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

This guide will show you how to easily migrate data from MS Excel to SQL Server through a few simple steps with ESF Database Migration Toolkit, simplifying the complex migration processes and saving you valuable time.

MS Excel vs. SQL Server:

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet software developed by Microsoft, widely used for organizing, analyzing, and visualizing data. It offers a wide range of features including calculation, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming language called Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Excel enables users to create complex formulas, perform data analysis, and generate professional-looking charts and graphs. It is extensively utilized in various fields such as finance, accounting, engineering, and data analysis for its versatility and ease of use.
SQL Server is a robust relational database management system developed by Microsoft, designed for a wide range of data management applications. It supports a variety of transaction processing, business intelligence, and analytics applications in corporate IT environments. Known for its high performance, scalability, and security features, SQL Server offers comprehensive tools for database creation, management, and maintenance, making it a preferred choice for both small-scale applications and large enterprise systems. Its integration with other Microsoft products and services further enhances its versatility and ease of use.

Prerequisite:

Software Required:

DMToolkit_x64.zip (63.6 MiB)	64-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.0.23 (2024-07-27). (md5: a6475536efc54ef68717f13a02c64396)
DMToolkit_win32.zip (58.8 MiB)	32-bit Windows application for ESF Database Migration Toolkit 12.0.23 (2024-07-27). (md5: d6726f365e49137a640ac4343aef260b)

System Supported:
- Windows 7 or higher.
- MS Excel 97 or higher.
- SQL Server 6.5 or higher.

Step by Step Wizard:

In "Choose a Data Source" dialog, Choose "Microsoft Excel(*.xls;*.xlsx)";
- Click on the "..." button.
- Choose the Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx) file that you want to use as the destination for the migrated data.
In "Choose a Destination" dialog, choose "Microsoft SQL Server";
- Input the SQL Server host name (you can also add an instance name). e.g: localhost\sqlexpress.
- If using TCP/IP method then input the server port (default is 0 and using pipe method), in addition, you need to provide a username(e.g: sa) and password.
- Check the "Windows Authentication" checkbox if using Windows authentication.
- Select an existing database or input a new database name (click the 'Refresh' button to list all databases). If the target database does not exist, this tool will automatically create it during the migration process.
- Select an existing schema or enter a new schema (press the refresh button to list all schemas). If the target schema does not exist, this toolkit will automatically create it during the migration process. If left blank, it defaults to 'dbo'.
In "Select source Tables(s) & View(s)" dialog;
- Select the tables or views you want to migrate.
- You can access the table options or adjust the table structure by clicking the "..." button.
- In the "Field Mapping" option, you can customize the destination table's fields, such as field name, data type, default value, comment, and more. You also have the option to choose the data transfer method, including Overwrite Table, Empty Data, Append Data, or Skip Table, or even filter the data before transferring it.
In "Execution" Dialog;
- You can start the migration process by clicking "Submit". The toolkit will efficiently and seamlessly migrate your data from MS Excel to SQL Server without the need for manual intervention.
- To keep track of the migration process, you can access the full migration log by clicking "Browse Log". This will provide you with a comprehensive view of the entire migration, including any potential issues and their resolutions.
- To save time in the future, you can save the migration settings as a job file by clicking "Save as job". This allows you to quickly reload the migration job at a later time or run the migration job using the command-prompt by typing "dmtc.exe --help". The command-prompt provides you with a full list of parameters to customize the migration process to your specific needs.
Finished!

Upon completion, the toolkit will generate a comprehensive migration report, providing you with all the information you need to verify the accuracy and completeness of the migration process. So, you can sit back and relax while the program carries out the task efficiently. Should you have any inquiries or recommendations, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to help.