How to Migrate SQL Database to Another Server? Most Effective Ways

Published By Karen Chard

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On March 31st, 2025

Reading Time 7 Min Read

Working on the SQL Server database can be much more efficient and reliable for users, but when it comes to migrating the database, things get challenging. To migrate SQL database to another server, users need to choose the most accurate method, as one wrong step can lead to permanent data loss.

With the help of this technical write-up, we will understand and learn the effective ways to move SQL database from one server to another. We will also take a look at the challenges that might occur during the process.

Move SQL Database from One Server to Another – Why Required?

There are various reasons that demand this process of the databases. To understand the methods to migrate SQL database to another server, we must know the different situations that might require the migration. Here are some of the reasons that require the copying of SQL database from one server to another.

Server Upgradation: While shifting from an older version of the SQL server to a newer version for better features, the user will need to migrate SQL database to another server.
Security Requirements: If the current SQL server has been damaged or the security of the server has been compromised somehow, users might have to move SQL database from one server to another.
Software Updates: Process required when the software is updated, to keep up to date with the new features and upgrades.
Scalability Needs: For the cases where the user needs a server with greater scalability, or while shifting the SQL database to the cloud server, migration will be required.

These are some of the reasons that call for the migrate SQL database to another server command. Along with these situations, there can be many more reasons for doing this. Different reasons may require different solutions for migrating purposes.

While migrating the database to another server, the users also came across many challenges. Let’s try to understand what those challenges are so that we will be able to give better solutions for efficient and smooth process.

Why is SQL Database Migration Challenging for Users?

While migrating the database from one server to another server, users might encounter various challenges. Some of these challenges during move SQL database from one server to another process are mentioned below.

The users might come across compatibility issues during the transfer of the SQL database to another server.
One of the challenges, the user might encounter is data integrity issues. Ensuring complete data has been migrated to the new server is necessary after the database conversion.
When the user plans to migrate SQL database to another server, it will take a specific period, resulting in downtime of the database. This can affect the user’s workflow in the SQL Server database.
After the move SQL database from one server to another process, users might face some issues with the configuration within the two servers. This might result in some bigger challenges for the users.

All these challenges affect the user’s operational workflow and might disrupt their day-to-day tasks. To resolve these challenges and further continue with the copy SQL database from one server to another process, we will now take a look at a few methods that can help with the efficient transfer of the databases.

How to Migrate SQL Database to Another Server?

Step 1: Start the application on your PC.

Step 2: Select between “Online” and “Offline Mode”.

Step 3: Preview all your data from here.

Step 4: Select the “Export To” options as needed.

Step 5: Click on the “Export” button to move SQL database from one to another server.

These are the working steps of an expert solution, which preserves all the details and information during the whole SQL database to another server migration.

How to Copy SQL Database to Another Server? Overview

To proceed with the process to migrate SQL Database to another server, we are here with a few solutions. These solutions will help the users to move the database from one server to another in a safer way. The first method we will discuss is by using SSMS to move the database.

Method 1: Move SQL Database to New Server Using SSMS

With the help of the SQL Server Management Studio, users can copy their database from one server to another server. Here are the steps that will help with the migrate SQL Database to another server process.

Launch SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio), and connect the SSMS with the SQL Server instance.
Next, right-click on databases and choose the Database that you need to copy.
Click on Tasks and then click on Copy Database. A window will be displayed, press the next
Enter the source name and choose the Server Authentication
Then, click on the Next button to configure the connection to the source server.

The next method is to use the Detach and Attach method to copy the SQL Server from one server to another.

Method 2: Migrate SQL Database to Another Server (Detach and Attach Method)

To migrate the SQL Server database from one server to a new server, users can also choose the Detach and Attach method. The method simply works by detaching the database from the source server and attaching it to the destination server.

Phase 1: Detach the SQL Database from the Server

Launch the SQL Server Management Studio.
Right-click on Database, find Tasks, and then click on Detach.
Confirm the database name and then Enable the Drop Connections
Now, click on the OK button to detach the database.

[After that move the Database from the old server to another server by copying and pasting, so that you can roll back in case of any problems.]

Phase 2: Attach the database to Another Server

Launch and log in to the SSMS on the desired server.
Right-click on the Database, and then click on the Attach
Locate the Database (MDF and LDF) files that were copied from the source server.
Now, add the copied MDF and LDF files to the new server and click on OK button to migrate SQL database to another server.

With both these methods, users can move SQL database from one server to another. However, these methods don’t ensure data integrity and data security during the process. So, to efficiently copy the database, we will now take a look at how the professional solution helps the users.

Method 3: Copy SQL Database from One Server to Another Professionally

Now we will understand how a professional solution helps users to easily migrate SQL database to another server. The solution we are suggesting here is to use the RecoveryTools SQL Database Migration Tool. This solution will help you to effectively and seamlessly carry out the migration process in the SQL Server. Here are the steps on how to migrate SQL Database to another server using the automated solution.

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Install and launch the tool, then click on the “Open” button to add the SQL Server Database.
From the “Offline” and “Online SQL Server Database” options, select the “Online mode” to continue
Select the “Server” and the authentication mode to proceed.
After the scanning of database files, preview the loaded database objects.
Next, click on the “Export” button.
Enter the required credentials and choose the destination to export the database.
Click on the “Export” button to finish the ‘copy SQL database from one server to another’ process.

Other Articles Related with SQL Database:

How to Open MDF File without SQL Server?

How to Repair Corrupt SQL Log File Transaction?

SQL Server Recovery Models

How to Check Active Transaction in SQL Server?

How to Protect from SQL Injection Attack?

How to Restore SQL BAK file to New Database?

Conclusion

In this write-up, we have tried to understand the requirement to migrate SQL Database to another server along with its challenges. We have also suggested a few solutions that will help you to carry out the migration with ease without losing your sensitive data.