How to migrate a database from SQL Server 2005 to 2008 as is?

Question

I want to migrate a database completely or partially. Right now, I will do a complete database. Partial will be posted as a separate question.

Strategies I am considering:

1. copy database wizard
2. convert 2005 database to script. Run script on 2008
3. simple SQL query

My question - I want to use method 2. Is it even possible to do this? If yes, how to do it? Any limitations/risks ?

NOTE - The source server is a SQL Server 2005 database with one IP. Destination is a SQL Server 2008 instance with another IP.

I don't know if you need to be sysadmin to do this. I am not even sure if I am sysadmin. If yes, then how to check if I am a sysadmin ?

Answer 1

Just RESTORE it on the SQL2008 server and it will be automatically upgraded. And you can check if you're a sysadmin using IS_SRVROLEMEMBER.