Introduction
Merging MSSQL databases into one can be a daunting task, especially if you have multiple databases with lots of data. However, with proper planning and execution, it can be done with minimal disruptions to your users. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in merging MSSQL databases into one.
Step 1: Backup All Databases
The first step in merging MSSQL databases into one is to backup all the databases that you want to merge. It is important to have a backup in case something goes wrong during the merging process. To backup a MSSQL database, use the following command:
BACKUP DATABASE databasename TO DISK = 'filepath';Make sure to replace "databasename" with the name of the database you want to backup and "filepath" with the location where you want to save the backup file.
Step 2: Restore Databases to New Server
Next, you need to restore all the databases that you want to merge to a new server. This will ensure that all the databases are in the same location and can be easily merged. To restore a database, use the following command:
RESTORE DATABASE databasename FROM DISK = 'filepath';Again, make sure to replace "databasename" with the name of the database you want to restore and "filepath" with the location of the backup file.
Step 3: Merge the Databases
Once you have restored all the databases on the new server, you can start merging them into one database. There are several ways to do this, but one common method is to use the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard. Here are the steps:
Step 3.1: Open the Wizard
Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the new server where you restored the databases. In Object Explorer, right-click on the server name and select "Tasks" > "Import Data..."
Step 3.2: Select the Source Database
On the "Welcome" screen, click "Next". On the "Choose a Data Source" screen, select "SQL Server Native Client" as the data source and enter the server name and credentials for the source database. Click "Next".
Step 3.3: Select the Destination Database
On the "Choose a Destination" screen, select "SQL Server Native Client" as the destination and enter the server name and credentials for the destination database. Select "Create a new database" and enter a name for the merged database. Click "Next".
Step 3.4: Select the Source Tables
On the "Specify Table Copy or Query" screen, select "Copy data from one or more tables or views" and select the tables you want to merge from the source database. Click "Next".
Step 3.5: Map the Source Tables to the Destination Tables
On the "Specify Table Copy or Query" screen, you can also map the source tables to the destination tables if they have different table names or column names. Click "Next".
Step 3.6: Review and Execute the Package
On the "Save and Run Package" screen, review the summary of the package and click "Finish" to execute it. The wizard will merge the selected tables from the source database into the new merged database.
Step 4: Clean Up the Databases
After merging the databases, you can clean up the old databases to free up disk space. To do this, use the following command:
DROP DATABASE databasename;Make sure to replace "databasename" with the name of the database you want to drop.
Conclusion
Merging MSSQL databases into one can be a complex task, but it is possible with careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can merge multiple databases into one while minimizing disruptions to your users.