Can't restore SQL Server 2016 backup to SQL Server 2014

You cannot restore a SQL Server 2016 backup to SQL Server 2014 because the versions are not compatible. The backup file from SQL Server 2016 contains database objects and data that are not supported in SQL Server 2014, which causes the restore to fail.

If you need to restore the database to SQL Server 2014, you have a few options:

1. Upgrade your SQL Server 2014 instance to a higher version that is compatible with the SQL Server 2016 backup file, such as SQL Server 2016 or SQL Server 2017.
2. Use the backup from SQL Server 2016 to create a new database on a different instance of SQL Server 2016, then script out the database objects and data and manually recreate them in your SQL Server 2014 instance.
3. If you don't need all the data, you can extract only the required data using a third-party tool that supports downgrading between SQL Server versions, such as ApexSQL Diff or Redgate SQL Compare.

It's important to thoroughly test any solution before implementing it in a production environment, as downgrading a database can introduce compatibility issues and data loss.

 

You may have an issue at trying to restore a database:

System.Data.SqlClient.SqlError: The database was backed up on a server running version 13.00.4001. That version is incompatible with this server, which is running version 12.00.2269. Either restore the database on a server that supports the backup, or use a backup that is compatible with this server.

To resolve this issue, you have the following options:

Upgrade the server where you are trying to restore the database to the same version or higher than the one used to create the backup.

Create a new database on the higher version of SQL Server, and restore the backup to this database. Then, use a tool such as SQL Server Import and Export Wizard or SQL Server Integration Services to transfer the data to your original server.

It's important to make sure that your hardware and software configurations are compatible with the new version of SQL Server before upgrading. If you are unsure about how to proceed, it is best to consult with a database administrator or Microsoft support.


Another way to install MSSQL Server 2016 developer edition, its free for development purpose only. Restore the database on 2016 instance and then use some method to move your data back to older version.

Yes, installing SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition and restoring the database on the 2016 instance is one way to resolve the issue.

After restoring the database, you can use several methods to move the data back to an older version of SQL Server, such as:

1. SQL Server Import and Export Wizard: This is a simple, wizard-based tool that can be used to transfer data between instances of SQL Server.
2. SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS): This is a more powerful and flexible tool for data transfer, but it requires more setup and expertise to use.
3. Scripting: You can script out the database objects and data, and then run the script on the older version of SQL Server to recreate the objects and data.

It is important to thoroughly test the data transfer process before implementing it in a production environment, as downgrading a database can introduce compatibility issues and data loss. You may also want to consider taking a backup of your data before making any changes.