What are SQL recovery tools?

SQL recovery tools are specialized applications designed to repair, restore, and recover corrupted, deleted, or inaccessible SQL database files, as well as lost data.

Database corruption can occur for various reasons, including hardware failures, malware or virus attacks, accidental record deletions, and other similar causes. In such cases, recovery tools play a crucial role in retrieving essential business data, restoring the structure and contents of damaged databases, and helping organizations comply with data retention and recovery requirements (especially in regulated industries).

Key features to look for in a SQL recovery tool

Given the high demand for data recovery across organizations, many software developers offer a variety of solutions. However, before reviewing specific tools, it's important to define the evaluation criteria: what we expect from data recovery tools and which capabilities they must deliver.

Support for deleted and truncated data recovery - row-level recovery

Accidental use of the DELETE or TRUNCATE commands is one of the most common causes of data loss. A reliable SQL recovery tool should be able to recover data lost in such scenarios. Such tools typically scan transaction logs or apply data carving techniques to retrieve removed rows even when no backup is available. This functionality is essential in cases of accidental data loss as it allows you to recover specific records without needing to restore the entire database.

Support for deleted and dropped objects recovery - object-level recovery

In database maintenance, monitoring the status of database objects is essential, as it directly impacts overall performance. Effective SQL recovery tools should support the restoration of dropped objects, including tables, stored procedures, views, triggers, and indexes. Such an object-level recovery option enables developers and DBAs to quickly restore critical components lost due to accidental deletion, migration issues, failed deployments, or other disruptions, with minimum downtime and ensured continuity.

Backup-based and log-based recovery

Backups and logs are essential for maintaining database integrity and security. They enable data restoration and remain the primary method of recovery in most scenarios. However, in many cases, restoring the entire database is unnecessary as you only need a specific portion of the data to recover.

Advanced recovery tools can extract lost data directly from transaction log files (.ldf) or differential and full backups, eliminating the need for a full restore. This capability enables point-in-time recovery and selective data restoration, which is particularly valuable when working with large databases.

Corrupted database repair

Database corruption regardless of the cause can lead to significant data loss and structural damage. That's why a key feature of any reliable SQL recovery tool is the ability to repair corrupted primary (.mdf) and secondary (.ndf) database files. These tools reconstruct damaged internal structures and recover accessible data from corrupted pages. As a result, they help restore access to critical information after system crashes, disk failures, or software errors.

Preview and export options

Data recovery is a sensitive process that, if done incorrectly, can cause further damage to the data or the entire database. Reliable SQL recovery tools include a preview feature that enables users to review recoverable data before completing the recovery process. This helps ensure accuracy and prevents unintended changes.

In many cases, users also need the ability to export recovered data to SQL scripts, Excel files, or directly into a live database. Modern recovery tools offer this option, allowing you to manage, validate, and restore data in the most suitable format for your specific needs.

Best SQL recovery tools in 2025

In this section, we provide in-depth reviews of the most popular SQL recovery tools. We examine their functionality, highlighting key features that matter most to database administrators, as well as their specific advantages and limitations. Additionally, we review pricing options, as cost is always an important consideration.

dbForge Transaction Log

dbForge Transaction Log for SQL Server is a professional tool designed to read and analyze SQL Server transaction logs (.ldf files). It enables detailed investigation of data changes, precise rollbacks, and recovery of deleted records, without requiring a full database recovery. Ideal for auditing, point-in-time recovery, and resolving specific transaction issues.

Key features

• Replay and rollback of specific transactions
• Row-level data recovery without impacting entire tables or databases
• Point-in-time restoration of individual tables
• Comprehensive auditing: track what changed, who made the change, and when
• Recovery of deleted records directly from transaction logs
• Support for multiple file types: .mdf, .ldf, and .ndf
• Export of recovery scripts as SQL files for future use

Ideal for

• Auditing and analyzing data modifications
• Recovering individual transactions without a full database recovery
• Performing precise, point-in-time data recovery

Advantages

• Granular row-level recovery capabilities
• Full historical record of data changes
• Flexible recovery with exportable SQL scripts
• Personalized professional support
• Versatile pricing options

Limitations

• Primarily focused on transaction log analysis
• Not suitable for repairing severely corrupted .mdf or .ndf files

Pricing

• Free edition - limited functionality
• Subscription-based license - from $39.95 per month

ApexSQL Recover

ApexSQL Recover is a powerful database recovery tool designed to restore lost, deleted, or corrupted data from Microsoft SQL Server databases. It supports a broad range of recovery operations, including the restoration of deleted records, truncated data, and dropped database objects. With its advanced recovery features, ApexSQL Recover is a valuable asset for database administrators focused on maintaining data integrity and minimizing downtime. The tool is compatible with various SQL Server versions, providing flexibility across different recovery scenarios.

Key features

• Row-level data recovery
• Point-in-time and rollback recovery at multiple levels
• Restoration of dropped tables, views, and deleted rows
• Seamless integration with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Transaction log analysis to identify changes during backup
• Recovery of BLOB (Binary Large Object) data

Ideal for

• Enterprises with complex or large-scale recovery requirements
• Auditing and recovery following accidental object deletion or schema changes
• Users who prefer guided recovery workflows directly within SSMS

Advantages

• Extensive range of recovery options
• Support for multiple SQL Server versions
• Preview functionality for recoverable data
• Intuitive, user-friendly interface

Limitations

• Relatively high cost
• Availability only as part of the ApexSQL Operations Plus Toolkit
• Inability to repair severely corrupted files or encrypted data
• Complex setup for novice users

Pricing

• Free trial - on demand
• Paid - demands a direct request for price

Kernel for SQL Database Recovery

Kernel for SQL Database Recovery is a professional tool designed to repair and recover SQL Server databases. Its robust recovery algorithms and broad compatibility across SQL Server versions make it a preferred choice among SQL Server specialists. Kernel recovers a wide range of database objects, including tables, indexes, triggers, stored procedures, and BLOB data from .mdf and .ndf files. It also offers advanced preview and selective export features for precise and controlled recovery.

Key features

• Comprehensive recovery of database objects, including keys and BLOB columns
• Recovery of deleted and truncated data
• Repair and recovery of corrupted .mdf and .ndf files
• Detailed, structured preview before recovery
• Point-in-time data recovery
• Export to live SQL Server databases, SQL scripts, and CSV

Ideal for

• Database administrators and IT professionals managing SQL Server corruption
• Businesses requiring granular recovery from both .mdf and .ndf files
• Organizations working with large or multilingual SQL Server databases

Advantages

• Standard and Advanced scanning modes
• Support for Unicode and ASCII data types, including NVARCHAR
• Selective recovery of specific database objects
• Easy handling of large and complex database files

Limitations

• The interface can be complex for beginners or non-technical users
• Higher cost to access the full feature set
• Limited customization options

Pricing

• Free trial
• Paid - from $299 per year

DataNumen SQL Recovery

DataNumen SQL Recovery is a leading .mdf repair tool designed specifically to recover corrupted or damaged SQL Server databases. It repairs both .mdf and .ndf database files and restores a wide range of SQL objects, including tables, indexes, triggers, stored procedures, and encrypted components. With a high recovery rate and support for large files (up to 16TB), this tool is a reliable choice for organizations seeking robust data restoration without extensive technical complexity.

Key features

• Repair of .mdf and .ndf files
• Recovery of a wide variety of database objects
• Restoration of accidentally deleted data
• Batch recovery for multiple corrupted files
• Simple, intuitive interface for quick learning

Ideal for

• IT teams and database administrators who need fast, accurate repair of .mdf and .ndf files
• Organizations managing large or encrypted SQL Server databases
• Environments running legacy infrastructure or older Windows OS versions
• Scenarios requiring quick batch recovery with minimal setup

Advantages

• Advanced algorithms for restoring data from severely damaged files
• Integration with the Windows shell for easy access
• Support for very large database files
• Ability to recover encrypted database objects
• Compatibility with SQL Server versions 2005 through 2022 and legacy Windows systems

Limitations

• No native interface for browsing or restoring data (requires SSMS)
• No support for remote or network recovery
• Relatively high price
• Limited customization options

Pricing

• Free trial
• Paid - perpetual license from $499.95

Stellar Repair for MS SQL

Stellar Repair for MS SQL is a popular on-premises tool designed to repair and restore corrupted Microsoft SQL Server databases, including .mdf and .ndf files. Renowned for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and selective recovery capabilities, it enables database administrators to recover critical data with minimal downtime. The tool supports all major SQL Server versions and is available for both Windows Server and Linux environments.

Key features

• Recovery of data from damaged or inaccessible .mdf and .ndf files
• Selective recovery of specific database objects without full database restoration
• Data previewer with structured, easy-to-read format
• Backup recovery from .BAK files
• Comprehensive recovery of various database objects

Ideal for

• SQL Server administrators who need to repair files after crashes, hardware failures, or accidental deletions
• Organizations operating both Windows and Linux servers
• Businesses requiring data preview and validation before final restoration

Advantages

• Cross-platform support for Windows and Linux
• Tree-structured navigation for easier browsing and search
• Detection of potentially corrupted database objects
• Flexible export options (new database, XML, TXT)
• Support for SQL Server versions 2008 through 2022
• User-friendly interface designed for efficient workflows
• Event monitoring for crashes, disk space issues, and more

Limitations

• Higher price point
• Resource intensity during large or complex recoveries
• Slower performance on severely corrupted or very large databases
• Basic data visualization tools

Pricing

• Free trial
• Paid - from $299 per year

Comparison table

Refer to the table below for a side-by-side comparison of the SQL recovery tools we've reviewed.

How to choose the right tool

We've reviewed several tools designed to help users recover and restore SQL Server data. We've examined their functionality, benefits, and potential challenges, so you can rely on this information when selecting the most suitable tool for your needs. Now, let's explore a few additional factors to guide your decision.

Recovery needs (deleted vs. corrupted data)

If you need to recover deleted records or objects (e.g., tables, rows, or views), the best options are dbForge Transaction Log and ApexSQL Recover. These tools specialize in log-based recovery, offering features such as row-level rollback, point-in-time recovery, and object-level restoration. They allow you to recover data without performing a full database recovery by utilizing transaction logs.

If your goal is to repair corrupted databases (e.g., damaged .mdf or .ndf files), consider tools like Kernel for SQL Database Recovery, DataNumen SQL Recovery, or Stellar Repair for MS SQL. These solutions are equipped to repair both schema and data, even in severely corrupted databases.

Technical expertise (beginner vs. advanced user)

For beginners or non-technical users, DataNumen SQL Recovery is a strong choice due to its intuitive interface and minimal setup requirements. Another user-friendly option is dbForge Transaction Log, which offers an intuitive UI, easy navigation, rich learning resources (including video tutorials), and personalized technical support.

For advanced users or database administrators (DBAs), ApexSQL Recover and Kernel for SQL Database Recovery are more suitable. These tools offer more advanced functionality for complex recovery scenarios, including selective object-level restoration and detailed recovery options.

Environment (live DB vs. backup files)

If you're working in a live SQL Server environment (such as real-time or transactional systems), choose dbForge Transaction Log or ApexSQL Recover. These tools provide in-place recovery using transaction logs and integrate with live SQL Server sessions. With their help, you can enable recovery without taking the database offline.

For recovery from backups or severely damaged files, consider Stellar Repair for MS SQL (supports recovery from .BAK files and inaccessible databases), Kernel for SQL Database Recovery, or DataNumen SQL Recovery. These tools excel in offline recovery, backup-based repair, and post-crash restoration.

Your specific recovery goals, environment type, and user experience level will help you define the best tool choice and ensure more efficient, accurate, and stress-free database recovery.

Conclusion

Recovering lost or damaged data and database objects is a critical task, given the vital role databases play in every business. That's why database administration always includes regular backups and well-defined backup and restore routines. Another key component is having reliable SQL recovery tools in place. When used in conjunction with backup and restore procedures, these tools help ensure the safety and integrity of your databases.

This article reviews some of the most popular modern SQL recovery tools to help you find the best solution for your needs. Many of these tools offer free trials, allowing you to test their features before committing to a purchase. For example, dbForge Transaction Log stands out with its rich functionality, extensive learning resources, responsive support, and flexible pricing. Try the fully functional free trial and see how it can enhance your workflow!

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