This is very basic but so am I. I need to switch my database to a new
hosting company. I have never used sql but both my old and new hosts have
liscenses and will support existing databases but wont help me transfer. I
have downloaded the trial version and just need to make a back-up of the
existing database and save it on my harddrive. The new company will then do
the rest. Can you tell me how to do this? I have the admin login and
password for the database. how do i set it up in my trial copy of sql?

thanks

For each of your databases you will want to execute the Transact-SQL BACKUP
command to backup your database to a disk file.

BACKUP DATABASE YourDatabaseNameGoesHere TO DISK =
'c:\YourDatabaseNameGoesHere.bak' WITH INIT

You probably want to move your database logins:
HOW TO: Transfer Logins and Passwords Between Instances of SQL Server
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?id=246133

You may find these helpful:

INF: Disaster Recovery Articles for Microsoft SQL Server
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?id=307775

INF: Moving SQL Server databases to a new location with Detach/Attach
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?id=224071

HOW TO: Move Databases Between Computers That Are Running SQL Server
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?id=314546

INF: Using the WITH MOVE Option with the RESTORE Statement
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=221465

PRB: User Logon and/or Permission Errors After Restoring Dump
http://www.support.microsoft.com/?id=168001


--
Keith


[quoted text, click to view]