment. The measured data recorded during network development, analysis, and ECU calibration can be read into CANgraph in various formats for post-processing. This tool is discontionued. This file format is classified as Data.
Capture Classic (filler file) by Accelio
Accelio Capture Classic Filler (formerly JetForm Filler) creates PDF fill-in text boxes for applications, forms, and documents. Adobe bought Accelio in 2002. but did not change the name of the brand. This software is obsoleted and discontinued. There is no dedicated website for this technology anymore. This file format is classified as Data.
Daemon Tools (disk image file) by Disc Soft
Disc Soft DAEMON Tools is a Windows and OS X set of tools for virtual drive emulation and CD/DVD disc image file creation. This software is able to emulate up to 4 virtual CD/DVD drives for mounting/unmount image files. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Getting Started, Support, Daemon tools on Wikipedia
Fldigi (macro definition file) by David Freese
Fldigi (Fast Light Digital) is a free and open-source digital modem application for Linux and FreeBSD, that provides the possibility for a computer's sound card to be used as a simple two-way data modem. It is commonly used by amateur radio operators who connect the microphone and headphone connections of an amateur radio SSB transceiver or an FM two-way radio to the computer's headphone and microphone connections - respectively. MDF file in this program is a macro definition file. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Users Manual, Fldigi on Wikipedia
I-DEAS (2D drafting machine data) by Siemens
I-DEAS (Integrated Design and Engineering Analysis Software) is an old computer-aided design (CAD) software package incorporated into NX software, produced by Siemens. The MDF file stores 2D drafting machine data. This software is old and discontinued. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: I-DEAS on Wikipedia
Insight II (molecular modeling data file) by Accelrys
Insight II is a comprehensive graphical molecular modeling software suite developed by Accelrys (now BIOVIA)that incorporates a variety of molecular modeling codes designed for biological systems. It consists of several programs including - BioPolymer, Analysis, and Discover. This software suite is old and obsoleted. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Manual, Biovia on Wikipedia
IsoBuster (disk image file) by Smart Projects
Smart Projects IsoBuster is a recovery tool specialized in recovering data from damaged CD/DVD/Blu-Ray disks and file systems. The program also enables retrieving data from hard drives, reading sectors, and finding partitions that even Windows can not read. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Iso Buster 3.0 User Manual, Support, IsoBuster on Wikipedia
MagicIso (disk image file) by MagicIso
MagicISO is a tool that provides creating, editing, extracting, and burning of disc image files. It can convert ISO disc image format to CUE/BIN/UIF, and vice-versa. It is also able to create the BIF - bootable image files. With the addition of Virtual CD/DVD Manager, MagicISO can mount disc image files. A trial version cannot handle disc image files larger than 300MB. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Tutorials, Support, MagicIso on Wikipedia
PowerIso (disk image file) by Power Software
PowerISO is a Power Software disc image and virtual drive application, available for Windows, OS X and, Linux operating systems - and provides with creation, editing, burning, extraction, compression, and encryption of ISO files. This application has tools for burning CD/DVD/Blu-Ray discs and ripping audio CD discs. It can process a maximun file size of 256 GB. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Tutorials, Support, PowerIso on Wikipedia
ProWORX Nxt (memory data file) by Schneider Electric
ProWORX Nxt is programming and configuration software, produced by Schneider Electric, and developed for Modicon Quantum Programmable Logic Controllers - for managing manufacturing processes. This software is old and obsoleted, but it can still be ordered by the Schneider Electric service sales group. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Users Guide, Support
SDL Trados Studio (translation memory index data file) by SDL
SDL Trados Studio is the translation software suite developed for editing, reviewing, and managing translation projects. This translation software suite is commonly used by freelance translators, language service providers, corporate language departments, and academic institutions. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Documentation, Beginner Guides, Support, SDL Trados on Wikipedia
Star Trek Armada (game data file) by Activision
Star Trek Armada is a real-time strategy video game developed and published in 2000. by Activision. The game story is based primarily on Star Trek: The Next Generation and features a few of its main characters and ships. Playable factions include the United Federation of Planets, the Klingon Empire, the Romulan Star Empire, and the Borg. The MDF file used in this game contains map, file, title, and additional image information. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: Star Trek Armada on Wikipedia, Activision on Wikipedia
WinMount (disk image file) by WinMount
WinMount is a Windows tool that can compress/decompress and convert different formats like ZIP, 7z, RAR, ISO, and MOU. This tool can virtualize compressed archives and mount CD/DVD and HDD images. It was discontinued in 2011. This file format is classified as Disk Image. Related links: Info

MDF format details:

To view or edit MDF files you need to know the file format, because it determines how the data in this file is stored. The first characters in a file identify the file format, for example, HTML files start with the bytes <html>. If the file extension does not match the file format, double-clicking on the file will cause an error upon opening. Exact knowledge of the format is therefore important in order to solve problems occurring in files. In the following you will find our evaluation of the MDF files:

The MDF file extension is quite widespread and is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. The two most popular formats are as follows:

30% of all MDF files are associated with Microsoft SQL Server database. The contents of these files cannot be read by a human; only a computer program can interpret the data. MDF files can be up to 10 GB in size, but are often around 3 MB - 200 MB. The file type was created 10 years ago, but is still used today. These files can be linked to data, master, database, msdbdata, adventure, system, works, school, tempdb and model.
20% of all MDF files use the same file format, which can be identified by the letters "00 FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF FF" at the beginning. If you open these files in a text editor, you will see only illegible characters. Most of these files are 180 MB to 810 MB in size. Such files sometimes refer to condition, counter, strike, tarzan, zero, intermediate, motocross, generals, madness, project, disk, life and sims.

All other MDF files (50%) have no uniform format, often, for example, SDL Trados Translation Memory Data Find, AUMenu script and MDF. These files are often connected to game, audio, edition, heroes, mohpa or oald. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your MDF file!

Technical Data for MDF File Extension

File classification:

Data

Related files:

ldf, mds, mfd, torrent, exe, idf, zip, mf4, mtf, mbf, rar, nvp, iso, rll, md0, bak, msd, mgf, ndf, mlf, dsv, trn

Mime type:

application/octet-stream, text/plain

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: AlcoholImageFile

ProgramID: FantomCDFile.MDF

ProgramID: MDFFileImage
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Smart Projects\IsoBuster\IsoBuster.exe %1

ProgramID: MDFFileImage
EXEFile: E:\Isobuster\IsoBuster.exe %1

ProgramID: mdfFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\SanyoUtlV110\Meditor\Meditor.exe %1

ProgramID: IZArc
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\IZARC\IZARC.EXE %1

ProgramID: UltraISO
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\UltraISO\UltraISO.exe %1

ProgramID: IsoBuster.mdf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Smart Projects\IsoBuster\IsoBuster.exe %1

ProgramID: PowerISO
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\PowerISO\PowerISO.exe

ProgramID: IZArcMDF
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\IZArc\IZArc.exe

ProgramID: IsoBuster.mdf
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\IsoBuster\IsoBuster.exe

ProgramID: CSProMapView.Document
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\CSPro 3.1\MAPVIEW.EXE

ProgramID: PowerISO
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\_CDvD\PowerISO\PowerISO.exe

ProgramID: IZArcMDF
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\IZArc\IZArc.exe

ProgramID: DAEMON.Tools.Lite
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\DAEMON Tools Lite\daemon.exe -shellmount

Show all 15 listings To Top

an mdf database file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with MDF files

Associate the MDF file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open database files. Because only the current version supports the latest MDF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available SQL Server update.
To make sure that your MDF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .MDF file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.