Question

How would I update data in a table in a separate database based on the records in the current database?

For instance I want to update the field “status” in the database called “database_old” with the value contained in the database “database_new” . My current data exists in the database “database_new”. I want to only update records in the “database_old” db when the record_id field matches. The fields “status” and “record_id” exists in the table “products” in both databases. As as I said the field “status” should be updated with the value from the “database_new” but only update if the record_id matches.

This a MS SQL 2005 database.

Answer 1

If both database are on the same server just use the 3 part name Database.dbo.TableName. Example:

update old
set old.status = new.status
from database_old.dbo.products old
inner join database_new.dbo.products new
on old.record_id = new.record_id

If they are on different servers then you need to have a linked server and then use a 4 part name.