MS Access to SQL Server - sql-server

I am trying to move my rapidly growing MS Access 2016 database to a SQL Server back end and build an asp.net front end. I am trying to migrate data from the Access database to an instance of SQL server 2014 but this is not going so well. I tried to migrate it using the MS Migration Assistant but this is not supported for versions after 2010. Does anyone know an easy way to convert Access tables to SQL Server?
Thanks in advance.

The only migration assistant that was depreciated was the one built into Access. So you are correct that after Access 2010, the migration system is removed.
However, there is a SQL Migration Assistant for Access that can be used here:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54255
The above SSMA for Access is better than the old migration assent and is designed for upgrading Access to SQL server.
NOTE CAREFULLY that the shortcut on the desktop is for office x64 which FEW have, so make sure you launch the x32 bit version of SSMA – you find the shortcut to x32 in the programs folder (or just type I SSMA in windows 10 and select the x32 version.
AGAIN:
Make sure you follow above to launch the x32 version else it will not work.

Create your database in SQLServer
In Management studio, Right click on your database. Go to
Tasks
Import data
This should bring up the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard
In Data source, choose Microsoft Access. I have 3 choices in my test server. I'm not sure what one to use, so it might pay to play around.
Follow the Wizard, which should get you to were you want to be

To automate migration from Microsoft Access database(s) to SQL Server
SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) is a free supported tool
A video tutorial and all procedure I posted on the blog:
https://www.imran.xyz/convert-microsoft-access-database-to-sql-server-database/
You can download it from Microsoft
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54255

Related

What is the difference between DBMS and Database IDE?

I have been using Microsoft SQL Server 2017 for a while (just DDL and DML) and recently decided to install JetBrains DataGrip because I thought it was another DBMS but with dark theme.
When I try to create a new database it tells me to assign a host/user/password/port and I cannot do anything because it can't "connect to the database". I've been using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 2017 and never needed to assign a port/password/host or anything? I just created a new database and started adding/filling tables. How does JetBrains DataGrip work?
I noticed that on the JetBrains DataGrip page it doesn't say it's a DBMS, it says it's a "Database IDE". I cannot seem to find information about this on the web.
When considering a RDBMS such as SQL Server, the core component is a service/engine which acts as an interface between the database (files) and end users or applications allowing database functions to be carried out.
SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) is just one of many possible end users of the SQL Server Database, and happens to have be part of the SQL Server software suite. It should not, however, be confused with the database itself as SQL Server operates perfectly happily without ever seeing SSMS.
Any form of user interface tool for a database needs to know how to connect to the database it is going to manage. In your case you most likely installed the entire software suite with default settings and as such didn't need to know what they were. JetBrains DataGrip however does need these settings.
You can find out what your specific settings are by running the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
JetBrains DataGrip is just a Database IDE to connect to different database engines via only one environment without needing to install management tools for every database that you want to work with.

Can't find Microsoft SQL Server even if it is installed?

Regarding the following images, I have obviously installed the Microsoft SQL Server, but I can't find the exe-file or anything named Microsoft SQL Server in the start menu.
Anyone who knows what to do to solve this, or do I need to install something more?
SQL Server runs as a service. You can start and stop it from windows services. SSMS is a gui tool for managing ddl (creating and altering tables and index's for example) and dml (writing queries to inquire, update or add data to databases).SSMS comes free with every edition of SQL server - perhaps you didn't tick a box when installing? You can also do this stuff the old fashioned way using sqlcmd from command line(DBAs love this for some reason) but for us mortals SSMS is much less of a struggle. As an aside there are other guis such as Toad (expensive) and Heidisql (free) amongst others which will do the job.
Looks like you have the engine. What you've got to do now is install SQL Server Management Studio: https://msdn.microsoft.com/hr-hr/library/mt238290.aspx
Looks like you have the various SQL Server components that are installed by Visual Studio (recent version) or SQL Server Data Tools (as used by VS).

Migrate Sharepoint 2007 and database from two separate servers to one physical server

I'm looking for any advice on the best way to migrate a SharePoint 2007 installation and a database. The current setup is a server running SharePoint 2007 with the database stored on a separate SQL Server installation. Due to performance issues we are planning to move the SharePoint application to another server and also move the database onto the same physical server and run it using SQL Server 2005 Express.
Has anyone done this type of migration before and could they recommend the best way to carry this out or if it is even possible. Migrating the SharePoint installation from one physical server to another seems fairly straight forward using stsadm.exe. Can anyone advise the best way to move the database from an SQL Server to SQL Server Express so that the SharePoint installation will be able to see it?
I highly suggest using Tzunami's tools and products for SharePoint migration. Their site provides various demo videos and other information regarding content migration. They give user-friendly instructions, making the process quick and easy!
Their products are listed on the site- check them out at http://www.tzunami.com/products/Product-Overview.
Hope this helps!

Move Sharepoint 2010 to point to a different database?

Has anyone here moved the database underlying a SP 2010 install from one database instance to another (same data, just hosted in another instance)?
For example. we just want to move the database to a diffrerent machine.
In addition, has anyone moved SP 2010 from using SQL Express to a higher version of SQL Server? I would like to run some proof of concept tests with SQL Express, and if all goes well, then move to SQL Standard or Enterprise.
Cheers,
Daniel
Check out the following article:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc512725.aspx
I don't think you'll run into any problems, just make sure you aren't going backwards in versions between databases. Backing up a database in SQL Server 2008 and restoring in 2005 isn't easy.
I've never done this with SharePoint, but I believe it lets you specify the location of the configuration database. Then you just need to match the user permissions.
The TechNet article "Move All Databases (SharePoint 2010)" is your main guide.
Note that this article contains the following warning:
The new database server must be running the same version of Windows
Server and Microsoft SQL Server as the existing database server.
This in NOT true!
Both from my own experience in migrating SharePoint databases and talks I've had with Microsoft Primary Field Engineering, I can say this method also works when SQL Server versions differ. But only if you upgrade to higher SQL Server versions (i.e. SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008 R2). I was told this scenario is also fully supported by Microsoft.
Also, don't forget to update the database compatibility level for the migrated databases. This should future-proof your databases and enable advanced SQL Server optimization.

How do you work with SQL Server CE and SQL Server 2008 Express?

I have installed:
Visual C# 2008 Express
Visual Web Developer 2008 Express
Visual Studio 2008
SQL Server 2008 Express
SQL Server Management Studio
In Visual C# 2008 Express, I can "Add Item" and create a "Local Database" (.sdf file) or a "Service Based Database" (.mdf file).
Visual Studio 2008 is the same as Visual C# 2008 for applications but in Websites, the only way I can create .sdf or .mdf files is via the Database Explorer.
In Visual Web Developer 2008 Express, however, I can "Add Item" and ONLY create a "SQL Server Database" (.mdf file). Even the Database Explorer doesn't offer to create a SQL CE database.
Questions:
why the discrepency between the applications, is this normal or did something go wrong with my installations?
I never "installed SQL CE", where did it come from and how is it that I am able to create .sdf file?
How do you work with these in projects on a day to day basis, do you use Visual Studio to edit the databases or do you use SQL Server Management Studio?
I believe only Professional and above may create MSSQL CE databases.
SQL CE is installed with 2008 studio, I was surprised to see it myself and didn't see an option to exclude it.
Personally I use VS 2008 to add items to my project databases. Since it's open anyway I just use it. It provides most of the same functionality as Management Studio. If I am doing separate database work, I usually do it in Management studio.
The CE databases are pretty useless. They have a limited sub-set of types and functions. They do not support views or stored procedures. Basically they only store tables; I haven't attempted to create foreign keys in them.
There is no way to rename tables or columns. You must create a new table.
Once you create your database it must be manually added to your project.
You cannot directly create a LINQ to SQL class in VS2008 on a CE database. You need to use the command line tool sqlmetal (called from .NET console) to create the class for you.
I've had issues where the Class created for a CE database didn't work like a class built for a regular SQL database. Because of this I abandoned using a CE database all together.
It would be nice if there was a reliable way to use Linq to SQL on SQLite databases. SQLite is a great self-contained database not requiring any type of external engine.
Sorry I don't have any performance statistics for an SQL CE database.
I hope this is somewhat helpful.
Brett
Ok registered now and not sure why got a -1 vote on previous answer but will expand.
Web Developer Express 2008 Does not create or work with Sql Server CE simply because SQL Server CE is not designed to work on the Web Server.
When you load c# express or vb express. sql server express 2008 is offered to be installed. SQL CE isn't installed. if you go and add a data source the two I know will be there, Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 (.NET Framework Data Provider for Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5)and Microsoft SQL Server Database File (SqlClient), the access client may be there also.
It should be noted with a default Express setup that if you choose to use the data provider for sql server compact it will fail even though it is an option. you would have to download sql server ce separately to create sdf databases.
Also Express versions are targeted to a different audience and doesn't have the same ui setup as the main vs sku's have. For example Web express in database setup doesn't even offer the choice to use sql server ce. while in VS it is a choice from the data menu mainly because VS supports more than just web developer.
Now you said you loaded VS 2008 (didn't say what version but doesn't matter since this affects standard and above)
The default install for vs 2008 will install Sql server ce (and as previous answer stated 3.1 was with rtm, 3.5 was with sp1). you can turn it off in advance options.
One concern I have is that you mention that you can't create a database in vs on web projects. which template are you using. You should be able to create server based database Items in add item and both local and server database objects in the data tab.
so in Summery.
on client based express skus and client based projects you should be able to create a local or server based database from add item and from the data tab.
Since sql CE is not officially supported on the Web Server. on the web skus in add Item you should only have access to create a server based database. on express since it is a dedicated sku CE isn't an option in either the data tab or the add item. on vs you can create a CE database from the Data tab. and you should have access to create a server database in add item.
sql server management studio doesn't care where the source is. so it will work with all and create the database.
I use all the options listed just depending on what or where I am at the time. as was mentioned CE on the desktop is primarily a cache database perfect for offline database support. but does have its limitations and in addition really needs better integration. once I am created or working with a database in support I primarily use management studio.
The key point in why you can't access CE from Web express is that CE is not supported on the web server.
Douglas
This is normal. The database types supported by the Visual Studio designer differ by edition. Note that any version of Visual Studio can write and use code that connects to any of those databases. It's just that the visual "wizard" tools included with the IDE that walk you through it are different for each edition.
SQL CE is the Compact Edition of sql server. It's intended for use on portable devices like smart phones or as an Access replacement for a local data store in desktop apps. It's very portable: only 2 dlls that clock in at less than 1Mb of disk space, and was probably included with at least one of your Visual Studio packages, probably all of them.
I normally do all my database work from Management Studio, but that's a personal preference.
The discrepancy is odd, but since SQL CE is a plugged-in item, it may well be that the team didn't test every possible scenario and some of the applications simply didn't get the info they needed to know that it's there. I'm not saying that anything went wrong - it may simply be a scenario that the SQL CE team never tested.
SQL CE was installed with Studio (can't recall offhand, but I think 3.1 shipped with the RTM and 3.5 shipped with SP1).
I always use Management Studio for making database modifications (except those done directly in code).

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