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How to Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 Step by Step? Best Guide

author
Published By Raj
Debasish Pramanik
Approved By Debasish Pramanik
Published On December 14th, 2022
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

Synopsis: Users often try to find a way to migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 step by step. This article aims to provide the perfect solution to trouble users. Not just the solution, but the reasons as well as challenges are also mentioned here. To understand the entire operation, we are going to provide a step-by-step tutorial to users. If that is not enough, there are some most asked user queries here too for clearing the doubts of users.

We understand how tough it is to move database from SQL Server 2012 to 2019 with proper guidance. This is why our research team found all the crucial information regarding this topic. The only way to handle the entire migration operation is to be technically wise.

This operation can be easy if users divide it into four phases. Requirement analysis, preparation for migration, execution & post migration tests. Now, if you are also curious about this SQL Server migration, then yes, it is the right place. So stay tuned.

Also Read: How to Transfer Data Between Two SQL Servers Automatically

Why Upgrade SQL Server 2012 to 2019 Step by Step? Know the Needs

When we talk about the reasons or need for executing a particular operation, that can’t be fixed. Every user works on the basis of their own requirements. Still, there are a few common reasons why users want to perform this migration.

We are categorizing these needs into two segments. One is the upgradation & other is the management changes. 

Upgradation: A user may want to upgrade the server for the following reasons.

  • Faster speed & better performance is one of the reasons why users want to upgrade their old SQL Server to a new one.
  • Better security standards are the second top-most requirement of users. New versions often increase security measures to protect crucial data files. 
  • More features are one of the reasons why users migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 or any other lower version to a higher one.
  • At last, the cost is another major reason. New versions come with a more dynamic pricing structure that suits the users in a better way.

Other Reasons: Now, let’s have a quick look at the other reasons why an organization migrates an SQL Server database.

  • A merger is also one of the events after which the brand wants to bring the entire database on the same platform. 
  • Similarly, an Acquisition event also makes space for an organization to combine the database on the same platform for better working.

Also Read: Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another One

Challenges to Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 Step by Step Safely

There are majorly three challenges that users have to face while executing the upgradation operation of their SQL Server. All of these three challenges are there below in this section.

Lack of Technical Knowledge

Not all users are technically aware & this results in facing various errors while migrating the database. As we all know that SQL Server is not that simple for new users, it may confuse them a little. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on technicalities now.

Damaged Database Items

A lot of times, users have damaged objects in their databases. That can severely affect the SQL migration operation. This is why to upgrade SQL Server 2012 to 2019 step by step, users should make sure they have healthy DB items.

Incomplete Migration

There are several errors, compatibility issues, and technical faults due to which users fail to complete the SQL server migration steps. Wrong tools & techniques can cause such issues. It’s significant for users to only go for reliable methods.

Move Database from SQL Server 2012 to 2019 – The Best Solution

Now, let’s clear the most common doubt that users have. We receive queries from troubled users asking for manual solutions for the same. Now some users even ask for the entire tutorial for manual solutions. This is why it’s time to clear all the misunderstandings.

There is no manual solution available to execute this task. We have to go for an automated solution. In fact, as per IT experts, trusting an automated solution is even better. The reason for this is the speed of automated solutions along with the performance. In a nutshell, to learn how to migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019, this utility is the perfect solution.

The SQL Server Data Migration Tool is the best way to get perfect results. This is way better than finding an imaginary manual solution as it has several useful features. These features are highly advanced & are focused to provide users with accurate results.

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Step-by-Step Complete Tutorial For Perfect Results

Now, that we know the automated solution is the key to perfect results, it’s time to focus on the tutorial of the operation. Just download the automated tool & then follow the five steps mentioned below with the respective images. We can say that this is so far the easiest way to migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 without any hassles.

Step-1. Launch the Utility in the system & then begin the operation.

step-1 launch tool

Step-2. Select the online or offline mode as per your preference.

step-2. select online or offline mode

Step-3. Now, Preview the Database Object & Records in this section.

step-3 preview items

Step-4. Select the Export Options as stated in the image accordingly.

step-4 select export option

Step-5. Finally, Click on the Export button to finish off the task safely.

migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 step by step - Click export

Note: Just like this tool, if users want to open & view SQL server MDF file without SQL Server, they can go for the SQL Database Viewer Software also.

How to Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019? What Features are Helpful

The automated solution is capable of performing the entire operation because of several advanced features. We are going to mention these features down below. Moreover, it can provide users with an idea of the tool. This directly results in the proper utilization of the software to its complete potential.

  • Ability to migrate an SQL Server database to any other version of SQL Server.
  • It scans the offline MDF data file & exports it to the SQL server or SQL script.
  • The tool allows users to migrate data to an existing database or create a new one.
  • It can also help users to upgrade SQL Server 2014 to 2019 version without errors.
  • Users can select the collection settings here as per their preference without issues.
  • It is possible to transfer the database with schema / with schema and data as well.
  • The software can migrate DB items like tables, views, rules, stored procedures, etc.

There are several other features also present in this tool that help users to make the entire operation seamless.

Conclusion

Now, it’s time to conclude this article to provide users with a clear image of what they have to do. We don’t have any manual solution. Therefore, the above-mentioned automated solution is what users need. Evidently, users can easily move database from SQL Server 2012 to 2019 version by opting for the right tool & technique. The wrong choice can even create complications in the operation.

Also Read: Learn How to Attach MDF File in SQL Server without Hassles.

F.A.Qs

Q. Is it possible to go the opposite like from SQL Server 2019 to 2016?
A.
Yes, if there’s not a major difference, in the servers like 2016 & 2019, it is possible. However, if users want to go from 2019 to 2008, then they might face complications.

Q. Is this tool free or do users have to pay for this?
A. Well, this tool offers a free demo version but the full version is paid. However, that is also quite affordable. So, users can easily migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 step by step safely.

Q. Does this tool migrate damaged SQL Database objects?
A. Yes, not only does this tool migrate damaged SQL database objects but also, it can repair them. It acts as a recovery tool also when required. This is the best way to upgrade SQL Server 2012 to 2019 step by step.