SQL Error 01: Resolving SQL Server Database Restore Compatibility Issues ?
When trying to restore a database in SQL Server, you may encounter an error like this:
Restore of database 'studentDB' failed. Server running version 15.00.2000 is incompatible with this server running version 15.00.20002.
This happens when the database backup was created from a newer version of SQL Server than the one you’re trying to restore it to. SQL Server doesn’t support restoring databases from newer versions to older versions due to compatibility issues.
How to Check SQL Server Versions
You can check your SQL Server version by running this query:
SELECT @@VERSION;
It will return something like:
Microsoft SQL Server 2019 (RTM) - 15.0.2002.7
Compare the versions of the source and destination servers to confirm the version mismatch.
Solutions
Option 1: Upgrade SQL Server
The simplest solution is to upgrade your target SQL Server instance to the same version or newer than the source server.
Option 2: Use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT)
If you can’t upgrade, you can export the database as a Data-tier Application (BACPAC) file and import it into the older server:
- Right-click on the database in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
- Go to Tasks > Export Data-tier Application.
- Save the BACPAC file.
- In the target server, right-click Databases and select Import Data-tier Application.
Option 3: Script the Database
Another approach is to generate scripts:
- Right-click the database > Tasks > Generate Scripts.
- Choose to script both schema and data.
- Execute the script on the older SQL Server instance.
Conclusion
Compatibility errors are common when restoring databases between different SQL Server versions. By checking versions and using one of the above methods, you can successfully migrate your data without upgrading the server if needed.
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