To move the contents of one geodatabase in Microsoft SQL Server to another, you can do one of the following:
- Create a second geodatabase and use ArcGIS tools to move the data.
- Move the entire database using SQL Server tools.
Move data to another geodatabase using ArcGIS
To move your data to a different geodatabase, you must first create a second geodatabase. Next, connect to both geodatabases from an ArcGIS client and move the data from the old geodatabase to the new geodatabase using one of the following methods:
Remember that data is loaded to the schema of the database user who connects to the geodatabase.
Move a database using SQL Server tools
SQL Server provides several options to move databases, including detaching the database file from the SQL Server instance and attaching it to a new instance, creating a backup of the database and restoring it to a new SQL Server instance, or using the Copy Database wizard.
When you move a SQL Server database that contains a 10.9.1.x or earlier version geodatabase, you cannot rename the database when you move it. When you restore the database, for example, you are given the opportunity to restore it with a different name. Don't do this with a geodatabase; you won't be able to connect to it.
When you move a SQL Server that contains an 11.x version geodatabase, you can rename the database when you move it.
For details and instructions on using SQL Server tools to move databases, consult the SQL Server documentation.