Can you restore a SQL 2014 database to SQL 2008?
Consequently, can you restore a SQL 2008 database to SQL 2016?
The first step is to take a backup from the SQL Server 2008 database, copy it to a drive in the SQL Server 2016 instance, and restore the database. After it has been restored, we see the following output messages: Database 'test' running the upgrade step from version 851 to version 852.
Similarly one may ask, can I restore a SQL 2012 backup to SQL 2008?
Ideally, there is no way you can restore MS SQL Server 2012 database to SQL Server 2008 even if the database was in a compatibility mode matching the lower version. Regardless of the compatibility mode chosen, SQL Server 2012 database is still a 2012 database internally.
Steps to Migrate SQL Server Database to Lower Version Launch Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and Go to Object Explorer. Select the desired database and right-click on it. Generate and Publish Scripts wizard will be opened. Click on Next on Summary Page after review the selections made.