Summary: This guide provides the solution to migrate SQL database from one server to another without facing any difficulties. Moreover, the challenges users face during the operation are also here. This can help users in preparing for these challenges in advance. In addition, we can say that both manual & automated solutions are present in this guide. Their advantages, as well as drawbacks, are also there.
SQL server is indeed one of the finest RDBMS present nowadays. It has the third largest user base currently & users from all over the world are taking its services. However, to copy SQL database from one server to another is a tough task without the right knowledge. This is why users seek guidance from experts to execute this task.
To get the perfect results, users need to be technically proficient. Now, moving forward, if users are not very well aware of the SQL core technicalities, at least knowing about the challenges can help them counter these challenges in advance for sure. Let’s look at the challenges to prepare for them & then move further toward the solution step by step.
Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another & Counter These Challenges
There can be several challenges that a user might face if they aren’t aware of the technicalities. It’s not compulsory that all users will face the same challenges as it may differ from user to user. However, being aware of them still gives an edge to the users. Below are the challenges mentioned in depth:
Corruption in the Database Objects
There are several cases when the database objects have corruption in them. These damaged objects create hurdles in the database migration task for users. Migrating the server with such objects is next to impossible. Users need to repair the DB objects first.
Errors & Issues in Data Compatibility
Users migrate from an old server to a new one or from a new one to an old one. Data compatibility is one big factor in such cases. When data from a particular server is not compatible with the structure of the other server, it can cause a failure of the migration.
Selection of the Right Technique & Tool
To migrate SQL database from one server to another, the right technique is significant. The technique alone can not do anything without the tool. Therefore, the selection of the tool also plays an important role. As per experts, an automated tool is the most ideal way for it.
High Knowledge of Transact SQL Scripts
Without adequate knowledge, users may find themselves in a tough situation to handle the challenges. Along with the technical terms, the T-SQL query language is also important for users trying to opt for the manual solution.
Migrate SQL Database from One Server to Another Automatically
Now, that we know what challenges we need to avoid, it’s time to move forward. Here, we can say that there are manual as well as automated solutions available. As per experts, the manual solution is what the ideal solution looks like. On the other hand, a manual solution is not that reliable.
For the automated solution, users need to focus on getting the best SQL Database Migration Tool. Download this solution as IT experts & Microsoft’s MVPs use it themselves. Then follow the below steps with their respective images.
Step-1. Launch the Tool & then Go to the Open button to begin the operation.
Step-2. Now, Select the Online or Offline Mode as per your requirements here.
Step-3. Preview the scanned DB Objects here & Navigate to the Export option.
Step-4. Adjust the Export Settings as per your preferences & then move forward.
Step-5. Click on the Export button to copy SQL database from one server to another.
Advantages:
- Advance Filters for selective migration.
- Option to repair the database objects first.
- Four modes: two online & two offline modes.
- This utility supports various database objects.
- Migration with schema & data is possible here.
- Option to move databases to existing or new DB.
- Supports various SQL versions from 2000 to 2019.
Is the Manual Method for this Task Worth It?
Now comes the manual method with a paradoxical question along it. What’s the manual solution & is it worth putting in all the effort? Well, the manual method is not a direct one to migrate SQL database from one server to another.. Users have to invest their time & knowledge. Even then there is no guarantee of a successful operation.
Here, as there is no direct method, users need to execute three tasks as mentioned below:
Task #1 Users need to repair the corruption present in the database objects first. The only they can move forward. For this, tehy must execute the DBCC CHECKDB command.
Task #2 The second phase is all about taking the full backup of the entire server. This does not allow the selective migration option of course. Save that backup in your system safely.
Task #3 Finally, users need to import the backup file to the SQL server. Here also, users must execute the manual scripts to get the work done.
Drawbacks to Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another Manually:
- Proficiency in the SQL Server.
- T-SQL Scripts in-depth knowledge.
- A slow method that reduces efficiency.
- A High possibility of complete data loss.
- Chances of failure due to technical error.
- No guarantee of getting the desired results.
- No advance features for selective migration.
- No way to solve the data compatibility issues.
The Final Verdict
In the end, it’s time to conclude this article with the final verdict for users. We agree that it’s not easy to migrate SQL database from one server to another. However, with the automated tool & technique, it’s a piece of cake. There is no other solution available that experts recommend. The reason is reliability. No other solutions are reliable enough to take a chance on our crucial data files. Hence, selecting the advanced AI-enabled automated solution is what users need.
