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Export a local database to a .bak file

Prepare a backup of your development database so it can be restored on the hosting.

1 min read Updated October 5, 2026

If you have an MSSQL database on your own computer and want to move it to the hosting completely — structure and data — export it as a .bak backup file first. The file can then be restored into your hosted database in the Control Panel.

Create the .bak file

  1. Connect to your local SQL Server

    Start SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and connect to the SQL Server on your computer.

  2. Start the backup

    In Object Explorer right-click the database and choose Tasks → Back Up...

  3. Choose where to save the file

    In the backup dialog select the path where the .bak file should be saved and confirm.

  4. Check the result

    When the backup finishes, verify that the .bak file was created at the location you specified.

Restore it on the hosting

Once you have the .bak file, restore it in the Control Panel on the Backups page of your database. See Restore an MSSQL database.

Important

SQL Server cannot restore a backup that was created on a newer version of SQL Server than the target server. Details are in Restore an MSSQL database.

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