How to Import Access Database to SQL Server?

  

Rollins Duke   
Published: August 22nd, 2024 • 11 Min Read

Are you unable to find the best method to import access database to SQL server? Do not worry! This blog is the one you were always looking for. Here we will provide some of the most effective and easy solutions to migrate MS access to SQL server. Read the blog till the end and learn all you need to know.

Why Do We Import Data from Access to SQL Server?

We know that MS Access is a desktop client that does not need any specific hardware or software to run. It can be worthwhile for individual use or small teams but when it comes to dealing with a huge database MS Access starts creating issues with sharing the data. If we talk about the storage limit of the Access server then it provides only 2GB of storage limit and is unable to support more than 255 concurrent users.

When you think of giving a boost to your access database and taking it to the next level, you should definitely import access database to SQL server. SQL is the rational database management system from Microsoft which is available both on-premise and in the cloud. Once you become an SQL user you get a larger amount of data storage with more concurrent users. Moreover, there are several benefits to migrating MS access to SQL database server.

Benefits of Import Access Database to SQL Server

We already explained the reasons to migrate access database tables to SQL server, where we also discussed major information about MS Access and SQL server. Now let’s explore some of the additional benefits of Import data from access to SQL server:

• Another reason to import MDB to SQL server is that SQL is more secure than Access. It protects your data with robust encryption and security measures to identify unauthorized access.
• It can handle larger data loads and is quicker. This implies that your data searches and upgrades go swiftly and that it can expand to meet your wants.
• Your data is constantly accessible since it can support several users at once. Additionally, it can be backed up without obstructing usage, which is excellent for protecting your data.
• To maintain the integrity of your data, SQL Server includes features. It keeps things functioning smoothly and assists you in locating and resolving problems.
• Even terabyte-sized databases can be handled by it. For companies that need to handle and store a lot of data, this is crucial.

MS Access VS SQL Server – Key Differences

Here’s a table summarizing the key differences between Microsoft Access and SQL Server:

Import Access Database to SQL Server using SSMA for Access

By using this wizard, you can choose the data source and destination. Also, you can define mappings and transformations as per your requirements. This technique is for the less experienced users with SQL server integration tasks. Here are the steps to follow to migrate data from Access to SQL Server using SSMA:

Prerequisites:

• Ensure Windows 7 or newer, Windows Server 2008 or the latest, and Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 or higher.
• .NET Framework (visit https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/)
• Access permissions on the hosting computer for SQL Server or Azure SQL Database
• Use Microsoft Data Access Object (DAO) provider version 12.0 or 14.0, found in Microsoft Office 2010/2007 or downloadable.
• 4 GB RAM recommended

Installation Steps:

• Download SSMA from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=54255.
• Uninstall any previous SSMA versions.
• Run SSMAforAccess_n.msi (where n is the build number).
• Follow the installation wizard instructions.
• Choose Typical setup.
• Customize telemetry and update settings.
• Default installation location: “C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access”.

Uninstall SSMA:

• Open Control Panel.
• Navigate to Add or Remove Programs.
• Select Microsoft SQL Server Migration Assistant for Access and uninstall.

Pre-migration Assessment:

• Open SSMA for Access.
• Create a new project (File → New Project).
• Choose SQL Server migration option.
• Include Access databases for assessment.
• Generate a conversion report for analysis.

Data Type Validation:

• Access Project Settings (Tools → Project Settings).
• Review and adjust data type mappings as necessary.

Database Object Conversion:

• Connect to SQL Server using SSMS.
• Convert database schema using SSMA or SSMS.
• Review converted objects and address any discrepancies.
• Optionally, convert individual objects.
• Review errors in the Error List pane.

Post-migration Validation:

• Validate migrated data and schema for accuracy.

Migrate Access Database to SQL Server using SSMS

#1. Check SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Microsoft Access functionality, ensuring SQL Server is installed and running and administrative access is granted.

#2. Export data from Access:

• Open Access database.
• Select desired table(s).
• Go to “External Data” tab.
• Choose “ODBC Database” in “Export” group.
• Follow wizard to create SQL Server data source.
• Select SQL Server driver and provide connection details.
• Map Access tables to SQL Server destination tables.
• Complete export.

#3. Import data into SQL Server using SSMS:

• Launch SSMS and connect to SQL Server instance.
• In Object Explorer, right-click target database.
• Go to “Tasks” → “Import Data”.
• Select Access data source and file.
• Choose tables or queries to export.
• Specify destination using SQL Server Native Client or appropriate provider.
• Optionally, edit mappings for column changes.
• Start import process.
• Review any encountered errors.
• Verify migration results.

Import Access Database Table to SQL Server using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)

SSIS is a robust ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool. It was founded by Microsoft and has a special purpose for data integration and workflow applications. By using this method, you can create sophisticated data transformation packages to automate the process of importing data from Microsoft Access to SQL Server. With this much information, let’s migrate the data:

• Create a new SSIS project in SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT).
• Add a data flow task to your SSIS package.
• Within the data flow task, add an “OLE DB Source” component and configure it to connect to your Access database.
• Add an “OLE DB Destination” component and configure it to connect to your SQL Server database.
• Map the columns from the source to the destination.
• Run the SSIS package to perform the data transfer.

How to Import Database from Access to SQL Server?

Before you begin migrating your importants, you must find out the right way to transfer them. However, you also need to know that there is no manual way to Import data from access to SQL server. To achieve this task you should use a secure and reliable application that can easily transfer huge amounts of access data to SQL while maintaining the security and file structure.

BitRecover Provides the Access Converter Tool that helps to easily migrate MS access to SQL server. Using this application any access user can import their data from access to any version of SQL server along with tables, forms, queries, Indexes, Macros, etc. It also allows you to have a preview of your access database to ensure that you are exploring the right files.

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Key Features of the Software:

• With the help of this utility, you can easily import access database to SQL Server, Excel, and CSV, for usage in other programs.
• This converter can still function with your Access files even if they are corrupted, enabling you to recover crucial data.
• You may restore deleted data from your Access database with this converter.
• It handles queries, forms, reports, and more in addition to table conversion, maintaining the integrity of your database.
• You have control over what is exported by selecting whether to export either the schema or both the structure and the data.
• If you want to update your database, this tool can migrate MS access to SQL server.

Steps to Import Data From Access to SQL Server

1. To begin migrate MS access to SQL server, Download and install the application then open it on your computer.

2. Now navigate to the browse button and choose the MDB/ACCDB file from the respective location.

3. Click the Open button to upload the file into the software as shown in the picture.

4. Hit Recover then wait for a few seconds to let the software analyze your data.

5. Once it’s done you will be notified with a pop-up message where you can see progress details.
6. Now you can preview the table details in the left-hand corner.

7. Click the Export button to migrate access database to SQL server.
8. Go to Save as box, click on the drop-down arrow in the select Export options section, and choose SQL Server from the list. Then specify, destination by entering server name, and authentication then enter a database name.
9. Check out export option and choose if you want from “Only Schema and Schema & Data”.(You can also choose “Export Deleted Records” to retrieve deleted data from the access database.)

10. In the end, hit the export/save button to efficiently import access database to SQL server.

Conclusion

For improved security and speed, we’ve shown you how to import access database to SQL server in this article. Strong security is provided by SQL Server, which can also manage more users and more data. For a simple transfer, we advised utilizing the professional’s recommended tool. Even data from corrupted files can be recovered. You may easily migrate MS access to SQL Server by following the above-mentioned instructions, which will enhance the administration and security of your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I import data from multiple Access databases into SQL Server at once?

Ans. Yes, you can use the SSIS package or Access to SQL server tool or linked servers to import data from multiple Access databases into a particular SQL Server simultaneously.

Q2. Are there any limitations on the size of data that can be imported?

Ans. Conditional yes, there are drawbacks based on the version of SQL Server and the potential of hardware resources. The size of data ranges from gigabytes to terabytes. For instance, for SQL Server 2019, the maximum size for a single table is 524,272 terabytes (TB).

Q3. What happens if there are errors during the import process?

Ans. Yes, errors can occur and can halt the process of import Access database to SQL Server. As a result, you’ll need to troubleshoot and resolve the problem before restarting the migration.

Q4. Can I automate the import process using scripts or stored procedures?

Ans. Yes, you can automate the import process using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), scripts, or stored procedures. Here are the steps:

• Create an SSIS package in SSDT.
• Configure Data Flow Tasks to import data from Access to SQL Server.
• Parameterize connection strings for flexibility.
• Schedule SSIS package execution using SQL Server Agent.
• Implement error handling in the SSIS package.
• Monitor scheduled job execution for smooth operation.

Q5. Can I import data from Access forms or reports into SQL Server?

Ans. No, you cannot import data from Access forms or reports into SQL Server directly through SSIS package. Instead, you can use the Access Converter application mentioned above.