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Restore a SQL server 2008 BAK file on SQL Server 2005 R2

  • February 2, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    #244522

    We have developed a database structure using SQL Server 2005 R2 with SQL Server Developer edition at our office. The database was created here (2005) and then detached and sent to the client who placed it on their 2008 server. Its been operational for nearly half a year and we would like to get a backup copy to restore on our local 2005 server and check out how data entry is going, however it seems its not possible to restore a newer version BAK to an older version. Is this correct?

    What else are my options?

    Thanks,

  • February 2, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    #1281598

    yes that is correct; you cannot resotre 2008 on a 2005.

    you can restore a backup from a lower version to a higher version, but not downward to lower versions;

    you'll want to install a local 2008 or 2008R2 on your side to support them; Express is free if the db is small enough, and developer edition is typically around 50 dollars, and seems to fit exactly what you need:

    Lowell

    --help us help you! If you post a question, make sure you include a CREATE TABLE... statement and INSERT INTO... statement into that table to give the volunteers here representative data. with your description of the problem, we can provide a tested, verifiable solution to your question! asking the question the right way gets you a tested answer the fastest way possible!

  • February 2, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    #1281622

    If you need to move data and structure back and forth, SSIS is probably your best bet.

    And then again, I might be wrong ...
    David Webb

  • February 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm

    #1281623

    Just one thing, there is not and never has been a SQL 2005 R2. The only version that got an R2 was SQL 2008.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

  • February 2, 2011 at 4:34 pm

    #1281667

    Sorry I got confused, the server is Windows 2005 R2 running SQL server 2005 Developer edition. The other is who knows but its 2008 SQL server.

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