Hi Andre

1. Check if you can perhaps access the following folder on the PC:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server

2. In here look for the relevant SQL instance's folder e.g. MSSQL12.SQLEXPRESS2014 and then open it

3. In here open the MSSQL folder and then the DATA sub-folder

4. in here all of the Evolution companies' *.MDF (Main data file) should be located that you can then copy. You can ignore the *.LDF files for the companies as a new LDF file will be created in step 5 below

5. Find below a link for a detailed guide on how to attach an Evolution company database using the MDF file that you copied above. 

https://za-kb.sage.com/portal/app/portlets/results/viewsolution.jsp?solutionid=200520061549279&page=1&position=2&q=MS%20SQL%20Management%20Studio%3A%20Attach%20a%20SQL%20database%20in%20Management%20Studio 

Kind regards

Bennie 

Hi Bennie

Thank you for the reply. Unfortunately, there is no "Microsoft SQL Server" under Program Files. Where else could it be located?

Hi Andre

My pleasure

Just to make sure, did you access the old server on which MS SQL was installed on, or is still currently installed on? 

Hi Bennie

It's the old server that it was installed on before the server died. We removed the drive as is, with no changes. The server was unfortunately Windows Server 2003 based. With a old version of Evolution (Purple logo)

Hi Andre

If MS SQL Server was installed there simply should be a C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server folder on that drive (within Windows Explorer / File Explorer)

Or perhaps it's not the C drive but perhaps the D drive? 

Have you looked in the Recycle Bin perhaps also?

Hi Bennie, apologies for the late reply. I am going to the client today to check if there was a second drive in the server.

Hi Bennie, apologies for the late reply. I am going to the client today to check if there was a second drive in the server.

Hi Andre

No problem at all

Please also consider the following:

All MS SQL databases are made up of two database files per DB: *.MDF and *.LDF.

Therefore, do a complete Windows files search for *.MDF files to check where are any SQL DB files are residing on the PC.

Then you can copy the identified MDF files to the new SQL server where you can attach (not restore) them to create a new DB

Blessings

Bennie