How to Backup SQL Server Database to Older Version in Another Server?

There are situations when users might want to backup SQL Server database to older version of Microsoft SQL. Now, there can be several reasons for that but only a few accurate solutions to actually get the desired results. This is because of some challenges that users need to be aware of. Moreover, users need often get confused regarding the method to execute such a task.

Well, logically, there are two ways to execute such a task but experts prefer to use the modern-day refined solution instead of the manual ones. Still, we will mention these solutions along with the benefits & drawbacks. for users to backup the SQL database from a high-end version to a lower one.

Challenges to Backup SQL Database to Another Server Lower Version

Now, before we proceed to execute this method, let’s learn about the challenges in depth. In other words, we will try to understand what are the challenges & why are they occurring. For this, we have a display error message stating the issues for backup SQL Server database to the older version task.

Here, it is completely shown that due to the incompatibility of the lower version with the higher version features, functionalities, and properties, the software does not allow users to do so. Therefore we have some other ways that we are going to opt for.

Read Similar: How to determine SQL server version

Apart from this some of the other common challenges here are:

• Training the staff about the upcoming changes which is not very pleasant in terms of migrating the server to a lower version.
• Being prepared for data loss, or corruption is also crucial as the project failure will lead to it for sure & will increase the workload.
• Downgrading the server means reducing the efficiency & making the operations time-consuming in some way for bulk operations.
• Technical proficiency is also required for such an advanced solution as not all users execute such tasks on a daily basis.

Backup SQL Server Database to Older Version – Best Way Possible

To get the work done quickly, it’s crucial for users to consider the SysTools SQL Database Migration Tool anyhow. This advanced wizard holds the capability to backup the SQL database to a lower or older version to some extent. It’s not like you can migrate the data from 2022 to 2000 version. Instead, it’s like going from 2019 version to 2017, 2016, etc.

Download the Software & then follow the 5 simple steps mentioned below to backup SQL database to another server even if it’s a lower version.

Step-1. Install and Open the Software to begin the procedure.

Step-2. Hit the Open button & Select the Online or Offline mode.

Step-3. Enter Source Server Details or MDF files to provide data.

Step-4. Select the Destination platform to backup in the lower version. 

Step-5. Finally, Hit the Export button to backup SQL Server database to older version.

Note: Users must note that minor downgrading is fine with this tool but executing major downgrading isn’t possible by any method.

Software Features to Learn How to Backup SQL Database to Older Version

The software comes with some exceptional features that make it the best of all. Let’s discuss these features & how they help users in reducing the hassles. Also, we will discuss what else the software can help users with.

Complete Database Migration: This is the best utility as it can migrate the SQL server database along with all of its data & schema. It backs up the data to another server or the same server with a different database.

Four Modes for Migration or Backup: The software allow users to get four options. These are Live Server to Live Server, Live Server to SQL Scripts, SQL MDF to Live Server, and SQL MDF to SQL Scripts as the user requires.

Schema & Data Optional: Users get the option to either export the schema only to back up the structure of the tables. Or they can opt for the schema with data for getting tables & data for backup SQL Server database to an older version. 

Exporting to New or Existing DB: If users want, they can backup the entire data & export that to either a new database or an existing one. This way, management of the data becomes easier than before.

Also Read: How to Restore Schema in SQL Server Database?

Generate Scripts to Backup SQL Database to Another Server Manually – Stage 1

In this manual approach, users must have the support of the SQL Server environment including the SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio). Here, users need to opt for the Generate Scripts function to complete this stage of work smoothly.

Follow the Steps mentioned below carefully:

1. Go to SSMS > Tasks > Generate Scripts.
2. “Generate and Publish Scripts” window > Next.
3. “Choose Objects” tab > Click on the next button.
4. Set Scripting Option tab > Hit the Advance button.
5. Now, Select the Version from the drop-down list here.
6. Set “Schema and Data” in Types of data to script option.
7. Table view options:
8. Set Script Index, Script triggers, Script primary keys to true.
9. Click OK in Set Scripting option > Save as Script File > Next.
10. Verify the data & Click on the Next button.
11. Click on the Finish button.

Run Scripts in Lower Version of the SQL Server Database – Stage 2

Once we have created the SQL Server scripts, it’s time that we proceed to run them in the system. For that, here we are at stage two to perform some of the other crucial steps.

1. Open SSMS > Click on File > Open  > File.
2. Browse & Select the SQL Script > Click Open.
3. After opening the script, change MDF & LDF locations.
4. Right-Click on the Database and Hit the Refresh button.

That’s it. After executing all of these steps from both stages one & two, users might get the expected outcome. However, there is still no surety for 100% accurate results as not all objects of higher SQL versions are supported by the lower versions.

Critical Drawbacks of the Manual Method

Before users jump to backup SQL database to another server in a lower version using the manual solution, let’s have a look at the drawbacks present here quickly. Then the decision-making for uses will be easier.

• Quite an Inefficient Solution
• Technical Proficiency Needed
• No Surety of Expected Results
• Chances of Data Loss/Damage
• Lacks Modern Day Advance Features

Conclusion

Finally, learning how to backup SQL Server database to older version is completed using the above methods. Now, selection of the right method depends on users preferences. As per experts & Microsoft MVPs, the advanced solution is what users should focus on.