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Access 2010 DB Application Conversion to Express SQL Server

Hi,

I am investigating the process involved in converting an existing Access 2010 application to sql server. This would be a front end access and back end SQL server configuration on a local Win 7 machine with home networking, not a server.

In doing so, I wanted to ask the following before going too much further.

1. Which version of SQL Server do I download? Is it the Express with Tools, Local DB, Express Only? Why?
2. After installation, is there something I can use to migrate all my tables, I heard of some migration tool. Is that right?

Thanks
Shaun

Scott McDaniel (EE MVE )

1. Generally the latest version is the best one to work with, but it really doesn't matter. Access can work with any version of SQL Server.

2. Access includes the Upsizing Wizard, but many prefer to use the SQL Server Migration Assistant. You can find more information and a download link here: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ssma/

Note too that you may need to make some changes to your FE to work properly with Access. See these articles for more information:

http://www.jstreettech.com/downloads.aspx (The Best of Both Worlds)
http://www.fmsinc.com/MicrosoftAccess/SQLServerUpsizing/index.html

Laila Jackson

ASKER

Thanks Scott.
I am still not sure which file to download? Is it the Express with Tools, Local DB, Express Only?

Shaun

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Scott McDaniel (EE MVE )

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Laila Jackson

ASKER

Thanks Scott.
I have a 64-bit OS with Office 2013 32-bit.
As you suggested, I have downloaded the 64-bit SQL Server Express Edition and will run with the instructions you gave me.
I assume that it will not matter for my front end development if my client uses a 32-bit SQL Server as opposed to me connecting through a 64-bit version?
Thanks heaps once again
Shaun

Laila Jackson

ASKER

Great help thanks heaps. SJ

Scott McDaniel (EE MVE )

I assume that it will not matter for my front end development if my client uses a 32-bit SQL Server as opposed to me connecting through a 64-bit version?

No, it won't. You'll need to relink those tables when they get to your client's server, and the relink process will insure they're using the correct driver.

Laila Jackson

ASKER

Thanks heaps again Scott. I am looking forward to doing this work as I have not done a SQL back-end before. Should be fun!
All the best,
Shaun