Move SQL Database from One Server to Another: Top 4 Solutions

In this article, we will discuss how to move SQL database from one server to another using manual and automated solutions. The user wants to move their SQL database to another server due to low performance, fewer database resources, and inefficiency. Moreover, in this article, we briefly discuss every method.

Move SQL Database from One Server to Another Using Manual Solutions

Method 1: Move the SQL database by Restoring the Backup to Another Server

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) on your computer.
2. Now, connect to the SQL Server instance, then right-click on the database.
3. Choose the Tasks option, and then Backup.
4. Now, select the full backup option >> To change the default save location of the SQL file, press the Remove and Add buttons.
5. To hit the destination side, copy the Backup (.bak) file.
6. Now, again, launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) >> Connect to SQL Server instance >> then right-click on Database, then select Restore Database.
7. A window will pop out; choose the Device, then click the omitted symbol. Choose the backup (.bak) file location from the local computer drive and click OK.
8. Verify the restore settings. >> Click OK.

Method 2: Copy the SQL Server database to Another Server using the Copy Wizard.

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), then Object Explorer.
2. Choose Task>Copy SQL Database after doing a right-click on a database.
3. Enter the source Server's name here. Additionally, type in your server's username and password before clicking Next.
4. Click on Use SQL Server Authentication after entering the destination server's name.
5. Click Next after selecting Use SQL Management Object Method.
6. Next, check the copy box.
7. Verify the path for the MDF and LDF files on the destination server.
8. To replicate the database immediately, click Run Immediately.
9. Press the "Finish" button.
10. A copy of the database will be made soon.
11. To view the freshly duplicated database, refresh the destination server.

Method 3: Use a generating script to move a database from one Server to another.

1. Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
2. Now, right-click on the database >> tasks >> generate scripts >> Next
3. Click on the selected object option in the left panel and side, and click on the specific database objects button.
4. Now, set the scripting options, choose the output option, and then Advanced. Select Save to open the new query window.
5. Lastly, in the Advanced Scripting Option, select Schema and Data from the menu list and press the OK button.

Method 4: How to Move SQL Database Using the Import and Export Wizard

In SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), import and export are built-in functions. This method move SQL database from one server to another.

1. Start with the opening of SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), right-click on the SQL database, and choose tasks.
2. Now that the user views the small triangle symbol, press on the symbol and choose the data source, server name, and database.
3. Select the destination to copy the database.
4. Select views and records, then hit the next button.
5. Finally, check the status of the exported file.

A Smart Way to Move SQL Database from One Server to Another

Suppose users want a hassle-free way to move SQL databases from one server to another. In that case, it is recommended that a professional solution called the SysTools SQL Server Migration Tool be used. This software repairs corrupt SQL database files with ease and recovers multiple SQL databases simultaneously. It easily migrates schemas and records from all the attributes of one SQL Server to another. This tool also migrates all the SQL Server objects, such as functions, tables, rules, stored procedures, views, etc. It allows you to create a new SQL database for migrating the data into the same database.

Move the database from one live SQL Server to another live SQL Server database. Supported by all versions of SQL Server, such as 2022, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008, 2008 R2, 2005, and 2000. Transfer data with schema and with schema & data easily. This tool comes with a free live demo version to test all the features and workings of the software.

Follow these steps to move SQL database from one server to another.

1. Download and run the application on your computer.
2. Now, open and add the MDF file to the software.
3. Select the Online and Offline modes to scan the files.
4. Choose the live SQL Server and database name with Windows authentication.
5. Now, preview the scan of SQL objects such as views, rules, stored procedures, tables, etc.
6. Select the export option, i.e., SQL Server Compatible SQL Script and SQL Server Database.
7. Now, start the export process and choose the file destination and path.
8. Finally, save the file and press the Ok button to finish the process.

Final Word

The main motive of this article is to suggest the best way to move SQL database from one server to another to increase the efficiency and performance of the moving database. Users can use any method according to their requirements and system configuration. However, if the user is from a non-technical background, then an automated solution is recommended for a quick and reliable moving process.