Updated 22 April. 2023

Get SQL files back in Windows and macOS

SQL recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for SQL, Structured Query Language Data File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
Active Undelete
Free, Home User Licenses (Standard $19.99, Professional $44.95, Ultimate $79.95)Corporate Licenses (Ultimate $99.95, Professional $59.95, Standard $29.95)
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1Mb
Download
rateActive Undelete
3520
Ontrack
Free, Home $79.00, Professional $139, Premium $159, Technician $499
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateOntrack
102486
Remo Data Recovery
Pro $179.97
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateRemo Data Recovery
191306
Boomerang
Free, Home Edition $69.95, SMB Edition $ 99.95, Pro Edition $ 129.95
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateBoomerang
106

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 10
time icon How long we tested 2 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

Top 3 factors to consider when choosing SQL recovery software

Storage media compatibility

There’s no telling when data loss can strike and you may end up having to recover files from any kind of storage medium, such as SD cards, SSDs, hard drives, RAID setups, and more. It’s important that your chosen data recovery software is fully compatible with the ones you use.

File preview

There’s a good chance that when you attempt to recover files from a particular storage medium, there will be a whole lot of recoverable files to sift through on the results page. That’s why it helps if the program is equipped with a preview feature that allows you to get a glimpse of a file before recovering it.

Free version with data recovery

A lot of data recovery solutions out there offer a free trial that only gets you as far as previewing recoverable files. Once you attempt to retrieve them, you’ll get hit with a message asking you to purchase the full version. Check if the software has a free version that allows actual recovery.

Simple steps to recover deleted SQL, Structured Query Language Data File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

On a Mac or Windows machine, download and install the application

Step 2:

Start the program and choose the disk or partition where the files were last seen

Step 3:

Select Recover to start searching the disk or partition for lost files

Step 4:

Preview the recoverable files and hit Recover again after selcting those to be restored

How can SQL loss be prevented - 3 tips

1 Tip

Password protect your machine. If you live in a household with multiple people, then it’s a good idea to put a strong password on your computer or laptop. You never know when a child or another unauthorized person might try to make their way into your machine and fiddle with your files. Better safe than sorry.

2 Tip

Keep food and drink away from your work computer. This one goes without saying, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who keep food and drinks dangerously close to their laptop or computer. No matter how careful you are, uncontrollable circumstances may occur that could cause a spill onto your machine, potentially compromising your data.

3 Tip

Invest in a surge protector. A major power surge can do heavy damage to your computer. A strong enough one could fry the components in your computer, taking all of your important files along with it. So if you live in an area with unpredictable electric currents, spending some money on a surge protector can be a lifesaver.

FAQ

For SQL files that were accidentally deleted using the Delete key or right-click > Delete command, they should be available for restoration from the Windows Recycle Bin tool. Other forms of data loss may be recovered using the File History feature, provided it was enabled beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll need a quality data recovery program.

When SQL files are deleted from a computer, they are not permanently erased just yet. So long as they’re not overwritten by new data, these files remain out of sight on the storage media and can be recovered through quality data recovery programs. Backup tools like File History, System Restore, and Timeline can also be used to recover lost data.

Data recovery software often saves recovered files in a specified directory which you can then access through Windows File Explorer. Disk Drill, for example, is one of the best data recovery programs around and includes a button at the end of the retrieval process that will open the folder where your recovered SQL files are located.