Migrating data from Foxpro to SQL Server

This guide walks you through migrating data from Foxpro to SQL Server in a few simple steps using ESF Database Migration Toolkit. Simplify complex migration tasks and save valuable time with our streamlined approach.

Prerequisite:

Step by Step Wizard:

  1. Configure Visual FoxPro or FoxPro/dBase Data Source

    • In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
      • Select either:
        • "Visual Foxpro Database (*.dbc)"
          "Choose a Data Source" dialog showing Visual FoxPro Database (*.dbc) option
          Fig. 1: Visual FoxPro Database (*.dbc) configuration
        • or "FoxPro/dBase Free Table (*.dbf)"
          "Choose a Data Source" dialog showing FoxPro/dBase Free Table (*.dbf) option
          Fig. 2: FoxPro/dBase Free Table (*.dbf) configuration
    • File/folder selection:
      • Click the "..." button (Browse)
      • For Visual FoxPro Database:
        • Browse to and select your .dbc file
      • For FoxPro/dBase Free Tables:
        • Select the folder containing your .dbf files

  2. Configure Microsoft SQL Server Destination

    • In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
      • Select "Microsoft SQL Server"
    • Server connection details:
      • Enter SQL Server host name (optionally with instance name), e.g., localhost\sqlexpress
      • For TCP/IP connections:
        • Specify server port (default: 0 uses named pipes)
        • Provide username (e.g., sa) and password
      • For Windows Authentication:
        • Check the Windows Authentication checkbox
    • Database configuration:
      • Click the Refresh button to list existing databases
      • Select existing database or enter new database name
      • Note: Non-existing databases will be automatically created during migration
    • Schema configuration:
      • Click the refresh button to list existing schemas
      • Select existing schema or enter new schema name
      • Default schema: dbo (if left blank)
      • Note: Non-existing schemas will be automatically created during migration
    "Choose a Destination" dialog showing Microsoft SQL Server configuration options including hostname, authentication, database and schema settings
    Fig. 3: Microsoft SQL Server destination configuration

  3. In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog

    • Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
      Select Tables & Views
      Fig. 4: Select tables and views
    • Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
      Transform
      Fig. 5: Do transform
    • Configure field mapping: In the Field Mapping options:
      • Customize destination fields (name, data type, default value, comments)
      • Select data transfer method:
        • Overwrite Table (replace existing data)
        • Empty Data (truncate before insert)
        • Append Data (add to existing data)
        • Skip Table (exclude from transfer)
      • Apply data filters before transfer

  4. Execution Dialog

    • Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from Foxpro to SQL Server.
      Execute
      Fig. 6: Execute migration
    • Monitor progress: Click "Browse Log" for real-time migration tracking, including issue resolution details.
    • Save configuration: Click "Save as job" to store settings for:
      • Quick reloads of migration jobs
      • Command-line execution (use: dmtc.exe --help for parameter options)

  5. Finished!

    After migration completes, the toolkit generates a comprehensive report for verifying migration accuracy. You can monitor progress as the automated process runs efficiently. For any questions or feedback, contact us – our team is ready to assist.

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