Restore a SQL Server 2008 R2 backup to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express

backup-restorationsql-server-2005sql-server-2008sql-server-2008-r2

I have a server that's currently running SQL Server 2005 Express, and I need to restore a database backup that a developer has modified using SQL Server 2008 R2 [I think the full version, but still waiting to hear back on whether it's a full edition or Express].

I know that I can't restore a database from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL Server 2005 Express, and I know that I can't even restore a database from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL Server 2008. BUT! Can I restore a database from SQL Server 2008 R2 to SQL Server 2008 R2 Express? The only difference here being that one is a full paid version, and the other is the express version. If so, I'll just update the SQL Server 2005 Express server to 2008 R2 Express.

Thanks in advance!

Best Answer

Yes.

It's the database version that matters and is what gets attached to the database, not the edition of MSSQL used. As long as the database version is the same, you can move it between the free (Express) and paid versions to your heart's content... not that it's a process I'd recommend for recreational purposes.

EDIT: Since it's been mentioned, the relevant database-limitation in SQL Express 2008 R2 is a size limit of 10GB. It also has some limitations on the services and resources available to MSSQL Server, but those won't prevent you from restoring the database to it, only (possibly) using it how you'd like.

Full Technet feature comparison for 2008 R2 versions linked here.

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