How to Migrate SQL Server to New Server? Try Best 4 Ways

Nowadays when we talk about technology, everyone will agree that they get something new every year. This is why hackers get advanced day by day. Thus, we also need to update our business tech to secure the data from cyber attackers. We’re getting plenty of queries to know how to migrate the SQL server to a new server of SQL like 2022. In my opinion, upgrading to the latest SQL Server is a smart choice for users as it can help them be prepared for the modern day security threats.

Now, as we know that such a migration task can be hectic, we’re going to explain best four ways to move SQL Server database files to another server. Yes, reading this article will allow users to choose between the most suitable solution for their business needs to execute a SQL Server upgrade or migration operation. Moreover, we’re going to add the causes of such an upgrade & challenges in the end as a bonus tip.

Note: As there are No Direct Manual Methods available for such a task, we have 3 indirect manual methods and one direct automated solution. Direct and indirect here refers to the purpose of that method concerning this operation.

How to Migrate SQL Server to New Server with Backup?

For this method, users should keep in mind two things. The first one is that they must have a backup copy of the entire database in the .bak format. The second thing is that is this isn’t a direct method, so there might be some errors if not performed accurately.

Follow the below steps in the SQL Server Management Studio to continue further:

Step-1. Launch SSMS > Connect to DB Instance > Right Click on the DB > Go to Tasks

Step-2. Click on Backup > Select Full Backup > Click REMOVE or ADD option > Hit OK

Step-3. Copy the .bak file & place it into the Destination Machine to proceed further

Step-4. Open SSMS in Target Server > Right Click Database > Hit Restore Database

Step-5. Select Device > Hit Omitted Symbol Icon > Select .BAK file > Click on OK

Step-6. Cross Verify the settings of Restore & Hit the OK button.

Move SQL Server Database to Another Server Using Copy Feature in SSMS

As we learned the backup method, now comes the copy method. It’s a little similar to the backup method but with using the copy feature. Here, we’re just going to move the database to the destination using the below steps:

Step-1. Open SSMS > Navigate to Object Explorer > Right Click Database > Hit Tasks

Step-2. Hit Copy Database > Hit Next > Enter Source Server Name > Enter Credentials

Step-3. Click Next > Enter Destination Server > Select Use SQL Management Object

Step-4. Again Click on Next > Choose Database & Hit the Next button

Step-5. Configure Destination for All Database > Set the Integration Service Package

Step-6. After Finishing the Wizard, Click on Finish option

Step-7. Refresh or Restart the Target Server to see the changes.

How to Migrate SQL Server Database to New Server Automatically?

Now, before we proceed to the last manual indirect method, it’s time to know the automated solution specially designed for a task like this. Here, we’re going to take in use the SysTools SQL Database Migrator to execute the task.

Download this utility and follow the below steps to move SQL Server database to another server:

Step-1. Launch the Tool and then Click the Open button.

Step-2. Select Online or Offline Mode of the Migration task.

Step-3. After Scanning, Preview the Database files & objects. 

Step-4. Choose the Destination to migrate or move these files.

Step-5. Finally, Hit the Export/Save button to complete the task.

Note: This tool does not modify the original data, it simply makes a copy of the source database & moves it to the destination database.

T-SQL Scripts to Move SQL Server Database Files to Another Server

The reason we have included this manual solution is its complex nature. It’s the most technical solution, and most users find it confusing. Because of the involvement of the SQL commands, it’s more likely to face errors which can even exploit the database resources.

Let’s understand this method & the queries to how to migrate SQL Server to new server db:

Step-1. Open the SSMS & then Connect with the SQL Instance to begin

Step-2. Right Click Database > Hit Task > Generate Scripts > Hit Next

Step-3. Select “Choose Object” option > Hit Select Specific Database Objects option

Step-4. Go to Set Scripting Options and Select Advance as the output type

Step-5. Select Save to the New Query Window option

Step-6. Under the Advance Scripting option, Select Schema & Data > Click OK

Causes of this Migration Task for SQL Server Database

After learning how to migrate SQL Server database to a new server, it’s important to know the causes as well. Therefore, understanding the causes will help in finding the agenda & users’ trouble. It’ll give us an overview of the entire operation.

• Hardware Issues: Failure of the server or the need to upgrade to a powerful server is often considered a major reason for opting for this migration task.
• Storage Constraints: Users must migrate their SQL database to the server where the storage capacity is the most adequate.
• Upgrading the OS: When a system’s OS is upgraded, then users might have to change the SQL Server to be more compatible with the upgraded OS.
• SQL Server Upgrade: Upgrading the SQL Server to the new version is the most common cause why users move SQL Server database to another server.
• Application Patching: In some cases, a temporary migration of SQL server to another server becomes crucial due to the implementation of patches or updates.
• Scalability & Performance: To enhance the server performance & scalability, users often prefer to transfer all data to a new & better server.
• Compliance Requirements: To comply with the rules & regulations of the concerned authorities, sometimes, users switch to a new server with different configurations.
• Future Business Strategies: Merger & acquisition are two situations when businesses migrate their SQL server for future purposes.

Challenges to Avoid for Leaning the SQL Migration Task

If users want to move SQL Server database files to another server, then they must be prepared for the challenges as well. To be clear at first, the automated solution is designed especially for this purpose so there aren’t any challenges. However, the other three manual solutions share the challenges.

No Surety of Results: There is no surety for users to get the desired results as these manual methods are not meant to do such migration operations. This is why users must select the method wisely.

Complex Procedure: The manual solutions are quite complex to migrate SQL Server database to a new server without any hassles. Complex commands & long procedures are not easy to handle.

Inefficient/Time Taking: Of course time is money & if this operation takes too long, the usual work will be affected. Evidently, manual methods are very slow & time taking.

Not a Direct Solution: Manual solutions are not built for such migration task which makes them a bit doubtful for several users.

Lacks Advanced Features: These solutions are totally manual & do not offer any advance features to customize the results or get more functionality.

The Final Say

Now, after learning all these solutions to know how to migrate SQL Server to new server without errors, users can try the best suited solution. Experts recommend the automated solution because of quick results & less chaotic experience. Other solutions work too but there is no surety of getting the results.