thanks for the many answers. I will try that backup method first

My goal is to run a query to extrqct the data that I need, and use this to...

version is ms sql 8.00

no, only copies of the mdf and ldf

10gb mdf and 1.2g ldf

with MakeTable queries you mean a series of pre-composed queries?

The only backup I made was by copying this mdf and ldf file.

I'm a bit afraid the 10 GB size is the cause of the issue.

When I try to attach...

thanks, but I cannot put any additional load on the legacy platform (WIN XP industrial type PC).

My goal would be to run the query one time to transfer the data...