Can't attach database to SQL Server 2012 reason not found .log - sql

Question

I am trying to attach the AdventureWorks2012_Data.mdf database file to my SQL Server 2012 database.
I am getting this error:
TITLE: Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
Attach database failed for Server 'USER-PC'. (Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo)
For help, click: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink?ProdName=Microsoft+SQL+Server&ProdVer=11.0.3000.0+((SQL11_PCU_Main).121019-1322+)&EvtSrc=Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Smo.ExceptionTemplates.FailedOperationExceptionText&EvtID=Attach+database+Server&LinkId=20476
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
An exception occurred while executing a Transact-SQL statement or batch. (Microsoft.SqlServer.ConnectionInfo)
Unable to open the physical file "C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\AdventureWorksDW2012_log.ldf". Operating system error 2: "2(failed to retrieve text for this error. Reason: 15105)". (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 5120)
Maybe the message is clear that I don't have the .log file and yes I don't have it. But is it necessary to have it? Or is there is another thing? How can I solve that please?

Answer 1

This is a common error that anyone could encounter when you don't have any *.LDF log file for your database, like the AdventureWorks database. SQL Server complains about the *.LDF log file (typically associated to a database *.MDF file) that is missing.
Execute the following T-SQL query to attach the database considering only the *.MDF file:
USE [master]
GO
CREATE DATABASE [AdventureWorksDW2012] ON
( FILENAME = N'C:\Users\User\Desktop\ARPAD\AdventureWorks2012_Data.mdf' )
FOR ATTACH
GO
or remove the connection to the *.LDF log file (a new *.LDF file will be created for the database) through SQL Server Management Studio as shown in the screenshot below:
UPDATE
You get the error:
The database 'AdventureWorksDW2012' cannot be opened because it is version 706. This server supports version 661 and earlier. A downgrade path is not supported. Could not open new database 'AdventureWorksDW2012'. CREATE DATABASE is aborted. (Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 948)
because you're trying to attach a SQL Server 2012 (version 706) database file to SQL Server 2008 istance (version 661). For this reason, you cannot perform this downgrade. Download the AdventureWorks2008 database for your SQL Server 2008 istance instead, or upgrade your SQL Server istance with the latest version.
The version of your SQL Server istance is indeed SQL Server 2008: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 (RTM) - 10.50.1617.0 (X64) Apr 22 2011 19:23:43 Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation Express Edition with Advanced Services (64-bit) on Windows NT 6.1 <X64> (Build 7601: Service Pack 1).
Download and install SQL Server 2012 Express to solve the problem.

Answer 2

The key is this line (edited for clarity):
Unable to open the physical file
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\AdventureWorksDW2012_log.ldf".
Operating system error 2:
"2(failed to retrieve text for this error. Reason: 15105)".
(Microsoft SQL Server, Error: 5120)
According to this page, operating system error 2 is "File Not Found". Based on this, I would guess that either, A) the file is not there , or B) the name or path is misspelled.

Answer 3

(I'm too slow the answer above is what I'm talking about)
FYI This answer assumes your using the attach a database dialog.
Make sure you've told sql manager where the ldf file is too. It will fill in an entry for a log even if you aren't attaching the log with the mdf.
You'll see it in the box below the one with the add button. You can just remove the log from the attach if you don't have it. Sql will make a new log and you can move merrily along the way.