How do I convert Microsoft Access file into SQL Server database?

sql-server ms-access data-migration
Arun Thankur picture Arun Thankur · Feb 21, 2014 · Viewed 34.2k times · Source

I want to know how to convert an Access database file into a SQL Server (.mdf file) database?

Answer

ScottWelker picture ScottWelker · Dec 29, 2014

The MS Access "Upsize Wizard" was discontinued with Access 2012. SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA) is now recommended. Reference: https://accessexperts.com/blog/2013/01/30/access-2013-is-here-but-wheres-the-sql-server-upsizing-wizard/

However, as Johnny Bones noted, I found it relatively easy to create a new empty SQL Server (2012) database and then import:

SQL Server Management Studio, R-click on the newly created Database | Tasks | Import Data -> SQL Server Import Wizard

  • I used "Access Database Engine" instead of "Jet Database Engine" for no reason other than I GUESSED Jet was older. Mine is a throw-away project you may want to research the difference.
  • I 'weeded out' the Access queries (views) and just imported the tables.
  • So far it looks like everything was imported OK.

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