[sims] Exporting database

[RogerCorrigan]

Does anyone know how to export the SIMS database as an mdf file so i can reinstall SIMS and attach the saved mdf file to it? Any help would be appreciated

[Sylv3r]

I would recommend you set yourself up an account on the Supportnet website if you don't have a logon already.

 

http://support.capitaes.co.uk/newlogin/login.asp

 

A guide will be on here after a quick search (hopefully). It's a matter of using the dbdetach and dbattach tools, but off the top of my head it may require additional steps and its been a while since I carried it out myself.

[staningrimsby]

Its fairly straight forward, if you go into system manager and create a backup it will create a .BAK file,

copy this were you want to.

 

Install the SQL instance on your new computer then drop to the command prompt,

navigate to the location of your SQL instance,

i.e. c:\program files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL10\Binn

the run DBattach /RESTOREUI

 

This will then run DBattach and allow you to do a full restore of the database without any loss of data.

[vikpaw]

I would add in, that part of the install of SQL, is then the install of SIMS tools on the server. The best way to do this is to download teh installable ISO from supportnet, though i think now you have to request it from them or your support team.

 

This creates the folder and the binn which has dbattach in it. You should then be able to run it from the start menu. I think the new version has the restore switch added already i'm sure someone said.

 

Another interim step is that the version of sims installed on teh server needs to match the backup i.e. the current system, so the installable is usually spring, so you should then run the ISO which has the update files on it, this usually has a link available on SupportNet. Run the update that matches the version you are on.

 

e.g. install SQL, run sims spring 2012 installable, run autumn sims update. then restore data.

[Greg]

Was just going to add the same when I got dragged off to fix something.

If you're setting up a test SIMS system then make sure it's secured as it has all of your data in it.

Also, check your licensing with whoever does your support that you are covered to do this.

[vikpaw]

oh yes, for test, make sure you check other threads here for best practise and more detail.

e.g. alter the docstorage settings, so they don't point to the live storage.