How to Copy SQL Server Database from One Server to Another – Top 5 Methods

“I am planning to upgrade my SQL Server and therefore, need to copy SQL server database from one server to another server. How can I do that in an easy manner? Kindly suggest me something simple and something that does not involve the risk of data loss. Thank you.”

At present time, moving SQL database from one server to another is a common query of the people. Users often put their queries in various forums as they do not know how to perform this migration. To help the users who want to transfer SQL Server database from one server to another, we have decided to talk about the issue. In this write-up, we will share techniques using which, users can move SQL database from one server to another. Moreover, it can even SQL copy table from one database to another task as well.

Prerequisites to Migrate SQL Server Database to Another Server

Before users proceed to migrate data, they must know that learning how to copy SQL database from one server to another includes prerequisites. There are several factors that users should keep in mind before they proceed. Let’s have a look a them:

• Users should create a backup of their database so that in case of any emergencies, users will have the data to restore & prevent the mishap.
• Proper planning should be initiated by the migration management team in advanced. Expectation bars should be set according to that.
• Pilot projects help users test their preparations so that they won’t face any difficulties in the actual operation of database transfering.
• Users must track the database copy task closely to detect any unwanted activity. Moreover, it helps them predict the completion time & accuracy.

There are some terms that users must learn in advance. These are:

1. Source Server: As the name suggests, here you have to enter the Server name where the database is currently located. The minimum requirement for the source Server is SQL Server version 2005.
2. Destination Server: In this field, you have to enter the Server name where you want to move the database. You can manually enter the name or you can browse to the location of the server to select it. The minimum requirement for the destination Server is SQL Server 2005.
3. Use Windows Authentication: This option will allow the user to authenticate by Windows automatically. Therefore., if they have the admin privileges, they don’t need to enter the credentials.
4. Use SQL Server Authentication: It permits the user to authenticate by using the credentials of SQL Server. Upon selecting this option, two more fields will show up.
5. Username:  Enter the username of the SQL Server (source/ destination) that you have mentioned above.
6. Password: Enter the password of the SQL Server (source/ destination) that has been mentioned above.

1. How to Copy SQL Server Database to One Server to Another Server

1. In this section, we will give you a step-by-step guide to migrate SQL Server database from one server to another:
2. To begin with, users have to launch SQL Server Management Studio by accessing it from Object Explorer. Then they have to connect it with the Source Server.
3. Right-click on the database that you want to copy and click on Tasks>> Copy Database.
4. Copy Database Wizard will appear on your screen and you have to click on Next button.
5. Type the name of the Source Server. Also, select the radio button beside “Use SQL Server Authentication”. Upon selection, Username and Password fields will be visible to you. You have to add correct credentials in these fields and click on Next button.
6. Now, enter the name of Destination Server and choose the authentication mode similar to the previous page. Click on Next.
7. Select the option “Use the SQL Management Object method” and click Next.
8. Check the box for Copy or Move beside the database name you want to transfer. Here, we will choose copy. Click on Next.
9. Check the MDF and LDF files path for the destination server.
10. You can also copy additional objects, otherwise, click Next to move to the next page.
11. Select Windows Event Logs as your logging option in case the copying fails. Move to the next page by clicking on Next.
12. Now, you can choose “Run Immediately” to copy database now or “Schedule” for any later time. We have chosen Run immediately. Then click on Next.
13. At this stage, you will see the information regarding the database transfer. Check them and click on Finish.
14. The processing will start and you can view the status of the operation that is in progress.
15. Close the window and refresh the destination Server node. You will see that the database you wished to copy will appear there.

2. Backup & Restore Method to Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another

As the name suggests, this method includes the backup as well the restoration task. Now, when we proceed further, there are a few steps that users need to execute. Without any mistakes, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Go to SSMS, Right-Click the Database and Click on Tasks >> Back Up option.
2. Choose Full Database Backup type >> Hit Add button, & set location, name etc.
3. Once the backup is created, Migrate SQL database from one server to another one.
4. Launch SSMS in Destination, Right-Click on the DB instance & Select Restore.
5. Select Device option & Backup file created from the source database to proceed.

3. Import Export Wizard to Copy SQL Database to Another Server

Here, we have another method where we are going to use the Import/Export Wizard to continue. Here also, we will need the SQL Server Management Studio to continue.

1. Open SSMS, Connect to DB >> Right-Click the Database & Click Tasks >> Export Data option.
2. Click on the Drop Down menu, select source data, server name & database.
3. Choose a Destination & then add the destination path.
4. Set the source Tables & Views & Choose Next option.
5. Finally view the exported files in the destination.

4. Generate Scripts to Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another

1. Launch the SSMS application in the system to continue.
2. Right-Click the Databases >> Tasks >> Generate Scripts >> Next option.
3. Click the Choose Objects & Set Database Objects to proceed.
4. Go to Set Scripting options >> Choose Output & Advance option, Select Save to new Query option.
5. In Advance Scripting options, Set Schema and Data from dropdown & Click OK.

5. Move SQL Database to Another Server – Quick Way

If you are looking for an instant and quick solution to copy SQL Server Database from one Server to another, then you can go for an alternate approach ie SysTools SQL Database Migration Tool. The tool is capable to migrate all database objects like tables, views, functions etc from one SQL Server database to another Server. It gives an option to export SQL Server Database on existing database or as new database.

Step-1. Launch the Utility in the system to begin the task.

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline Migration mode.

Step-3. Preview the Database Objects to cross check.

Step-4. Choose Destination Database & Server here.

Step-5. Hit the Export button to get the desired results.

Why Choose the Advanced Solution?

There are N number of reasons why users should trust the automated solution to get their desired solution. Moreover, when we proceed further, we can find multiple drawbacks in the manual solution that are also mentioned below:

• The automated solution is full of advanced features that can help users to customize their results which manual solution lacks.
• To migrate SQL Server database to another server using advanced tools, users get total protection. However, manual solutions are full of data loss incidents.
• Comes with easy to use UI whereas the manual solution is way more technical for users to understand.
• Users can select up to four modes of data migration as:
  • Offline to Offline: MDF files to CSV or Script Files.
  • Offline to Online: MDF Files to Live SQL Server Database.
  • Online to Online: SQL Server to SQL Server.
  • Online to Offline: SQL Server to SQL Script Files or CSV.
• Users can repair the damaged database elements as well prior to transfer.
• The software supports SQL Server 2000, 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, & 2022.
• Apart from this there are several other benefits of this solution as well.

Conclusion

It is not unusual for SQL users to face the need to copy SQL server database from one server to another. No matter what is the reason, the migration has to be done without any data loss and in easy way. For the readers who may want to move SQL database to another server, we have shared the manual guide of the process. We expect that users will have no trouble in transferring the database if they follow this instruction. If they are looking for a simple solution, they can also choose the third party utility to perform SQL database migration in a trouble-free manner.