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Best SQL Server Migration Steps Guide for SQL Database Migration

author
Published By Nilesh Kumar
Debasish Pramanik
Approved By Debasish Pramanik
Published On August 23rd, 2023
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading
Category SQL Server

At times, users find it difficult to learn SQL server migration steps manually because of the complex technicalities. If look today, there is a way by which users can easily execute the entire operation. However, before moving towards the solution, it’s equally important to know several other factors as well. Needs & Challenges are two of these factors.

Therefore, we‘re going to mention the needs & challenges first for this SQL database migration task. This way, users can be wiser regarding the entire task & its technicalities. Moving forward, the prerequisites are also mentioned here. Moreover, understanding the system specifications in advance helps to perform the SQL data migration without any kind of hassles.

Then, users can finally get to the database migration steps in SQL Server with the respective images. We are going to mention the features of the solution too which can contribute to users getting maximum output from the utilities. By following all the steps in the chronology without any mistakes, users can get their desired results for sure.

SQL Server Database Migration Needs & Challenges for Users

There are several needs of users due to which they take the decision of executing this operation. Understanding these needs allows us to know about the user intent. On the other hand, studying the challenges help users to prepare for them in advance. It’s like getting all the questions before the exam. Let’s discuss the needs first & then we’ll move to the challenges.

Critical Needs: Basically there are two sections into which we can divide the needs. One is the upgradation reason & other one is the structural changes. Let’s dig deeper.

Upgradation Need-

  • Speed
    The latest versions of the SQL database server provide users with better speed for executing SQL queries without any lags & errors.
  • Security
    New versions come with better security features. There is no doubt that your data is more secure in the latest SQL server than in the previous one.
  • Functions
    New functions & features are introduced to users whenever new versions are launched. That way users can get better functionality. Thus, knowing server migration steps is crucial.
  • Performance
    The new SQL servers are capable of handling the load in a better way. Moreover, they can handle more load than the previous servers without collapsing.
  • Subscription Cost
    Dynamic costings are introduced in the new servers rather than the rigid pricing structure in the old servers.

Challenges in SQL Server Migration Task: There can be various challenges present in this migration task. Users can see these challenges below:

  1. Database Objects Corruption
  2. Data Compatibility Issues
  3. Loss of Complete Data
  4. Lack of Knowledge
  5. Method Selection
  6. Selection of Tool

These are the major challenges that a user faces during this migration task. Simply understand these to prepare for them in advance. Therefore, users can learn how to transfer data between two SQL servers with ease. 

SQL Server Migration Prerequisites & System Specification

Now we know that users should opt for the automated method. The reason for this is that it offers the best way to migrate the database without any difficulties. Moreover, the manual method for SQL migration is way old & is even not a direct one. It’s a complex task & possess a severe threat to the database itself.

Now if go for the automated method, we need to download the automated solution that we are going to discuss in the next section. Meanwhile, users must adhere to the prerequisites of the software along with the system specifications for SQL server database migration tasks.

Pre-Requisites for Database Migration Steps in SQL Server:

  • The Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or Above is A Must.
  • Launch the tool with the “Run as Administrator” option if you’re working on Windows Server 2016, 2012R2, 2008, or OS 11(64 Bit), 10, 8, and 7(32Bit & 64 Bit).

System Specs for SQL Data Migration Automatically:

RAM: Minimum 2GB of RAM but the recommended is 4GB.

Space: There should be a minimum of 100MB of free space in the users’ system.

Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Duo CPU E4600 @ 2.40GHz 2.39GHz or equivalent is what users need.

After following all of these factors, users can finally move forward to the step-by-step solution that can help them get their desired results.

Also Read: Migrate SQL Server 2012 to 2019 Without Any Difficulties 

Complete Tutorial to SQL Server Migration Steps

Now, it’s time to go through the step-by-step guide that explains the easy process users need to address. However, first of all, what’s important is to get the SQL Server Data Migration Tool.

Download Now Purchase Now

Now, just follow the below-mentioned easy steps with respective images to complete the SQL database migration with ease.

Step-1. Launch the Software & then simply Go to the Open option.

step-1. select the open button

Step-2. Select the Online or Offline Mode for the operation.

step-2. select from online & Offline mode

Step-3. Preview the Database Files & then Navigate to Export options.

step-3. preview the database objects

Step-4. Adjust the Export Options & Set Destination Database as the next SQL Server migration steps easily.

step-4. adjust settings for SQL server database migration

Step-5. Now, Hit the Export button to finish SQL server database migration.

step-5. finish SQL server migration

Note: Users are advised to download the status report from the tool after the completion of the operation. This can help users to further analyze the statistics.

Features of the Automated Method & Software

The automated utility is filled with amazing features for SQL data migration. This is why it can easily provide users with their desired results. Now, in order to move further, users simply need to be aware of these features. This way users can utilize the tool to its utmost potential to copy SQL database from one server to another one.

  • This utility performs selective SQL server database migration of databases.
  • This tool is capable of migrating the database with schema or schema & data.
  • This software offers a total of four SQL migration options as server migration steps that are mentioned below:
    • Live Server to Another Live SQL Server.
    • Live Server to the SQL Script Files Format.
    • Offline MDF Files to the Live SQL Server.
    • Offline MDF files to the SQL Script Files Format.
  • If users have damaged objects in the database, they can repair them with ease.
  • Another interesting feature of this tool is to execute the migration within the server.
  • Tables, views, schema, stored procedures, etc objects can be migrated by the tool.
  • It is easy to migrate the data files to an existing database in the destination server.
  • Users can create a new database in the destination to migrate the data files as well.
  • This tool supports the SQL server 2000 to 2019 for the SQL database migration task.

Bringing It All Together

We can say that users should forget the manual solution as it is very risky. Moreover, users can not take a chance with the crucial & sensitive data of the business. Therefore, opting for the automated solution is the right choice for the SQL data migration tasks. This guide provides the best solution with SQL server migration steps in depth. We are sure that by following this guide without any mistakes, users can migrate their SQl database successfully.