Migrating data from Excel(.xls; .xlsx) to SQL Azure

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

Prerequisite:

Software Required:

📦 ESF Database Migration Toolkit 64-bit

Windows 64-bit application
Version: 12.2.11
Release Date: 2025-08-23

MD5: 937035c014b2bb81ca2d7725af094aa6

Download (63.5 MiB)

📦 ESF Database Migration Toolkit 32-bit

Windows 32-bit application
Version: 12.2.11
Release Date: 2025-08-23

MD5: bf6b639a2a703faf6b3c5139c5943e75

Download (58.8 MiB)
System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- MS Excel 97 or higher.
- SQL Azure.

Step by Step Wizard:

Microsoft Excel Data Source Configuration
- In the "Choose a Data Source" dialog:
  - Select "Microsoft Excel(*.xls;*.xlsx)"
- File selection:
  - Click the "[...]" button (Browse)
  - Select your Excel file (.xls or .xlsx format) containing migration data
Fig. 1: Microsoft Excel data source configuration
Configure SQL Azure Data Destination
- Prerequisite:
  - Enable access in Azure server's "Firewalls and virtual networks" page
  - Add your client IP to the firewall rules
- In the "Choose a Destination" dialog:
  - Select "SQL Azure"
- Enter server details:
  - Server name: e.g., esf.database.windows.net
  - Port: 1433 (default)
- Provide authentication credentials:
  - Username and password
- Database selection:
  - Click Refresh Database to load databases
  - Select target database
- Schema selection:
  - Click Refresh Schema to load schemas
  - Choose existing schema (dbo schema is default)
Fig. 2: SQL Azure data destination configuration
In "Select Source Table(s) & View(s)" Dialog
- Select migration objects: Choose tables or views to include in the migration.
  
  Fig. 3: Select tables and views
- Modify table structure: Click the ellipsis (...) button to access table options and schema adjustments.
  
  Fig. 4: 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
Execution Dialog
- Start migration: Click "Submit" to initiate automated data transfer from MS Excel to SQL Azure.
  
  Fig. 5: 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)
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.