The customary file extension for SQL 6.5 device files is '.dat'. In SQL 7
and 2000, data file extensions are usually 'mdf' (primary data file) '.ndf'
(secondary data files) and '.ldf' (log files). There is nothing that
actually enforces these naming conventions but it is highly likely your
client has given you a SQL 7 or 2000 database file.
You might have trouble attaching the database unless the database was
cleanly detached and you were given all files. A better approach is
probably to ask your client for a full database backup. You can restore the
database from Enterprise Manager using the 'from device' restore option.
--
Hope this helps.
Dan Guzman
SQL Server MVP
"winshent" <vi*************@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:c8**************************@posting.google.c om...
Hi
I am a novice with SQL server as i have experience with access. I need
to do some front end development in access for a client who runs SQL
6.5 or so he tells me... (i have been told that data files under 6.5
are .dat and under 7.0 they are .mdf? is this correct?)
I have taken a copy of the data file which is an mdf file with the
intention of running it on my machine which has SQL 2000 Developer Ed
installed on windows XP pro.
I cannot attach the database as i do not have the log files, i cannot
use DTS as the database is not registered with sql server.
do i need to get a copy of the log .ldf files before i can progress?
Is there any other files i need?
