How to import & convert .BAK to .SQL

I'm a complete novice to SQL Server. I am attempting to move my company's website (incl. SQL db) from one hosting company to another (less expensive). The site is written in ColdFusion. Prior to moving, the "old" host made a .BAK copy of our SQL database. Together with all the html/cf files and folders I donwloaded this .BAK file. I am now attempting to set up the website with a new host. In order for the new host to be able to import my database they are telling me I have to convert it to preferably .SQL extension format, or .CSV format.

I have downloaded the free version of MS SQL Server 2005 and MS SQL Server Management Studio Express. Can this be used to convert the .BAK file? If so, I'd like a brief "How to...." because I am not able to find anywhere to import the .BAK file.

I friend of mine was able to convert the .BAK file to .MDF and .LDF files, but my new host can't work with this either. Would there be any benefit (if possible) to use these to convert to .SQL?

Anyone's quick help would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to do this on a "shoe-string (i.e. free) budget".

toreddie

How was this file created? If if is a SQL Server backup, which folks generally specify with a BAK extension, you can only restore to SQL Server. When you do this, the data file (MDF & LDF) will be created.

Here is an example of the T-SQL:

RESTORE DATABASE {your database} FROM DISK = 'c:\backups\northwind\nwind.bak'
WITH
MOVE 'northwind' TO 'd:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Data\nwind_new.mdf'
MOVE 'northwind_log' TO 'd:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Data\nwind_new_log.ldf'

Thanks

Peter Saddow

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Peter,

Thanks. I have had help getting my .BAK converted to .MDF and .LDF, but the new host (GoDaddy.com) says they can't work with these extensions. They need something in .SQL format. I'm not even sure what this means.

toreddie

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No sure what they mean either. Is your database server "SQL Server", "MySQL" or something else? Looks like GoDaddy.com supports "SQL Server" and "MySQL". I found this on their site: http://help.godaddy.com/article.php?article_id=1429&topic_id=&prog_id=GoDaddy&

Seems straight forward to restore a SQL backup to one of their SQL Servers. But maybe you only have access to a MYSQL database, then you likely need to import/export the database using some tool.

Thanks,

Peter Saddow

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Peter,

As far as I know, and what I'm paying extra for, it is a Microsoft SQL server they are installing this on. It is not even me who is doing this, they are, because the only way I can do it is to have my .BAK file converted to a .CSV. GoDaddy offers a customer friendly "wizzard" that will walk you through uploading and installing a .CSV file.

I'm getting the feeling that the people at GoDaddy aren't server savy them selves (I'm absolutely not).

Is there actually a .SQL file format?

I've already uploaded both the .MDF and .LDF files to the server so to me it should be an easy task for them to copy this to their db server. However, I tend to think in easy terms and don't necessarilly understand the whole picture. SQL is brand new to me. I just started to get a handle on web design using Dreamweaver. Though I'm a big user of computers, I still don't master the more technical programs. I use them, but thus far had the luxury of hiring someone to set things up. Can't afford that anymore. That's why I am trying to do this my self.

toreddie

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.SQL file format is not a common SQL Server extension. But it really does not matter what the extension is. What matters is the format of the file. The .BAK file is likely a SQL Server backup, just because that is a common extension for SQL Server backups. From the link I sent you, I would try to restore the .BAK file as they suggested. Since they are suggesting you need to covert the file to .CSV, sound like they database might be something other than SQL Server.

You should clarify with them which database product you have paid for and have access to.

Good Luck,

Peter Saddow

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Hi Peter !

I read your answer to "How to import & convert .BAK to .SQL", but I am a novice to, to SQL 2005. How do you create the script( i prosume it is a script)? I hva been asked to create a db from a .bak file it was backed up.

If you could tell me how/where I can create(MSSM studio), i will be happy.

Sincerely Morten