SQL Server Migration

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is used in this explanation.

Back up an SQL database

Launch SQL Server Management Studio in Windows.

Connect to Server window > Connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine.

In Object Explorer in the left-hand pane, expand Databases.

Right-click the database that you want backed up.

From the right-click menu, select Tasks, and then Back Up.

You'll now be presented with the Back Up Database window. Verify that the Backup type is set to Full, the Database radio button is selected, and the desired destination is set for the backup.

Click the Media Options page in the Select a page pane. Make sure the desired setting for Overwrite media is set.  Optionally, you can decide if you want to check any of the boxes under Reliability.

You can also specify additional backup options by selecting the Backup Options page in the Select a page pane. Note: if you want to encrypt the backup, you'll have to select back up to new media set in Media Options. When you are satisfied with the selected options, select OK and the backup will begin.

Restore an SQL database from backup

Ensure that SQL Server Management Studio is running on the server you wish to restore the backup, and that you have connected to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine.

In Object Explorer, right-click Databases, and select Restore Database.

You'll now be presented with the Restore Database window. Since you are restoring a backup to a new machine, click the Device radio button under Source. Next, select the  button to the right of the Device radio button.

Now, you'll see the Select backup devices window. Make sure Backup media type is set to File and then click the Add button.

The Locate Backup File window will now display. Navigate to the backup database file that you transferred from your old server and press OK.

You'll be taken back to the Select backup devices window, where you should now see the file path to the backup you selected in the Backup media pane. Select OK.

You are now ready to restore your backup. Optionally you may click Verify Backup Media to verify the backup's integrity. Click OK to begin restoring your backup.

Now that you've migrated the database, skip down to Update Crows Nest Database.

Restore a separate instance of an SQL database

In the event that your backup fails to restore properly, a database is corrupted, or the database has missing data, you can attempt restore a separate instance of your SQL database and combine data.

Ensure that SQL Server Management Studio is running and that you are connected to the correct instance. In Object Explorer, right-click Databases and then click Restore Database.

You'll now be presented with the Restore Database window. Since you are restoring a backup to a new machine, click the Device radio button under Source. Next, select the  button to the right of the Device radio button.

Now, you'll see the Select backup devices window. Make sure Backup media type is set to File and then click the Add button.

The Locate Backup File window will now display. Navigate to the backup database file and press OK.

You'll be taken back to the Select backup devices window, where you should now see the file path to the backup you selected in the Backup media pane. Select OK.

Since we are restoring a separate instance of the database, you will need to change the name of the database in the Database box. Here we have simply added a 2 to make the database Crowsnest2. You are now ready to restore your backup. Optionally you may click Verify Backup Media to verify the backup's integrity. Click OK to begin restoring your backup.

You've now restored a separate instance of your database.

Update Crows Nest database

Finally, once you've finished with the SSMS, you'll need to update the database in the Crows Nest Database Utility. Launch Crows Nest Database Utility and click Update Database. Once the update is complete, you can close the Utility.

You're now ready to start using Crows Nest again. If you need help with pulling data from a separate instance of a Crows Nest database, please contact support at support@crowsnestsoftware.com.