TL;DR Some databases that have data files in my local MSSql Express DATA directory stopped appearing in Management Studio.
I inherited a development environment on my desktop at work which includes an MSSql Express 2008 instance. Now, I know I’ve probably done something with the config, but for the life of me can’t remember having done anything that could have the effect I’m seeing.
I come into work on morning and to a pile of errors from an application saying that it could not connect to its database. When I start Management Studio to check what’s up, I can’t see the databases listed anymore. Checking the DATA directory, the mdb file, and log file for the databases are all present.
This is on an SQL Server Express 2008 r2 installation on a Windows 7 workstation.
Anyone any ideas what I can do to reinstate the databases? (Yes, I’m a know-nothing when it comes to MSSql)
right click on “databases” -> “attach…” then choose your *.mdf files and your databases should appear in your studio again.