views:

257

answers:

2

Is there an easy way to export a MS Access Database backend (Tables & relations) into an SQL Server database, so that it then can be used as a backend for a tailored application written in C# using Entity Framework?

The Access Database contains at least 50 tables and the export should not ruin its structure and relations.

+4  A: 

SQL Server Migration for Microsoft Access

Gabriel McAdams
Many comments indicate the SSMA does a better job than the Upsizing Wizard in Access.
Tony Toews
NOTE: you have to download a license key to use SSMA 2008. Here is the link to get the licensing key: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=4747730C-6E3D-449E-8F12-BB19328E7128
Greg Bray
+1  A: 

As Gabriel indicates using the SSMA is the best solution for upsizing the tables, indexes and relationships in Access. Then I'd suggest working on the Access front end, containing the queries, forms, reports, macros and VBA code so it works with the SQL Server data storage. This won't take very long by comparision to rewriting the app.

Then you may find you don't need to rewrite the application in another environment. This assumes that the tables are properly normalized and clean. Even then it may be simpler to do some cleanup in that respect in Access.

Tony Toews