How to Transfer a Database from One Server to Another (5 Ways)

To copy a SQL Server 2008 database to another server, you can follow these steps: 1. **Backup the Database:** On the source server, execute a full backup of the database you want to copy. ```sql BACKUP DATABASE [DatabaseName] TO DISK = 'C:\Path\To\Backup\DatabaseName.bak' WITH Compression; ``` 2. **Backup the Transaction Log (if necessary):** If you need point-in-time recovery or if the database is in the FULL recovery model, back up the transaction log as well. ```sql BACKUP LOG [DatabaseName] TO DISK = 'C:\Path\To\Backup\DatabaseName.trn' WITH Compression; ``` 3. **Copy Backup Files:** Physically copy the `.bak` and `.trn` files (if applicable) to the destination server. 4. **Restore the Database:** On the target server, restore the database using the copied backup files. ```sql RESTORE DATABASE [DatabaseName] FROM DISK = 'C:\Path\To\Backup\DatabaseName.bak' WITH REPLACE, RECOVERY; ``` If you have a transaction log backup, restore it too: ```sql RESTORE LOG [DatabaseName] FROM DISK = 'C:\Path\To\Backup\DatabaseName.trn' WITH REPLACE, NOUNLOAD, STATS = 10; ``` 5. **Set Permissions and Connect:** Make sure the appropriate logins and permissions are set on the target server for users who will access the database. You might need to recreate logins or map them to the appropriate database roles. After following these steps, the database should be fully restored and operational on the target server. Note that `WITH REPLACE` is used to overwrite any existing database with the same name, and `RECOVERY` or `NOUNLOAD` is used to bring the database online after restoration. Adjust the paths according to your environment.

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Ever had the need to move a database from one Windows server to another, or from one computer to another? Fear not, we have five methods that address how to move a database from one server to another. Not all of these migration methods are easy, but each one works if you follow the steps carefully.

If you're new to computers or programming, the server migration tool software is the easiest solution with the least effort required. The other four tools are useful too, but they require more extra knowledge.

Method 1: How to Use a Server Migration Tool to Move a Database from One Server to Another [1]

As one of the most recommended PC to PC transfer software, Todo PCTrans is fully compatible with SQL Server 2004, 2008, and 2019. First, you need to download the software on both computers. It works on Windows OS from XP to Windows 11/10 and from Windows 2003 to Windows 2019.

It can迁移程序, files, data, applications, settings, user profiles, or server databases. That's why we recommend this well-reviewed Windows Server 2016 Migration tool, and this popular article on how to transfer applications from one Windows Server to another.

In fact, Todo PCTrans can automatically transfer all content in bulk to multiple computers simultaneously. Simply set up the computers involved on the same local area network, select the database on the source server computer, and with one click, you can migrate the selected database to the target server via the Internet.

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Guide: How to Transfer a Database Over the Internet

Step 1: Run Todo PCTrans on both the source and target computers and connect the two computers via the Internet.

1. Under "PC to PC," click PC to PC to continue.

2. Select the target computer by its name, then enter your account password or verification code, and choose the transfer direction. Click "Connect" to proceed.

You can find the verification code at the upper right corner of the main “Computer to Computer” screen on the remote computer.

Connect two computers

Step 2: Choose the categories of apps, files, and accounts you want to transfer over the Internet.

To transfer data selectively, click “Edit” under each category and select specific items.

Select applications, files or accounts

Step 3. Click “Transfer” to start moving your apps/files/accounts over the Internet from one computer to another.

Transfer apps, files, or accounts over the Internet

Watch a video to get a quick overview of the Todo PCTrans tool:

The methods below have more steps than this one, try one of them and follow the instructions carefully.

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Method 2: How to Use the Copy Database Wizard to Copy a Database from One Server to Another

The Database Copy Wizard is built into SQL Server Management Studio, and it's a great way to get started if you have two servers and plan to move a database from Server A to Server B, and you're something of a server expert or administrator.

There are some obvious limitations to using the Copy Database Wizard to move a database from one server to another.

• The Copy Database Wizard is not available in the Express edition. • You cannot move or copy a database to an earlier version of SQL Server. • You cannot use the Copy Database Wizard to copy or move system databases, databases marked for replication, databases marked as inaccessible, databases that are being loaded, offline databases, databases that are recovering, suspect databases, or databases in emergency mode. Additionally, you cannot copy databases if the data or log files are stored in Azure storage.

Open SQL Server Management Studio, and then follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click the database and select Tasks > Copy Database...

Step 2. On the Copy Database Wizard window, click Next to proceed.

Step 3: Type the source server name to select the source server. Log in to the server using either Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication and enter your username and password. Click Next.

Step 4: Enter the name of the target server and apply any authentication information. Click Next.

How to use the "Copy Database Wizard" to transfer a database from one server to another? Step 3

Step 5: Choose the Use SQL Management Objects method of transfer, and then click Next.

Step 6: You are then prompted to choose the specific databases you wish to transfer. After selecting your databases, you can choose to either move or copy them. Check the box for Copy if you want to keep it on the original server. Otherwise, check the box for Move, which will transfer the database to the next server.

How to use the Copy Database Wizard to move a database from one server to another

Step 7. At this point, you can check the paths for your MDF and log files on the target machine. Finish the wizard to complete the process. Upon success, you will see that your database (by name) is located in the correct path on the target server machine.

Method 3: How to Move a Database from One Server to Another Using Backup and Restore

As you can see, SQL Server Management Studio is a full-fledged server management toolbox, and it has backup and restore capabilities that you can take advantage of, in addition to simply copying and moving databases from one server to another.

Follow the steps to create a full backup and restore it to another server computer:

In SQL Server Management Studio, right-click the database and choose Tasks > Backup....

Step 2: Make sure the backup type is set to Full. Click Add, and specify the location and name for your backup.

Step 3: After creating the full backup on the source computer, you need to copy the backup file to another computer.

4. On the target computer, open SQL Server Management, right-click the SQL Server instance, and select Restore Database...

Step 3 of How to Transfer a Database from One Server to Another Using Backup and Restore

Step 5: Here, choose "Device" and then select the backup file you created as the source, and restore it to the destination location on your new computer.

Method 4: How to Copy a Database in SQL Server Using Import and Export Wizard

Methods 4 and 5 were also built in Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.

Step 1: Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, right-click on the database, and select Tasks.

Step 2: Click the triangle and select the data source, server name, and database.

Step 3: Select the destination. Choose where you want to copy the data to.

Step 4: Select your source table and view, then choose Next.

When you're done, check your exported file.

Method 5: How to Use a Script to Copy Files from One Server to Another

Step 1: Open Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio.

Step 2: Right-click the database, point to Tasks, point to Generate Scripts, and then click Next.

Step 3: Go to Select Objects and choose the specific database objects.

Step 4: Under Scripting options, choose the output type, and then click Advanced. Select Save as new query window.

5. In the [Advanced Scripting Settings] dialog, select [Schema and Data] from the drop-down list, then click [OK].

What is your preferred method for moving a database from one server to another?

This article discusses five effective ways to transfer a database from one server to another or how to transfer Microsoft SQL databases between computers, including using Server Migration Software, Database Copy Wizard, Backup and Restore method, Import and Export method, and Generate Scripts.

Relatively, the first way with Todo Backup tool is the most direct and clever one, having the least possibility of error during database transfer. It works for everyone, regardless of your level of tech-savviness, whether you are familiar with the Server Database Replication Wizard or the backup and restore methods.