Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

I.3.2. Converting to SQL Server 2008

Unless you're building a brand new set of applications, chances are you have an existing database that will need to be converted to work with SQL Server 2008. This section shows you how to handle this important task. We've broken this portion into two segments: converting from an earlier version of SQL Server, and converting from a different relational database management system.

Before undertaking any major system or software upgrade, it's always wise to perform a complete backup of your information. The data you save may be your own!

I.3.2.1. Upgrading from earlier versions of SQL Server

Upgrading database software (and the data contained in it) is always a nerve-wracking experience. Luckily, if you're running an earlier instance of SQL Server (such as SQL Server 2000 or 2005), it's actually quite simple. You can even elect to have your SQL Server 2008 instance simultaneously running alongside the earlier edition.

Assuming that you want to upgrade the entire instance, here's how to get started:

1. Obtain a copy of the product.

   Most database administrators obtain a physical DVD containing the SQL Server product; there are also circumstances where it's available electronically. If you obtain a physical copy, place the media in your computer's DVD drive.

2. Launch the SQL Server setup application.

   The Setup.exe file is under the \Servers folder on your ...