How to Convert an Access Database to SQL Server

In this tutorial, we will learn how to convert an access database to SQL Server database.

In this easy step by step tutorial, we will teach you how to convert Access database to SQL Server. SQL Server is a versatile database system being used world widely. Customers switching from their current database system to SQL Server face the issue of migrating data from existing system to the new database. Hence SQL Server facilitates this requirement to import data from several different sources.

Step#1: SQL Server Migration Tool

SQL Server provides a migration tool called SQL SERVER MIGRATION ASSISTANT to facilitate the customers to import data from different sources. You can download it from Microsoft's official website. Simply click on the download button and specify the location where you wish to save it. Next, extract and open up the setup file to begin the installation.

Just follow the step by step procedure to install and the application. In case if it prompts you for the license key, you can easily download it for free by registering yourself to Microsoft.

Step#2: Initializing Migration Process

Once you open up the migration tool, a wizard will open up. Just hit next on the welcome screen and create a new project. Here you can name your project, specify the location and then choose the version of SQL SERVER you want to migrate the database to. In our case, we will convert Access to SQL Server 2008.

Step#3: Adding Access Database

To convert Access to SQL, we need to add the database here. Click the ADD DATABSE button and locate your database file. Press NEXT to continue.

Step#4: Defining SQL Server

Next, select the objects to migrate. For this tutorial, let's leave this to default and hit NEXT, since we will be migrating the whole database.

In the next window, we will have to create a connection with the SQL SERVER. Provide the Server's name, which in this case will be local since it is installed on the same machine, and specify the database name. If you want to create a new database, just type its name over here and the wizard will automatically create it. Click on NEXT to continue.

Step#5: Migrating Access Database

The conversion process will begin, and it would take a few seconds for the processing to complete.

Step#6: Verification of Data Migration

Once completed, close the migration wizard and open up the SQL server. You will notice a new database has appeared over here. Expand the folder, right click on any of its table and choose the "select top 1000 rows" option to verify the contents of the database.

Finally, we have successfully shown in this tutorial how to convert an access database to SQL Server database.

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[evelearntosew]

If I create a user's interface in access will it convert over to sql server?

[krismaly]

Awesome.

Please keep publishing some more migration videos.

Thanks for educating the community and appreciate your volunteership.

Thanks a bunch

[theinsight]

Thanks for this tip. I tried SSIS etc. but this simply made my day.

[ernestaskapocius]

Hi,
Can you help to me?
I try to convert my access database to MYSQL, but when I try to do this, but SSMA open "conversion EROR, there is nothing to process"
Please, help to me

[booksyn]

Very useful video. I was introduced to the use of both of these programs between august of last year and now. I thoroughly enjoy this software and plan to purse a career in SQL development.

[kvvkoushik]

I am searching for this long time . Thanks for the video.

[SaleemAwan]

Thanks for this short but very useful video. It was really a great help.

[susanshurkey-coates]

Great tutorial.  Fast and to the point.  Unfortunately, when I migrated my database into SQL Azure, it didn't bring in the data.  Any videos on troubleshooting?

[beingtechiee]

i have project which is developed in vb 6.0 and database is Ms access. but i want to change the database into SQL server. It is possible?? pls help
thank you

[MarcusMackaku]

I am getting errors saying my identifiers are too long. I made my path to the .accdb file shorter but I still get the same error.

[anatroncoso]

Good, the video helped me a lot, but now How can I change the connection in Front End to sql server?

[vincentas]

Help! When I write local or (local) then I still cant convert.

[sakworaman]

when put local and access it won't work.

[lehlohonolomangena]

You talk rather fast... but it was very helpful. Thank you.

[vishnupranay]

For SQL Server 2014, please use 32 bit version of SSMA

[sheshedchronicles]

Is this method compatible with migrating to SQL Express?

[rikvandenreijen]

The riddler confirmed? Your voice really sounds like the ridler from batman.

[adrianjamesdarroca]

It really help!!
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Thanks

[xanScorp]

Nope.  Keep getting a bullshit connection error. Connection to SQL Server Failed  Try again. You talk about as fast as the guy in the Speedball Screen Printing videos; only difference, his instructions work.