SharePoint 2010 to 2013 Migration Process

The page portrays the detailed and stepwise procedure to be followed out by users for migrating database from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2013.

NOTE: As this is a live migration being projected here, it is advised that users take proper backup of their Server along with database before commencing the migration.

Being a live migration it means that users can upgrade their SharePoint instance from one Server version to another without coming across downtime related issues. Thus SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2013 migration helps you to upgrade database. But in the meantime if processes like addition of new items or deletion of page is performed then, it won't get captured once database copy has been carried out.

Caution: Make sure all the prerequisites are properly taken care of, before starting out the migration of database from SharePoint to SharePoint.

Install SharePoint 2013 separately on a new server.

Start up Configuration Wizard.

Select "Create A New Server Farm".

Choose a new Server and database name.

Get the pass phrase and store it at a secure location as it will be needed in future.

Choose a desired security setting.

Verify if everything is OK.

Now wait till the time server gets configured.

A success report of installation will be received.

Go to Central Administration of your new SharePoint 2013, if it opens up, all's good.

Now go back to your database from old SharePoint Server, copy WSS_Content database.

Confirm properties of the source server.

Specify a destination SQL Server.

Now choose Transfer Method, make use of SQL Management Object Method in case you require performing a live migration.

Choose a database to be copied; you will just require the WSS_Content.

Configure the Destination Database properties.

Choose the Objects, only Logins are required here.

Save package that has been created.

Now immediately run it. Scheduling can also be done.

A summary will be presented, have a look at it.

Wait till the copying procedure is being performed, this might take some time.

Once database has been copied you can go back on the Central Administration of SharePoint 2013 and assign the SharePoint instance to make use of copied database WSS_Content. Go on to Manage Web Applications from Application Management.

Create new Web Application.

Set the properties of new Web Application.

The application is created now.

The new Web Application has to be set for using WSS_Content database that was copied. This has to be done in the Management Shell of SharePoint 2013 server.

Examine the database that has just been copied by issuing the following command:
Test-SPContentDatabase -Name WSS_Content –WebApplication http://YourNewSharepointServer

Then mount them via issuing following command:
Mount-SPContentDatabase -Name WSS_Content -WebApplication http://YourNewSharepointServer

Once it has been mounted, delete default WSS_Content database that was created in the installation procedure.

Select default WSS_Content instance, fresh installations if it is; it will be with zero (0) site collection items.

Tick mark on Remove Content Database and click on OK.

Click on Manage Paths.

Copy the same URL owned by old SharePoint 2010 instance. Provide it in the given location; click on OK.

Your server is now successfully upgraded. But not completely yet. A pink coloured ribbon can be seen on top of the page that reads; Experience All That SharePoint Has to Offer. Start Now or Remind Me Later. Click on Start Now to start the upgradation.

In the Prepare for Takeoff window click on Upgrade This Site Collection button.

In the confirmation dialog box click on 'I'm Ready' to agree with the upgradation.

A new window can be seen with Processing in progress where site health checks are being done.

Once it's done, a new window will open up where results of the scan will be show in three categorized columns as; red – the ones that require to be fixed, orange – these fixes can be done at anytime that is convenient for the users; so its fine, and green – these are the successful checks.

Again click on Start Now ribbon when you are done fixing all the red column checks. Now upgrade will begin again and the page will get refreshed automatically.

The 'In Process Upgrade Status' will be shown here.

At last, once the upgrade finishes up successfully, you will see a Site Contents page.