Sql – Is it possible to restore Sql Server 2008 backup in sql server 2005

sqlsql-server-2005sql-server-2008

Is it possible to restore a backup of a SQL Server 2008 database onto an instance of SQL Server 2005?

I need to work on an sample application for which database backup is in sql server 2008.
But I'll not be able to install 2008. So is it possible to restore that back up in 2005?

Best Answer

No. It is not possible to restore a database from a backup of a newer version.

If you are dead set on it, I think your best option is to selet the database in the Object Explorer in SQL 2008, right-click, select Tasks->Generate Scripts.In the options dialog emable about everything, including Script Data.

And make sure you select "Script for SQL 2005".

Source

When importing the objects into your target server, if the objects are large you may find that you can't open the SQL file via Management Studio (with a completely useless "The operation could not be completed" error, no less). That's okay, just load the file via sqlcmd.