NDF File Complications
Typical NDF Opening Challenges
Microsoft SQL Server Isn't There
When trying to open your NDF file, you get the error "Can't Open NDF File Type". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft SQL Server for %%os%% installed. Your operating system cannot associate your NDF with Microsoft SQL Server, so double-clicking the file won't work.
Tip: When another NDF application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.
Obsolete Version of Microsoft SQL Server
In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a SQL Server Secondary Database File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft SQL Server. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.
Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your NDF file and clicking "Properties".
Regardless, most of the NDF file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft SQL Server installed.
Associated Difficulties Loading NDF Files
In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Microsoft SQL Server will resolve your issue. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening NDF files. Problems unrelated to software:
- File references in the Windows Registry for NDF are wrong
- Unintentional removal of the description of the NDF file inside the Windows Registry
- Invalid installation of a NDF-associated program (eg. Microsoft SQL Server)
- File corruption affecting your NDF file
- Past or present virus infection has affected your NDF
- Hardware associated with NDF has outdated drivers
- Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the SQL Server Secondary Database File format
Quiz: Which of the following is not a MIME type?
That's Correct!
Spreadsheet MIME types do not begin with the "spreadsheet/" prefix, but instead start with the "application/" prefix. For example, an OpenDocument Spreadsheet: "application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet".
Close, but not quite...
Spreadsheet MIME types do not begin with the "spreadsheet/" prefix, but instead start with the "application/" prefix. For example, an OpenDocument Spreadsheet: "application/vnd.oasis.opendocument.spreadsheet".