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Jude_Aj
Starting Member
22 Posts |
 Posted - 2009-01-17 : 02:49:24
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| Hi, I am trying to understand the structure of the .mdf file in sql server 2000. Can anybody help me in that direction.I spent the whole day browsing the net for it with little success.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks in advance. |
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GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
4507 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-17 : 03:50:02
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| These are good places to look:http://sqlskills.com/blogs/paulhttp://blogs.msdn.com/sqlserverstorageengine/default.aspxThe entire mdf file is divided into 8kb chunks - pages and objects, headers, allocation information are stored on one or more pages within the file--Gail ShawSQL Server MVP |
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Jude_Aj
Starting Member
22 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-17 : 06:54:29
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| Hi, Thanks for replying Gail . What i am trying to do is read an mdf file in a hex editor.I am trying to understand the file format.Can please direct me in doing so.Thanks |
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sodeep
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
7174 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-17 : 11:13:29
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| It is dangerous if it is allowed. |
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robvolk
Most Valuable Yak
15732 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-17 : 14:28:21
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| Books Online has a couple of good entries on page structures, describing GAM, SGAM, PFS and data pages, and also some details on index pages. Check those out.You can also use the DBCC PAGE command to look at the data. It's undocumented but you can find examples through Google and the Inside SQL Server Storage Engine book. There are a few options that format the data in different ways to make it more readable that a straight hex dump. Plus you don't risk accidentally overwriting data like a hex editor might. |
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GilaMonster
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker
4507 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-17 : 16:26:30
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quote:
Originally posted by Jude_Aj
What i am trying to do is read an mdf file in a hex editor.
Why?--Gail ShawSQL Server MVP |
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Jude_Aj
Starting Member
22 Posts |
Posted - 2009-01-19 : 09:32:56
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| Hey guys...thanks a lot for your help. i was really stuck at one time.I guess i am moving some where now with this research.By the way,I am doing a research on how data is maintained in different database softwares as part of my final year project.thanks once again,cheers!! |
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mdf structure