[sims] How to Migrate SIMS or query the SQL database

[Warwick_Tech]

Hi All,

 

Our SIMS is now 'read only' as we have new contracts -

 

This being said we still need read only access, but the server is currently held together with goodwill and sellotape, of which I've run out of goodwill.

 

This being said, without support from ESS (or maybe for a one off charge) how could we go about moving the SIMS SQL database to a newer server? we could use the free version of SQL as only 4 people would be using it, but is it just acase of moving the bits across?

 

Failing this, how can we access our SQL database without the SIMS GUI, or is this even possible?

[supportman]

Not really easy or possible.

 

When we moved away from Sims we just logged in and ran some old reports. We also exported all the linked documents to a file share. Haven't needed it since.

[jthompson]

You'd be able to move the database to a new instance of SQL Server and have direct access to the tables just as with any db, but I don't know that you'd be able to use it in any meanginful way without the SIMS software also being installed. If you're not in contract with it anymore, you'll struggle to get a copy of the ISO containing the required server software.

[jmcdermott]

If it is the hardware you are worried about preform a physical to virtual conversation of the server and run it as a virtual machine when required.

[password1234]

Hi All,

 

Our SIMS is now 'read only' as we have new contracts -

 

This being said we still need read only access, but the server is currently held together with goodwill and sellotape, of which I've run out of goodwill.

 

This being said, without support from ESS (or maybe for a one off charge) how could we go about moving the SIMS SQL database to a newer server? we could use the free version of SQL as only 4 people would be using it, but is it just acase of moving the bits across?

 

Failing this, how can we access our SQL database without the SIMS GUI, or is this even possible?

 

Done this a few time what we have usually done is the following

 

Create a new server or you can even run it on a windows 10 machine (Quite a few schools we support have p2p setup or if its just one admin user and they just run SIMS off a Windows 10 machine)

Make a backup of the SQL Databases you still got access to dbattach on your existing sims server? if so do a backup from there

Install SQL Express 2014/2016 or whatever version your SIMS database was running on (Free version should work fine if its very little users)

Restore the Database to the new server using DBattach

Copy the entire directory of SIMS folder from old server to new server (Should include docstorage, Setups folder and everything else)

Under SIMS > Setups run the "SIMSINST" and "SIMSApplicationSetup"

 

Then install SIMS normally, after that you would probably need to login to SIMS app and change the paths for things like Docstorage etc...

done this multiple times it works for schools that have decided to keep an "Archive/Read Only Version of SIMS"

Edited November 3, 2022 by password1234