Data (of 15GB) from SQL 2000 to SQL 2012 via SQL 2008 - Express okay? Trial versions?

Question

I'm trying to move a backup data (of 15gb) from SQL 2000 to SQL 2012. To do so, I must go thru SQL 2008 (or 2005), that is,

A. Restore 2000-backup-file into 2008.

B. Create 2008-backup-file.

C. Restore 2008-backup-file into 2012.

I've been looking for trial version of 2008 but no avail.

And I know there is 10gb maximum for Express servers.

I really don't want to buy SQL 2008 for A, B & C conversions only.

Any good solution to this?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi @David,

Maybe you could use SQL Server develop edition first, and then you may upgrade the edition to standard edition.

Actually, SQL Server is also an older edition which it out of support.

You may consult the license team to see if they have any other better plan for your situation.

Please call 1-800-426-9400, Monday through Friday, 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Pacific Time) to speak directly to a Microsoft licensing specialist. Or you can go to Volume Licensing Service Center support. Please choose region/language and choose to call or have web. People there will help you more effectively.

Regards，

Zoe Hui

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Answer 2

SQL Server 2008 has a database size limit of 5 GB, it was increased with version 2008 R2 to 10 GB.

SQL Server versions 2005-2012 are out-of-support, you won't find a public download for, even not an Evaluation Edition (trial).

Restore on such a old 2000 backup to a current SQL Server version is not supported.

If you have a running SQL Server 2000, restore it there and migrate the database manually to a current SQL Server, means all objects + all data and may all permissions.

Answer 3

If you have a Visual Studio subscription, you can download SQL 2008 from Subscriber downloads. If you don't have a VS subscription, I believe it would be expensive only to get SQL 2008. Then again, you get access to a few more downloads, so it may be worth the cost.

Else you would need to ask around to see if anyone still have SQL 2005/SQL 2008 around. These old and dusty versions can be hard to find these days.

Answer 4

FYI, I came across with,

SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard on Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Standard [Evaluation VHD for 180-days]

at,

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26113

Loaded on Oracle VirtualBox and worked out just fine.

Thank you all!!!