How to Move a Microsoft SQL Server Database

What is an MSSQL database?

A database is an organized store for information, like a very big spreadsheet. Microsoft SQL Server is a program that runs such databases. Websites built with ASP.NET often use it. Moving a database means making a copy on the old server and loading it into the new one.

Ask Hostvento support whether MSSQL is on your plan and how to connect to it.

Warning: Restoring over an existing database replaces its data. Make a backup of both servers first.

What you need

Login details for the old and new SQL Server.
SQL Server Management Studio, called SSMS. It is a free Microsoft program with windows and buttons for managing databases.
A way to move a file between the servers, such as FTP or a file manager.

Step 1: Back up the old database

Open SSMS and connect to the old server.
Expand Databases.
Right-click your database. Choose Tasks, then Back Up.
Set the type to Full.
Under Destination, click Add and choose a file path ending in .bak.
Click OK and wait for the success message.

Step 2: Move the file

Copy the .bak file to your computer.
Upload it to a place the new server can read. Your hosting details or Hostvento support will tell you where.

Step 3: Restore on the new server

Connect SSMS to the new server.
Right-click Databases and choose Restore Database.
Pick Device, click the three dots and then Add.
Select your .bak file and click OK.
Type the target database name.
Click OK to start.

Some shared hosts do not allow a restore from SSMS. Then you can send the file to support or use their import tool.

Step 4: Finish up

Check that tables and rows are there.
Re-create database users and passwords. These sometimes do not move across.
Update the connection string in your site. A connection string is the line of text that tells your site where the database is. It lives in a file such as web.config.
Test your site.

Quick recap

Back up the old database to a .bak file.
Move the file to the new server.
Restore it with SSMS.
Fix users and the connection string.
Test everything before you switch live traffic.