How to: Unpack a DAC Package
Use the Unpack Data-tier Application dialog box to unzip the scripts and files from a data-tier application (DAC) package. The scripts and files are placed in a folder where they can be reviewed before the package is used to deploy the DAC into a production system. The contents of one DAC can also be compared with the contents of another package unpacked to another folder. For more information, see How to: Validate a DAC Package.
Examining the Contents of a DAC Package
We recommend that you do not deploy a DAC package from unknown or untrusted sources. Such DACs could contain malicious code that might execute unintended Transact-SQL code or cause errors by modifying the schema. Before you use a DAC from an unknown or untrusted source, deploy it on an isolated test instance of the Database Engine, unpack the DAC and examine the code, such as stored procedures or other user-defined code.
After unpacking the package, you can examine the file produced by the Unpack Data-tier Application dialog. The dialog box builds the following files in the selected destination folder:
A Transact-SQL script that contains the statements for creating the objects defined in the DAC. The file name is DACName.sql, where DACName is the name of the DAC.
All XML files from the package.
All files from the Extra Files section of the DAC, such as the DAC pre-deployment or post-deployment files.
Dialog Steps
In Windows Explorer, you can launch the Unpack Data-tier Application dialog box by:
Right-click a DAC package (.dacpac) file and select Unpack.
Double-click a DAC package (.dacpac) file.
Click on a link in the list below to navigate to details for a page in the dialog box:
Unpack Microsoft SQL Server DAC Package Filee
Browse for Folder
Unpack Microsoft SQL Server DAC Package File
Use this page to specify the destination folder in which to place the unpacked files, and then run the unpack operation.
Files will be unpacked to this folder: - Specify the full path to the folder for the unpacked files. If the folder exists and you know the full path, type the path in the box. If not, click the Browse button to navigate to a folder or create a new folder.
Browse - Opens the Browse for Folder page where you can choose a folder by navigating the file hierarchy, or create a new folder.
Unpack - Starts the unpack operation.
Cancel - Terminates the dialog box without unpacking the DAC package.
Browse for Folder
Use this page to choose the destination folder for the unpack operation. Optionally, you can also create a new folder.
Folder list - Displays the file hierarchy for your computer. Expand the nodes to navigate to the folder in which to unpack the DAC package. Click on the folder and then click OK.
Make New Folder - Opens a dialog in which you can specify the name for a new folder to be created in the folder you have currently selected in the folder hierarchy.
OK - Places the path to the folder you selected in the Files will be unpacked to this folder box of the Unpack DAC Package File page and returns you to that page.
Cancel - Terminates the dialog box without selecting a folder.