How to restore data from a dat file?

[Guest_imported]

We are using SQL SERVER 6.5. We have taken backup(copied) of a database by copying database file (.dat) and not by using Backup command or utility. Now we want to create or restore the database by using the .dat file . As we have not used Backup command I think we can't use Restore command. How to do this?

 

[RickCole]

Create a database exactly the same as the database, which the original dat file was for. i.e. size, same number of devices, same names of devices etc.

Stop the SQL Server and copy your original dat file over the top of the empty dat file which belongs to the newly created database. (This should be the same name as you original dat file)

Start SQL Server again and hopefully your database will now be recovered.

Rick.