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I have a Windows Server 2008 R2 that was running SQL Server, until it had a unclean power down and now the operating system become corrupted. Before I struggle to resurrect the machine, I'd like to know if there is a way to move the SQL server installation to a new machine, without relying on backups.

HopelessN00b
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Samuel Hearn
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2 Answers2

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You don't move the SQL Server install. (Or really, really shouldn't.)

You install SQL server fresh on a new machine and move the databases.

Here's a rather long step-by-step article form Microsoft on how to move all the "stuff" from one SQL Server install to a SQL Server install on another machine.

It's too long to post here, but the section headers are:

Step 1: How to move user databases

Step 2: How to transfer logins and passwords

Step 3: How to resolve orphaned users

Step 4: How to move jobs, alerts, and operators

Step 5: How to move DTS packages

Step 6: Change the sp_configure settings to match the previous computer

HopelessN00b
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If you have access to the database files (mdf and ldf) then you can copy those to a new SQL Server and attach them.

joeqwerty
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  • Could you advise whether the service master key needs to be backup/restored on the destination server or does it automatically come suppose I restore the master database? – variable May 12 '22 at 01:40