Import SQL Server 2008 Database to SQL Server 2014

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On July 12, 2018, Microsoft released a post discussing the discontinuation of support for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2. They highlighted the end of support for SQL Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008, explaining the reasons behind this decision and urging users to consider their newer offerings. For further information, explore the provided details from here. Upon reaching the end of the 5-year lifecycle for regular and security updates, various concerns emerge, including security threats from cyber-attacks, compliance issues, performance, and efficiency problems. These challenges become prominent after the support period concludes, as outlined below.

So, if you are currently using SQL Server 2008 or SQL Server 2008 R2, there is still time to strategize your transition to a more recent commercial version of SQL Server.

If you’re already aware of this scenario and contemplating an upgrade or migration to a supported version of SQL Server, or if you’re seeking guidance on importing SQL Server databases to versions like SQL Server 2014, this article provides various methods. Additionally, we’ll introduce an advanced tool that proves useful in addressing challenges like database file corruption and databases marked with the suspect status. In situations like these, users often search for solutions such as methods for recovering SQL databases without backup, tips to recover SQL database from suspect mode, how to retrieve deleted records in SQL Server, and other related techniques.

Note: Make sure that you’ve downloaded the latest, preferred, and supported build of SQL Server (SQL Server 2014) and installed it either on the same system or on a different machine, before you implement any of the methods given below.

Import SQL Server 2008 Database to SQL Server 2014 Manually

To import the SQL Server 2008 Database to SQL Server 2014, opt from any of the native & manual method listed below.

1. Using Import & Export WizardThe data transformation services Import & Export wizard provides the user the ability to migrate complete database or move selective database objects to the destination database.
   You’ll need Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio for implementation of this method, follow the steps below to import the SQL Server database:
   1. Open SQL Server Management Studio on the source server,
   2. Select the database & right-click, select Tasks > Copy Database,
   3. Copy Database windows will pop on-screen,
      Here, select the source & input destination database credentials,
   4. Specify the preferred settings configuration,
   5. Click Next,
      Note: In this step, you can also choose to schedule SQL Server 2008 database to SQL Server 2014 migration for a specific time frame.
   6. Click on the Execute button to start the migration/transfer,
   7. Done.
2. Using Backup & Restore

You can create the database backup and restore it further using Transact-SQL statements, follow below-given steps:

1. Archive full database including all the instances,
2. Specify the target location and copy the backup there,
3. On the destination server, initiate database restoration by specifying the WITH NORECOVERY option,
4. Overwrite the existing database using the WITH REPLACE option,
5. Finish.
3. Using Generate Scripts Wizard

Another method to import/migrate SQL Server 2008 database to SQL Server 2014 is to generate scripts; steps are as follows:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio on the source server,
2. Select the database and right-click > Tasks > Generate Scripts,
3. Configure settings for migration as per the preference,
4. Confirm, script data = true is selected to move data as well,
5. Click on Next > Next > Finish,
6. Now, connect to the database server & create a new database in it,
7. Click on the New Query button on the navigation bar,
8. Paste script generated by the GSW (Generate Scripts Wizard),
9. Now, execute the query on the destination database, Done.
4. Using Attach & Detach

To use, attach & detach, go through the steps given below one after the other:

1. Detach the source server using sp_detach stored procedure,
2. Now, copy the MDF, LDF, and NDF files to the destination PC,
3. Now use the sp_Attach_db stored procedure to attach the database to the target server,
4. Browse to the location where you’ve saved the copy of database files in step-2, on the new system,
5. Finish.

The methods mentioned above can facilitate the migration from SQL Server 2008 to 2014. However, these manual methods are not entirely secure due to potential issues like mistyped Transact-SQL statements, database file corruption, damage during transfer to another system, and similar concerns.
Moreover, for users to employ any of the provided manual methods, a comprehensive understanding of the processes and statements used is essential. This can often be challenging and confusing for many users, leading to potential data loss caused by file corruption. Here, we’d suggest the users to use a standalone SQL recovery tool.

This advanced tool is specifically designed to address all SQL Server database file issues, offering repair and recovery for corrupt or damaged files. It can restore MDF and NDF files directly to the live server. The tool streamlines the entire transfer and migration process, automating backend commands and requiring only a few clicks from the end user. No prior technical knowledge is needed for migration and import tasks.

Go through the steps given below sequentially to import SQL Server Database 2008 to SQL Server 2014 with ease.

1. Open the software,
   Free Download 100% Secure

2. Click on Browse to select the database file,
   Select the Standard Recovery Mode and click Recover.
   
   Note: You can select both healthy & corrupt or damaged database files here. In case, if the level of file corruption is high, then select Advanced Scan mode.
3. Wait for the scan process to complete.
   
   Note: If you wish to choose a different database file then, click on the Stop button to immediately halt the Scan process.
4. Upon successful file scan, the tool’s UI – User-Interface will refresh and load all the data stored inside,
   Checkmark all or select database objects to recover > click on Save button,
   
   Note: Click on any object to view the item and its data.
5. Saving Mode window will appear on-screen,
   Now, to import SQL Server 2008 database to SQL Server 2014, select SQL Server radio button,
   Select the Server Authentication option > input credentials, as shown below,
   
   Note: To save the recovered files locally, if the files were corrupt or damaged then, select Batch File option, provide the destination path and click Ok.
6. Wait for the saving process to finish,
   
   Note: To reselect database objects to reduce overall file size, click on the Stop button and repeat from step-4,
7. Click Ok.

You’ve successfully migrated the database from SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2014 with ease.

Read Also : How to Migrate SQL Database 2008 to SQL 2016?

After importing the database from SQL Server 2008 to SQL Server 2014, you will be able to use the latest features in SQL Server 2014. Some of them are following;

The most recent version of SQL Server seamlessly integrates with high-performance solid-state storage drives (SSDs). By utilizing SSDs for the database buffer pool, it significantly accelerates query processing and minimizes database input/output time.

SQL Server 2014 boasts in-memory OLTP capabilities, elevating database performance speed. Remarkably, these enhancements don’t necessitate additional hardware or server setting modifications. Moreover, the latest SQL Server version facilitates the seamless migration of specific database tables and stored procedures to the in-memory OLTP environment.

There are encryption capabilities for the data of the on-premises database as well as Azure Cloud storage.

In SQL Server 2014, availability groups can house database replicas, ensuring continuity in the event of a disaster. Users can create up to 8 database replicas, guaranteeing availability even during network failures.

In hybrid setups, SQL Server 2014 fully supports managing and automating SQL Server backups stored in Azure cloud storage.

Wrap

Native methods for database imports do not require additional software downloads, but they are time-consuming, demand technical expertise, and can be confusing for users unfamiliar with Transact-SQL statements and SQL Server Management Studio. In contrast, it offers a streamlined database migration process by automating the entire operation, and it can assist you in help topics such as recover deleted records in SQL server, recover database file(s) after corruption and more.