How to Transfer a Database from SQL Server to GoDaddy

Instead of a lecture here - I am going to include instructions and screen captures. There are a few simple steps, basically exporting the database and then running the database script.

Exporting the Database from SQL Server

It is relatively easy to script a database. You will need Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. One of the tabs in this application will be Databases which will show you a list of all the databases.

You simply Right Click on the Database you want to export, Select Script Database As... , and Select Create To...  You can do this to a file or clipboard. Either way you are going to use Cut and Paste to transfer the script to GoDaddy.

Transferring the Database (running the Script)

To perform the script transfer you first need to havea hosting account setup - and then you will also need to setup a SQL Server instance using the hosting control center.

Once you have a database set up - you will be able to access the database through the Web Admin. Make sure you remember the instance name and the password. These are not easy to reset with GoDaddy and require a phone call to support. The SQL Server Web Admin window will look like this;

The Query Analyzer too will create a blank window that will allow you to run the SQL Script. You will want to go through your SQL File and make sure all references to the instance name on the old machine. After correcting any issues with the script - simply paste it in and click execute. If there are errors (like bad references) - it will tell you.

It really is that easy. Now of course this only creates the database. You may also need to transfer data into the database. This is also easiest done by scripting the data (generating insert statements) and transferring those the same way.