How to restore a SQL Server 2014 database to SQL Server 2008

Question

How to restore a SQL Server 2014 database to SQL Server 2008 R2?

Nitin Sontakke · Answer

The answer is : No you cannot. The reason is SQL Server 2014 back-up (which is a binary file) will have all the new features added in it which the older version of SQL Server will not be able to understand. The workaround is to script the entire database with schema and data option and while scripting you can choose the version of target SQL Server there select SQL Server 2008 R2. The SQL Server Management Studio ensures that the generated script is target version compliant. I do understand that it is not as clean as backup and restore. Please refer to the following link: http://dba.stackexchange.com/questions/117100/sql-server-database-backup2012-restore-on-lower-version2008