11 Best SQL Server Recovery Tools (2024) [FREE DOWNLOAD]

1. Introduction

In this era of rapidly growing digital data, the importance of data management and recovery cannot be understated. This is particularly crucial for businesses dealing with data storage and processing. For those using Microsoft’s Structured Query Language (SQL) Server as their primary data management system, the concept of ‘SQL Server Recovery’ is paramount. This process involves restoring and retrieving inaccessible or lost data from corrupted SQL server databases. Herein, the role of a SQL Server Recovery tool becomes significant.

1.1 Importance of SQL Server Recovery tool

SQL Server Recovery tools are designed to help you retrieve all the inaccessible, lost, or corrupted data from the SQL server databases. These tools work by scanning the damaged or corrupt MDF and NDF files (primary and secondary database files of SQL server) and recover them meticulously.

Given the importance of data in decision-making and business intelligence, the loss of data can result in significant financial and reputation damage. Thus, these tools are a lifesaver by regenerating the lost data, allowing businesses to bounce back quickly. These tools also help maintain the sanctity and confidentiality of data by initiating safe and secure recoveries.

1.2 Objectives of this Comparison

The objective of this comparison is to provide a detailed and comprehensive review of leading SQL Server Recovery tools in the market. This will empower the readers to make a more informed decision by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tool.

The comparison will examine the functionality, performance, supports and features offered by each tool. The pros and cons of each tool will be highlighted to provide a holistic view to the readers. Thus, readers can select a tool that aligns closely with their requirements and expectations.

2. DataNumen SQL Recovery

DataNumen SQL Recovery is a leading tool in the market that specializes in recovering a wide range of data from corrupted or damaged MS SQL Server database (MDF) files. The software supports all versions of MS SQL Server from 2005 to 2019. DataNumen SQL Recovery has a user-friendly interface and offers robust features for smooth data recovery.

2.1 Pros

• Highest Recovery Rate: It has the highest recovery rate in the market.
• Comprehensive Recovery: It recovers all types of data including tables, indexes, views, procedures, and triggers, leaving no room for partial data recovery.
• High Compatibility: This tool provides support for all versions of MS SQL server and various operating systems, making it highly flexible.
• Batch Recovery: DataNumen offers batch recovery mode, which allows recovery from multiple files simultaneously, speeding up the process.

2.2 Cons

• Cost: The free demo version will insert demo texts into the recovered data. Users need to pay to remove these texts.

Free download

3. Unistal’s Quick Recovery for SQL Database

Unistal’s Quick Recovery for SQL Database is a professional tool built to handle data loss or corruption scenarios related to SQL databases. This software is designed to deliver effective and swift recovery solutions and has been trusted by numerous users worldwide.

Unistal’s Quick Recovery for SQL Database provides an avant-garde set of recovery applications that facilitate quick, simple, and professional data restoration. It uses unique algorithms that help in locating and restoring lost tables, views, stored procedures, triggers, primary keys, indexes, unique keys, and foreign keys from the SQL databases. This tool supports all versions of MS SQL Server database files and works efficiently with all Windows operational systems.

3.1 Pros

• Fast Recovery Process: Unistal’s product is designed for quick recovery, thereby reducing downtime in critical data loss situations.
• Multiple Recovery Modes: It offers different recovery modes for different corruption levels, ensuring a high success rate.
• In-Depth Database Scanning: The tool performs a deep scan of the database to ensure maximum recovery of items.

3.2 Cons

• Technical Support Issues: Some users have reported issues with getting timely and effective support from the technical support team.
• Difficulty with Large Files: It may experience difficulties and slow down when handling large database files.

4. PDS SQL Recovery Software

PDS SQL Recovery Software is another notable player in the domain of SQL database recovery tools. It offers a confluence of robust recovery features and an intuitive user interface, making data recovery a smooth process.

PDS SQL Recovery Software is engineered for efficient recovery of SQL databases following data loss or corruption scenarios. Capable of repairing MDF files of all versions of SQL Server, it restores tables, functions, views, stored procedures, and more. It is designed for both beginners and experts as it offers both a simple UI and powerful recovery features.

4.1 Pros

• Wide Range of Recovery: PDS SQL Recovery Software has an advanced restoration feature that can recover everything, from rules to triggers and even supports recovery of Unicode data.
• User-Friendly: The software provides an easy-to-understand interface, making it simple for users with limited technical knowledge.
• Preview Feature: Users can preview recovered items before saving them, providing an additional layer of convenience and assurance.

4.2 Cons

• No Mac Support: This tool is restricted to Windows users, with no current support provided for Mac users.
• Large File Handling: Sometimes, issues may arise when trying to recover very large SQL files, affecting its efficiency.

5. SQL Recovery Tool

The SQL Recovery Tool is a reliable and efficient utility designed to recover damaged or corrupted SQL databases. In its wide range of functionalities, this tool supports recovery from various SQL Server databases, including MDF and NDF files.

SQL Recovery Tool is developed to restore databases from almost all kinds of corruption scenarios. When it comes to restoring database components like tables, functions, stored procedures, and more, SQL Recovery Tool proves to be remarkably competent. It also provides support for all versions of SQL server databases and works exceptionally on all Windows operational systems.

5.1 Pros

• Extensive Recovery: Capable of recovering a diverse range of database items – tables, stored procedures, indexes, and much more.
• Safe & Secure: This tool guarantees secure recovery of databases without data modification or loss.
• Dual Recovery Modes: Quick Recovery for minor corruptions and Advanced Recovery for severe database corruptions.

5.2 Cons

• Complex User Interface: Some users find its interface to be complex which might cause difficulties, particularly for beginners.
• Recovery Speed: The processing speed sometimes tends to slow down with large database files.

6. DRS Softech SQL Database Recovery Tool

DRS Softech brings forth its SQL Database Recovery Tool that has been designed to combat and recover from all types of SQL Server database corruption scenarios. It is among the trusted recovery tools used worldwide for its high efficiency.

The SQL Database Recovery Tool by DRS Softech is capable of repairing MDF and NDF files of the SQL server databases. The tool is built with complex algorithms that recover database items like tables, views, stored procedures, functions, and more. It is an adaptable tool that works well with all versions of SQL server databases and is compatible with all Windows operating systems.

6.1 Pros

• Dual Recovery Modes: The software provides two recovery modes- Standard and Advanced to tackle both minor and severe levels of corruption.
• Preview Feature: The tool allows users to preview the data before saving it, providing extra assurance and convenience.
• Auto Data-Type Detection: The attribute to automatically detect the data type of columns makes the recovery easy and efficient.

6.2 Cons

• No Mac Support: The tool has been designed exclusively for the Windows operating system, providing no support for Mac users.
• Interface Design: Some users find the interface less intuitive and slightly old-fashioned.

7. CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software

The CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software is a versatile tool designed to address various SQL database corruption scenarios. It combines the power of advanced recovery algorithms with an interactive interface, providing a reliable SQL recovery solution.

CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software is a solution specially tailored to recover both primary (MDF) and secondary (NDF) SQL Server Database files. It’s engineered to handle serious corruption issues and retrieve all possible data without compromising its integrity. This tool supports all versions of MS SQL Server database files and operates seamlessly with all Windows operational systems.

7.1 Pros

• Multiple Export Options: Besides recovering the corrupt database, the software provides several options to export the recovered data including SQL Server database, SQL Server compatible script, and CSV file.
• User-Friendly Interface: Even beginners can easily navigate the solution due to its easy-to-understand interface.
• Support for Large Database: This software efficiently recovers large SQL database files, providing extended support for businesses dealing with extensive data.

7.2 Cons

• Limited Trial Version: The trial version of CubexSoft has very limited functionality, thus not allowing users to fully explore its capabilities.
• Support Delays: Users have reported some delays in receiving a response from the customer support team.

8. ConverterTools MSSQL Recovery Tool

ConverterTools MSSQL Recovery Tool is an advanced solution adept at solving the various issues related to SQL database corruption. It focuses on maintaining data integrity while conducting quick and thorough recovery operations.

ConverterTools MSSQL Recovery Tool is designed to repair and recover MSSQL Server database files (MDF & NDF). The software can recover deleted records without losing a single bit of data and effectively deal with database unavailability issues. It works seamlessly with all major versions of the SQL Server database and is compatible with all editions of the Windows operating system.

8.1 Pros

• Multiple Recovery Modes: The tool offers Quick and Advanced scan based on the level of corruption.
• No File Size Limit: It efficiently retrieves data irrespective of the size of the SQL database, making it highly versatile.
• Preview Option: The tool offers a preview facility, allowing users to verify the data before final recovery.

8.2 Cons

• Limited Support: The tool currently does not support Mac OS, making it less versatile for users of different platforms.
• Pricey: Some users may find the software a bit expensive compared to similar products in the market.

9. PCVITA SQL Database Recovery Tool

PCVITA SQL Database Recovery Tool is a solution designed specifically for restoring data from corrupted or damaged SQL databases. With this tool, data recovery can be done quickly and efficiently.

The PCVITA SQL Database Recovery Tool is competent in handling a wide array of corruption scenarios, doing a great job in recovering MDF and NDF files. Its robust algorithm not only recovers tables, views, and functions but also maintains the original data’s structure and integrity. The tool supports all versions of SQL Server and is compatible with various Windows operational systems.

9.1 Pros

• Restores various objects: It proficiently recovers rules, triggers, functions, keys, tables, and even restores deleted SQL database table records without alterations.
• Dual Export Option: Recovered data can be exported to SQL Server Database or as SQL Scripts.
• Helpful User Interface: The software is easy to use, with clear instructions guiding the user through each step of the recovery process.

9.2 Cons

• Large File Processing: Large file recovery can be quite slow, affecting the software’s overall efficiency.
• Limited Functionality in Trial Version: The trial version possesses very limited features, limiting the possibility for extensive testing before purchasing.

10. BitRecover SQL Recovery Tool

BitRecover SQL Recovery Tool is another trusted solution in the domain of SQL database recovery. It offers impressive features and ensures an effective recovery process.

BitRecover SQL Recovery Tool makes use of powerful algorithms to repair corrupt MDF and NDF files and recover the database into SQL Server. It is designed to handle all types of SQL server database corruption issues and recover valuable SQL Server data efficiently and accurately. This tool supports almost all versions of SQL Server and is compatible with all editions of Windows OS.

10.1 Pros

• All-round SQL Recovery: Recovers tables, procedures, views, triggers, rules, and restores the database structure exactly as in the original.
• High Flexibility: Provides options to save the restored database either in SQL Server or in the form of SQL Scripts.
• Detailed Preview: Enables a comprehensive preview of database objects before saving, ensuring accuracy of the recovery.

10.2 Cons

• No Mac Support: This tool does not offer support for Mac Systems, which can be a drawback for mixed-platform environments.
• Complicated for Beginners: Users with minimum technical knowledge may find it less user-friendly due to its complex interface.

11. MTM Database Recovery

MTM Database Recovery is a resilient tool in the realm of SQL database recovery. It is built with numerous advanced features and ensures effective data recovery from corrupted databases.

MTM Database Recovery is renowned for its database recovery efficacy. The tool is adept in recovering all database components such as views, tables, procedures, and more. Apart from that, the software ensures no data modification during the recovery process, thus maintaining data integrity. It works comfortably with all versions of SQL Server and is compatible across all Windows platforms.

11.1 Pros

• High Success Rate: MTM is noted for its high recovery success rate, even in severe data corruption situations.
• Data Integrity: Ensures no modification or alteration in the SQL data during recovery, preserving its original structure and hierarchy.
• User-friendly: The software interface is designed with simplicity in mind, making the recovery process easier especially for users with limited technical knowledge.

11.2 Cons

• Limited Support: Currently, the tool does not offer support for non-Windows operating systems, which can be a drawback for certain users.
• Slows With Large Files: The software may experience slowdown issues when dealing with large SQL files, resulting in increased recovery time.

12. Ontrack PowerControls for SQL

Ontrack PowerControls for SQL is among the top-tier data recovery tools for SQL databases. It is known for its functionality, efficiency, and user-friendly interface.

Ontrack PowerControls for SQL operates by directly reading and restoring items from Microsoft SQL Server backup files, helping to alleviate traditional restore limitations. With support for any recoverable SQL Server objects, it ensures precise, efficient, and cost-effective recovery. The tool is highly compatible with all versions of SQL Server and works well on all Windows operational platforms.

12.1 Pros

• Time-Efficient: Ontrack’s solution significantly reduces the time required to search and restore SQL tables.
• Direct Restoration: It allows the direct restoration of SQL tables from backups without having to do a full restore.
• Granular Recovery: Offers granular level recovery permitting the recovery of specific items from SQL database backups.

12.2 Cons

• Pricing: Some users might find Ontrack’s SQL Recovery Software a bit expensive compared to other tools in the market.
• Complex User Interface: The interface may be difficult to understand for users with limited technical knowledge.

13. Summary

After a thorough examination and analysis of various SQL Server Recovery tools, it’s clear that each tool has its unique strengths and weaknesses in areas such as recovery rate, price, features, ease of use, and customer support. The choice of tool largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

13.1 Best SQL Server Recovery Tool

Based on our test, the best SQL Server recovery tool is DataNumen SQL Recovery, because of its high recovery rate and comprehensive features.

Free download

13.2 Overall Comparison Table

Tool	Recovery Rate	Price	Features	Ease of Use	Customer Support
DataNumen SQL Recovery	Very High	$$$	Comprehensive recovery, batch recovery	Very Easy	Excellent
Unistal’s Quick Recovery for SQL Database	High	$$$	Fast recovery, multiple modes	Easy	Average
PDS SQL Recovery Software	High	$$$$	Wide range of recovery, preview feature	Easy	Good
SQL Recovery Tool	High	$$$	Extensive recovery, dual recovery modes	Medium	Average
DRS Softech SQL Database Recovery Tool	High	$$$$	Dual recovery modes, preview feature	Easy	Average
CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software	High	$$$$$	Multiple export options, supports large databases	Easy	Average
ConverterTools MSSQL Recovery Tool	High	$$$	Multiple recovery modes, no file size limit	Medium	Good
PCVITA SQL Database Recovery Tool	High	$$$	Restores various objects, dual export option	Easy	Average
BitRecover SQL Recovery Tool	High	$$$	All-round SQL recovery, detailed preview	Medium	Good
MTM Database Recovery	High	$$$	High success rate, data integrity	Easy	Average
Ontrack PowerControls for SQL	High	$$$$$	Time-efficient, direct restoration	Medium	Good

13.3 Recommended Tool Based on Various Needs

Considering all aspects, if recovery rate is the highest priority then any of the tools listed above would be a good choice. For a high recovery rate, DataNumen SQL Recovery is the top option. For users working with large files, CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software stands out. When ease of use is the main criteria, PDS SQL Recovery Software, Unistal’s Quick Recovery tool or DRS Softech can be preferred due to their user-friendly interface. In terms of cost-effectiveness, SQL Recovery Tool, or PCVITA SQL Database Recovery are well-priced with solid recovery performance.

14. Conclusion

14.1 Final Thoughts and Takeaways for Choosing an SQL Server Recovery Tool

From the comparison undertaken, it becomes clear that the choice of an SQL Server recovery tool significantly depends on the user’s particular SQL database needs and preferences. Every tool evaluated demonstrated a commendable capacity to successfully recover SQL data, with each having its unique strengths and weaknesses.

Moreover, it is essential to consider the tool’s capability to handle various corruption levels, wide compatibility range, ease of use, and versatility to recover different types of data. Your choice should lean more towards a tool offering a balance of high recovery rates, rich features, and a user-friendly interface. And if working with large files is your daily business, look for tools with excellent large file handling capabilities. DataNumen SQL Recovery stands out due to its best recovery rate in the industry.

Lastly, while the price might be a determining factor, ensure not to compromise on the tool’s overall quality. As such, tools like Unistal’s Quick Recovery for SQL Database, PDS SQL Recovery Software, and CubexSoft SQL Server Recovery Software can serve as a good starting point due to their overall good performance across the different parameters evaluated.