Backup and Restore SQL Database from One Server to Another: 2 Tips

As an IT administrator or manager, you may encounter scenarios where you need to switch computers or transfer your SQL Server database to another system for a particular purpose. Directly copying large amounts of files from the database is not feasible, making backup and restore the preferred method for transferring data. Below, we outline two simple approaches to assist you through the process.

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Tip 1. Use EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise

EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise serves as a comprehensive data backup and restore solution for Windows and Windows Server computers, allowing organizations to securely back up various types of computer data, including the SQL Server database, and restore it to any destination as required. The following detailed steps will guide you on transferring your SQL database between computers.

To ensure a secure database and streamline the process, it is recommended to download and utilize this tool on both your source and target computers.

Step 1. Initiate a Backup Task on the Source Computer
To initiate the backup of your SQL database using EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise, open the program on the computer where the backup is required and select 'New Task' to create a new backup task.

Step 2. Select SQL Server Database
Choose 'SQL' from the options at the top and select your database as the data source.

Step 3. Designate a Destination
Navigate to the destination section and select a local destination from the drop-down menu. It is recommended to save the backup data to an external disk for convenient data restoration. You also have the option to save it to a NAS or cloud storage, among others.

After completing the above steps, click the ‘Proceed’ button to commence the backup process. This will ensure that all your SQL server data is securely backed up.

Step 4. Restore the Backup to the Target Computer
To begin the transfer of your SQL database to a new server using EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise, launch the program on the target server and select the ‘Recovery’ button.

Step 5. Navigate to 'Browser'
Navigate to the top-right corner and click on ‘Browse...’ to access the destination where your backup is stored.

Step 6. Select the File for Recovery
In the recovery window that appears, choose your SQL database backup file and click ‘Next’.

Step 7. Choose the Recovery Destination
Please select a recovery location to restore the backup. Once you have made your decision, click on the ‘Proceed’ button to start the recovery process.

Following these steps, your SQL database will be successfully transferred from one server to another by EaseUS Todo Backup Enterprise.

Tip 2. Use Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a widely used software for SQL server database management. It includes the capability to back up and restore SQL server databases. Please refer to the steps below to facilitate the transfer of data between different servers.

Step 1: Launch SSMS on the Source Server
To begin with, open the SSMS on your source computer and establish a connection with the database server hosting your database using the appropriate credentials.

Step 2: Choose the Database for Backup
Navigate to the ‘Object Explorer’ in SQL Server Management Studio, expand the Databases folder, and locate the database you wish to back up. Right-click on the database, select ‘Tasks’ from the drop-down menu, and then choose ‘Back up...'.

Step 3. Designate a Destination
In the ‘Back Up Database’ window, select ‘Full’ as the backup type and specify a destination for the backup file. We recommend clicking the ‘Add’ button to save the backup to an external disk for easy recovery.

Step 4. Restore the Backup to the Target Server
Next, launch SSMS on the target server, connect to the desired instance, right-click on ‘Databases’, and select ‘Restore Database.’

Step 5. Select the Backup File for Recovery
In the subsequent window, choose 'Device’ and click on the ellipsis symbol to select the backup .bak file from your local drive and click ‘OK’.

Step 6. Select the File for Recovery
Confirm the restore settings and proceed by clicking ‘OK’ to initiate the restoration process.

Being able to backup and restore SQL databases from one server to another is an essential skill for any database administrator or IT professional. By following the correct procedures and using the appropriate tools outlined above, you can guarantee a seamless and secure transfer of data between servers. This will allow you to efficiently manage and safeguard your valuable database assets.

Conclusion:

Mastering the art of backing up and restoring SQL databases from one server to another is a fundamental skill in the world of database management. This expertise not only saves time and minimizes risks but also guarantees seamless data continuity. Whether you are migrating data to a new server, establishing a disaster recovery strategy, or transferring data between servers, having a solid grasp of the backup and restoration process for SQL databases is indispensable. Please follow the aforementioned two methods and give them a try.

Backup and Restore SQL Database from One Server to Another FAQs：

Read the FAQs below to get more instructions on the backup and restore of the SQL Server database from one server to another.

1.How do I backup SQL database?
Launch SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the instance you want to backup. Then right-click the specific database, choose Tasks > Back Up. Then make sure the backup type is full backup, and then select a destination.

2.How do I restore a SQL database from backup?
Connect to the appropriate instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then in Object Explorer, select the server name to expand the server tree. Right-click Databases, and then select Restore Database. The Restore Database dialog box opens. Select the database to restore from the drop-down list.

3.How to move backup files from one server to another in SQL Server?
Open SQL Server Management Studio and follow the steps:
Right-click on the database and select Tasks > Copy Database...
On the Copy Database Wizard window, you need to click Next to move on.
Select a source server by entering the source server name.

4.What is the difference between recovery and restore in SQL Server?
Restoring involves copying backup files from a secondary storage (backup media) to disk. This can be done to replace damaged files or to copy/move a database to a new location. Recovery is the process of applying redo logs to the database to roll it forward.