Migrate SQL Server Database from One Server to Another Easily

How to Move SQL Database to Another Server?

It is a very common task for DBAs to migrate data from one database to another SQL server. You can do this by following a few manual methods and using a professional tool for efficiency. The step-by-step process for both is explained briefly here. But before proceeding to the solutions, some prerequisites must be fulfilled.

Prerequisites to Export SQL Database to Another Server

• Create a database backup to avoid discrepancies or mishaps resulting in losses.
• Ensure you have the proper credentials of source and destination database accounts.
• Users check that you have admin rights for authentication and other privileges.
• Detect activities and create a plan beforehand for better management and proficiency.

Once all prerequisites are fulfilled, proceed with the methods described in the next section.

Migrate SQL Server Database from One Server to Another for Free

This section has four manual methods using different options in the SSMS environment. Users must have technical knowledge to proceed with these methods. Follow the steps below carefully for accurate results.

Method 1: Copy a SQL Database from One Server to Another

1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the Server Instance.
2. From Object Explorer, select Database, right-click it, and choose Tasks.
3. Then, click on Copy Database, and a wizard opens up. Tap Next.
4. Select SQL Server Authentication and input the source server name, username, and password.
5. Further, click Next and rechoose the same authentication mode for the destination server.
6. Input the correct credentials (name, username, and password) for the destination server. Click Next.
7. After that, opt for Use the SQL Management Object Method and press Next to copy.
8. Select Copy and press Next to check the file paths for the destination server.
9. Afterward, tap Next and choose Windows Event Logs in case copying fails.
10. Hit Next and choose to Run Immediately or Schedule the process for later.
11. In the end, click Next and Finish to migrate the SQL Server database from one server to another.
12. Once the processing is complete, exit the window and refresh the destination server. The DB you copied will appear.

Method 2: Copy DB from One Server to Another Using Backup & Restore

1. Start SSMS and select Database from the Object Explorer expanded menu.
2. Then, right-click it, press on Tasks, and select Backup from the list.
3. Further, opt for Full Database Backup in the type column and Disk as the destination.
4. Click Add, set a name, and choose the location. Check other settings and, finally, hit OK.
5. Now, to migrate SQL from one server to another one, you need to restore.
6. Afterward, in SSMS, right-click the destination database instance and click Tasks.
7. Choose Restore → Database, and the dialog appears. There, select From Device as the source.
8. Now, press (…) to add the Backup file you created earlier. Keep the Backup Media: File and press Add to open it.
9. Later, click OK choose Options in the Restore a Page window, and select the needed ones.
10. Finally, after specifying the restore options and recovery state, press OK.

Method 3: Migrate SQL Server Database from One Server to Another (ImportExport)

1. Open SSMS and right-click the database to choose Tasks and then Export Data.
2. Further, click the triangle symbol to expand the listed options. Using it, specify the Data source, Server name, and Database.
3. Click Next, pick a destination, and provide the path. Pick source tables and views and hit Next.
4. Once the export process is completed, check for the files at the given destination.

Method 4: Generate Scripts to Move SQL Database to Another Server

1. Run SSMS and right-click on your source database to pick Tasks.
2. Then, choose Generate Scripts and press Next in the open window.
3. Later, click Choose Objects from the left and opt for Select specific database objects.
4. Click Next, and under Set Scripting options, select Advanced. There, choose Save to a new query window.
5. In the end, under Advance Scripting options, press Schema and Data and OK to complete the transfer.

Using these manual methods, you can copy DB from one server to another. However, these methods are tricky, time-consuming, and need expertise. Moreover, there’s no guarantee of receiving error-free results. Furthermore, you can face downtime, compatibility, and other issues as well. So, it is better to find a more secure and proficient solution.

Professionally Migrate SQL Server Database from One Server to Another

If you are searching for an instant and risk-free solution to copy the database from one server to another. The SysInfo SQL Database Recovery Tool is the best solution for this task. This is because the tool enables users to restore the database seamlessly and save it in a new one. It has advanced recovery modes and is capable of migrating all SQL objects without loss. Moreover, it has some exclusive features like:

• Supports both MDF and NDF files for all SQL Server versions without limitations.
• Restore the master database in SQL Server into a new database or as scripts.
• Has a smooth GUI that functions on all OS and needs no technical expertise.

Steps to Copy a SQL Database from One Server to Another

1. Launch the MS SQL Recovery Tool after download and press Open.
2. Add the MDF file from the source database account and choose a recovery mode.
3. Further, set other options (if needed) and click on OK to proceed.
4. Check the database items in the preview panel and select the tables to move.
5. Afterward, press Save SQL Data and opt for the Save as Database option.
6. Then, choose Windows or SQL Authentication and, accordingly, provide details.
7. Opt for additional filters and click Test Database Connection for the destination server.
8. At last, when the database connection is verified, click OK to migrate the database between servers.

Conclusion

Here, we learned five ways to migrate SQL server database from one server to another. All the ways are highly efficient and provide results to the users. For users who want a freeway, we have described manual methods. However, they are a bit difficult and have technicalities. Whereas a professional tool is safe and quick way to transfer data between servers.

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About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.