Firebird DB can be extended to 2GB size of metadata – after that transfer is needed to Microsoft SQL. In this article we are going to look into this process briefly.
First of all, official M-Files documentation on the topic can be found here – https://www.m-files.com/user-guide/2018/eng/migrate_to_sql.html
Before we start – huuuge disclaimer – I cannot be responsible if you mess something up or lose data – you this at your own risk!
Test everything in lab before you mess in production is all I can tell.
Now, onto example.
Prerequisites
Before we start messing up with a database.
Transfer back to Firebird DB is not possible!!
Backup complete machine on which M-Files server is located
Backup all the Vaults from M-Files server independently of the first step
Install SQL Server – I will not be covering that here – here is my article on the topic – https://www.informaticar.net/server-basics-15-how-to-install-database-server-install-sql/
Install SQL Server Management Studio – to have visually easier life.
I’ll have database engine with windows and sql authentication installed with SQL. I’m using SQL Server 2017
Also, SQL is installed on the M-Files server, not somewhere on the network.
I’ll be using Administrator account for SQL, Windows and M-Files (not the best practice, but for lab will do)
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL1.png)
Transfer Process
Ok, let’s begin
Open M-Files Admin, right click on Vault you wish to transfer to SQL, select Operations and click on Take Offline
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL2.png)
Confirm with Yes
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL3.png)
Again, click on vault which is now offline – select Operations and click on Migrate to Microsoft SQL Server…
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL4.png)
Enter the data, click on test connection. I will user Administrator account for admin credentials, and leave automatically generated login for basic user.
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL5.png)
Here is better description of Administrator and Basic user credential fields from M-Files link from the top
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL6.png)
Confirm with OK after you are done.
Warning, confirm with Yes if you understand
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL7.png)
Migration is underway…
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL8.png)
Looks like success!
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL9.png)
Let’s bring our vault back online
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL10.png)
Looks like it works
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL11.png)
Database and user are created
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL12.png)
And vault can be opened and metadata reached from client
![](https://www.informaticar.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/MFilesSQL13.png)
This was very elegant transfer – of course my DB is very small, only test example, but still, this works nice!
My series of articles about M-Files
Server
M-Files how to configure Metadata
M-Files – users and user groups
M-Files – Create and manage simple workflow
M-Files – Create Workflow with assignments
M-Files – Create Workflow with Approvals
M-Files – Manage permissions for Workflows
M-Files – how to create and use document templates
How to backup and restore M-Files Vault
M-Files – How to enable access to M-Files through website
M-Files how to secure connection between server and clients (HTTPS)
M-Files Migrate from Firebird DB to Microsoft SQL DB
Desktop
Understanding M-Files logic + Overview of M-Files desktop
M-Files Creating Views for M-Files Desktop
M-Files how to save or modify documents?
M-Files How to share documents? How to save eMails to M-Files?