File Extension Database

Open LDF File

A log file or extension LDF (Log Database File) is a Microsoft SQL Server database file, which stores all the transaction/event logs, running on the database.

Microsoft SQL Server is a Relational Database Management System, or RDBMS, that supports a wide variety of transaction processing, business intelligence, and analytics applications in corporate computing environments.

Microsoft SQL Server is one of the three leading database technologies on the market, along with Oracle Database and IBM's DB2.

The main purpose of using the LDF log file in SQL Server is to roll back the database in case of data loss.

The log file uses the same file name as its associated MDF file, ie if the MDF is named 'units.MDF', then the LDF will be named 'units.LDF'.

The LDF file can be opened using the SQL command line program.

Each transaction or rollback command has a different syntax for each LDF file.

Software to open and work with an LDF file

Microsoft SQL Server

Frequently associated Windows objects:

SQLServer.Engine.LogFile

How Can I Open LDF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open LDF file is to find a LDF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a LDF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open LDF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as LDF file opener then try to search online for "LDF viewer", "application to open LDF file" or "open LDF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open LDF file

How Can I Open LDF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a LDF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a LDF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with LDF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as LDF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open LDF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open LDF file then try to search for "LDF viewer", "application to open LDF file" or "read LDF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read LDF file

How Can I Open LDF File on Android

If you downloaded a LDF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded LDF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "LDF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "LDF viewer", "LDF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open LDF File on iPhone or iPad

To open LDF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the LDF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "LDF". This way you can find apps which can open LDF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "LDF viewer" or "LDF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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