Unable to Open the Physical File in SQL Server 2012 – An Overview

Yes. The SQL Server database having the third-largest user base in the world is a great utility. However, some users are unable to open the physical file in SQL server due to several reasons. Having a large user base simply means that more people have to suffer this situation. To solve users’ misery, we are here to provide an authentic solution.

We are going to explain the root cause of facing such errors. This way half of the problem is solved as users can easily detect & counter the problem at the initial level. Moreover, the solution mentioned below can easily let users open & view their data files without hassle. Hence users can easily solve the unable to open physical file SQL server 2012 error.

To understand this entire solution, its features & disadvantages (if any) are also there to provide users with a 360° solution. Let’s start with the causes first &  then we’ll move toward the solution.

Unable to Open the Physical File SQL Server Error 5120 – Why?

We can say there are various causes that make users face such scenarios where they can’t open their physical MDF files. Being aware of these causes can help users in preventing such issues for future purposes.

Technical Issues
SQL Server keeps on evolving to provide users with an enhanced experience. Various problem occurs at the backend that restricts users from opening their SQL files in the 2012 version & all other versions.

Hardware Failure
Hardware failures also cut off users’ access to their data files directly. Damage to the hard drive and bad sectors are some major causes of this. These must be protected with utmost care & precision to avoid 5120 errors.

Inadequate Permission
Providing insufficient permission to the SQL database files can not let users open & view their data. This is why users have to either change the permissions or opt for any other solution to get rid of this unable to open physical file SQL server 2012 error.

Corruption of File
Sudden power failure due to power cut & inappropriate shutdown results in the worse case which is file corruption. It also blocks access to the physical files. Similarly, cyber attacks like viruses, malware & ransomware attacks are equally responsible for this.

Solve Unable to Open the Physical File in SQL Server Error

Now, to solve this problem using the most ideal way we can trust the modern approach. This is the most trending solution nowadays to get rid of the error 5120 in server 2012 & other versions. Users just need to download the SQL Database Viewer Tool which is the core element of this method. The best thing is that this tool is free to download & use.

Download the tool & then simply follow the steps in order to avoid getting this 5120 error anymore.

Step-1. After launching the tool, simply Click on the Open button to add files.

Step-2. Select either Quick Scan or Advance Scan to detect the corruption.

Step-3. Wait till the software scans the data file & makes them readable by you.

Step-4. Click on the Ok button at the end & enjoy viewing your database files.

After successfully executing these four steps to counter the unable to open the physical file SQL server error 5120, we can easily access the data files that we want.

Now, users need to understand the reason why this automated solution is quite advanced & capable of so much. The features mentioned in the next section show why this tool is capable of executing the entire operation smartly.

Why Select the Automated Tool? Know Amazing Features

Now, we are going to have a look at the features of the automated tool that contributes to eliminating the unable to open physical file SQL server 2012 user query. These features are the secret to its success as other solutions are not smart enough to solve users’ problems in such a convenient way.

• Open & View MDF Files
  The tool simply scans the data files & presents them in readable form without MS SQL Server. Users can open files & view data items like tables, functions, stored procedures, triggers, views, indexes, etc.
• Dual File Scan Mode
  The dual file scan mode offer users to simply scan the corruption in files. Quick Scan mode is for minor-level corruption. The Advance Scan mode is for detecting high-level corruption issues.
• No Limitation of File Size
  Users are free to process multiple files in bulk at once. That is because there is no file size limitation. Users can easily open & view their heavy data files using this advanced tool in a seamless manner.
• Supports All SQL Server Version
  To solve unable to open the physical file SQL server error 5120, this tool supports all the SQL Server versions. If you are having SQL server 2000, 2005, 2008/2008R2, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, & 2019 versions, then you can relax.

Conclusion

Now we are at the end of this article. If you are reached here that means you can easily solve this 5120 error without any issue. There are a couple of manual solutions also, but those are highly technical & complex. To solve unable to open the physical file in SQL server 2012 & others, the automated solution is an ideal method.

Simply follow the above-mentioned steps& do not skip any of the steps as it may cause further issues. Overall, this 5120 error is not very severe if you are aware of the right tool & technique to solve it safely.