How can I clone an SQL Server database on the same server in SQL Server 2008 Express?
I have an MS SQL Server 2008 Express system which contains a database that I would like to 'copy and rename' (for testing purposes) but I am unaware of a simple way to achieve this.
I notice that in the R2 version of SQL Server there is a copy database wizard, but sadly I can't upgrade.
The database in question is around a gig. I attempted to restore a backup of the database I want to copy into a new database, but with no luck.
Solution 1:
-
Install Microsoft SQL Management Studio, which you can download for free from Microsoft's website:
Version 2008
Microsoft SQL Management Studio 2008 is part of SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services
Version 2012
Click download button and check
ENU\x64\SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe
Version 2014
Click download button and check MgmtStudio
64BIT\SQLManagementStudio_x64_ENU.exe
Open Microsoft SQL Management Studio.
- Backup original database to .BAK file (db -> Task -> Backup).
- Create empty database with new name (clone). Note comments below as this is optional.
- Click to clone database and open restore dialog (see image)
- Select Device and add the backup file from step 3.
- Change destination to test database
- Change location of database files, it must be different from the original. You can type directly into text box, just add postfix. (NOTE: Order is important. Select checkbox, then change the filenames.)
- Check WITH REPLACE and WITH KEEP_REPLICATION
Solution 2:
Right-click the database to clone, click Tasks
, click Copy Database...
. Follow the wizard and you're done.