Question

I have a database in SQL Server 2008, which I want to copy to another computer.

How do I make such a copy?

Once this is done, what should I do at the other computer to build the database once again from my copy?

Answer 1

Simple Answer: Back it up, then restore it on the other computer.

Have a look here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc966495.aspx

There’s a lot of stuff there, but essentially, right click on the database, Tasks > Backup. Fill in the options to perform a full backup to somewhere.

Once it has created the backup (one big file, by convention with a BAK extension), on the second computer, right click the Databases folder, Restore Database and follow the prompts.

You can do it as well in SQL if you wish:

• Backup: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186865.aspx
• Restore: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186858.aspx

There might be times when it’s better to detach and move, but this approach always feels a bit safer!

This will copy both structure and the data in the database.