Are you interested in learning how to migrate your database from MS SQL 2008 to 2012? If your current Cloud site is running the older version of MS SQL and you would like to update it to the newest 2012 feature-rich version, you have come to the right place. Here is a step-by-step process detailing how you can migrate your database from MS SQL 2008 to 2012:

Tasks to Complete Prior to Migration

If you want your site to run efficiently as soon as possible after the migration, it is important to take these steps prior to starting the process. When you’re planning to perform a migration, it is always important to choose a time where traffic is minimal so that your business is not negatively impacted. Once you choose the best time, here are the necessary steps you should take:

• Change the default page of your website to show that your site is under maintenance and give an estimate of when the site will be available
• Drop any of the full text catalogs that are on the MS SQL 2008 database so that you can create a backup file that is compatible with the 2012 version. When migrating from MS SQL 2008 to 2012, it is important to be aware of the fact that full text catalogs are not supported.
• Set your database to the Read Only mode after you have performed your backup by using the command:

  ALTER DATABASE [NumXYZ_OldDbName] SET READ_ONLY

Create Your MS SQL 2012 Database

To create the new 2012 database that you will migrate your database to, do the following:

• Go to the Control Panel found under the Features tab that is located in the same domain that your 2008 database is on to create your database.
• Once the 2012 database has been created, you will need to write down the new hostname so that you can change all of the connection strings that are linked to the database. the hostname will be required to make all necessary changes to your data center.

Backup Your MS SQL 2008 Database and Restore it on MS SQL 2012.

Now, you will backup the data in your 2008 database for migration. To do this you can use SQL Server Management Studio, but it is much more easier to do with a free version of SQLBackupAndFTP.

In the same manner, you can restore the backup on your MS SQL Server 2012 with a free One-Click SQL Restore tool or if you are more used to SSMS you can use it as well.

Completing Your Migration

The final step will be to update the connection strings on your site to ensure that the strings direct traffic to the new database. Once everything is in working order, delete your 2008 database to avoid being billed twice.