Get MS SQL database files
Navigate to: Main Menu > MS SQL > Databases > Select a database > Click the Get database files tab.
This tool allows you to extract the raw physical files (.mdf and .ldf) of your database directly from the server. This is useful if you want to attach the database essentially "as-is" to a local SQL Server instance or Visual Studio LocalDB without performing a formal restore operation.
Limitations
Full-Text Search is not supported via this method.
- Full-text catalogs and indexes stored outside the main data file are not copied during this process.
- If your database relies on Full-Text Search, you should use the standard Backup tab to generate a
.bak file instead, which preserves all catalogs.
Critical Warning: Service Interruption
This operation causes downtime.
- Why? To copy these files safely, the system must "detach" the database from the SQL engine to unlock them.
- Impact: Your database (and any website connected to it) will be offline and inaccessible for the duration of the copy process. The system will automatically re-attach and bring the database back online once the files are copied.
Configuration
- Backup location folder: Select the destination directory within your backup storage area.
- New sub folder: (Optional) Enter a name to create a specific folder for these files. This helps keep your storage organized, especially since this process generates two separate files.
The Process
- Click SAVE DATABASE FILES.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Navigate to the Backup file manager tab. You will find your
.mdf and .ldf files there, ready to be downloaded via the browser or FTP.