DWC SQL dB Converter

 

Table of Contents

·        Introduction

·        Installation & Quick Start

·        Operation

·        Setup File

·        Actions

·        Contact Us

·        Terms and Conditions of Use

Last Updated: November 20, 2006


Introduction

DWC SQL Database Converter is a handy utility to migrate the tables from one database to another.  The typical use is to copy all, or selected, tables from one MS SQL Server to another when migrating or just to create and maintain a backup copy of your data off-site.  It's not the fastest process in the world if the two servers are located on different networks but it gets the job done without hassle.

We recommend that you extract the schema from the source SQL server and then create the schema on the target SQL server using Enterprise Manager or MS SQL Server Management Studio.  That way you are sure that the target database is setup exactly the way you intended. 

You will need read access to the source SQL server database and write access to the target.  That makes sense doesn't it?  If you would rather DWC SQL dB Converter create the table structure on the target before it migrates the data, then you must have admin access to the target database.  In the tests we've conducted so far (not exhaustive by any stretch) the target table schema has been identical to the source table schema except the ALLOW NULLs attribute.  We haven't quite deciphered that.  Besides, in many cases we've learned that the DBA owner of the source has not always been disciplined in maintain the schema so many tables we've converted had null values in NOT NULL fields because the DBA must have changed the schema somewhere along the way.  So, the converter will set NOT NULL to the IDENTITY field and NULL to all others.  You may then modify the schema after the migration.

Our promise to you – if you have a bit of trouble reading legal mumbo jumbo here it is in just plain ol’ simple language.

·          You can use the DWC SQL Database Converter for anything you want as long as it is legal.  Don’t come looking to us to bail you out if you get in trouble.  What you do is your choice.

·          DWC SQL Database Converter is for your use only.  You are not allowed to sell it, trade it, or even give it away.  If you want someone else to have it, point them to our web site and we’ll give them a copy with your blessing.

·          We don’t guarantee or warrant that DWC SQL Database Converter works the way you want it to or on your computer.  If it does, great.  If it doesn’t, well we’re sorry, but we can’t do anything about that.

·          We assure you that DWC SQL Database Converter works perfectly on every computer we’ve tried it on (and that’s a bunch) and all the folks we had test it, loved it.  Here’s what one of them said: “It’s Cool, Dude!” 

·          If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied with DWC SQL Database Converter you can stop using it immediately without penalty or remorse.  You see, you got it for free and you used it for free so, we don’t feel the least bit bad if you don’t like it.  Well, that’s not exactly true.  We do feel a little bad, but we’ll get over it.  You should too.

Ok we were just kidding, really.  Please click here to read the end user license agreement.

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Installation & Quick Start

From a Downloaded Zip File

  • First SCAN the download file for viruses.  It was scanned when it was created and is routinely scanned once a day, but you never know.  Always be safe.
  • Double-click on the downloaded file DWCSQLdBConverter.EXE.  That will unzip the contents of the setup disk to the TEMP folder on the selected drive so you can quickly find it and remove it later.
  • Use Microsoft Explorer or My Computer to open the TEMP folder, find and double-click on SETUP.EXE. Alternatively, select Run from the Start menu and type {drive}\TEMP\SETUP.EXE (where {drive} is the drive designation where you saved the extracted files) and press Enter.
  • Follow the onscreen instructions.

Quick Start.

Once the installation is complete these steps:

  • Run the program.
  • Either type the name of a setup file in the Setup File (.ini) box or click the Browse button to locate the folder and filename you wish to use.  See Figure 1 below.
  • Once the setup file name has been entered select the Edit menu and then select Edit Setup.  Enter the source and target database information.  Click the Test Connection buttons to make sure the information you entered is correct.


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Operation

  • Be sure to take a look at the Setup File section below.
  • The DWC SQL Database Converter main screen looks like this:

Figure 1

Let take a look at each part of the main screen.

  • Menus
    • File
      • Open Setup - Opens the Setup File interface.  See the Setup File section below.
      • Save Setup - Saves the setup file and overwrites the current file.
      • Save Setup as... - allows you to save the setup file under a new name and/or location.
      • Exit - just that.  Allows you to close the program and clear its memory.
    • Edit
      • Edit Setup - Opens the Setup File interface.  See the Setup File section below.
    • Actions
      • Test Connections - Establishes a connection with the source and target databases and reports the results.  Once completed the connection is severed.
      • Stage
        • Reads the database schema of the source and displays the table names in the Source Database column of the main form.
        • All tables (including system tables) will be listed unless you set the Source table prefix filter on the setup page.
        • You may remove tables form the Source Database list by highlighting one or more entries and pressing the Del key.
      • Convert
        • Opens a table from the source database for read-only and opens the same table on the target database for update. 
        • Reads data (field-by-field) from the source and writes it to the target.
        • If the table is not located on the target, you will be prompted to create the target table.  If you answer No, the table will be skipped.  If you answer yes, the table will be created on the target database based on the schema reported by the source.
          Note:  creating the tables in this manner is not an exact science in that all attributes for each field are not revealed during this process.  You may need to modify the schema of the target table once conversion is completed.
      • Update - this is similar to the convert process except that every attempt is made to determine if a record already exists on the target before being added.
      • Pause - pauses execution and hold the connections open.  You may resume by clicking the same menu item (changed to resume) or the Resume button.
    • Help
      • View Help - displays this file.
      • About - Reveals the version of this application and license information.
  • Buttons
    • Browse - allows you to browse your hard drive or network drive for the filename and folder location of the setup file.  See the Setup File section below.
    • Stage
      • Reads the database schema of the source and displays the table names in the Source Database column of the main form.
      • All tables (including system tables) will be listed unless you set the Source table prefix filter on the setup page.
      • You may remove tables form the Source Database list by highlighting one or more entries and pressing the Del key.
    • Convert
      • Opens a table from the source database for read-only and opens the same table on the target database for update. 
      • Reads data (field-by-field) from the source and writes it to the target.
      • If the table is not located on the target, you will be prompted to create the target table.  If you answer No, the table will be skipped.  If you answer yes, the table will be created on the target database based on the schema reported by the source.
        Note:  creating the tables in this manner is not an exact science in that all attributes for each field are not revealed during this process.  You may need to modify the schema of the target table once conversion is completed.
    • Update - this is similar to the convert process except that every attempt is made to determine if a record already exists on the target before being added.
    • Pause - pauses execution and hold the connections open.  You may resume by clicking the Resume button.
    • Close - Allows you to close the program and clear its memory.

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Setup File

The setup file contains the source and target database identity and credentials along with batch process and global settings.  The setup interface looks like this:


Figure 2

The source and target database sections require the same information for each.

  • Name - this is a friendly name that identifies the database to you.  It has no other purpose.
  • IP Address - this can be the ip address or domain name of the database server.  It may also be the ODBC source name if that source is local to the application.
  • User Name - the user name with appropriate access privileges.  The source requires read access and the target requires write access.  If you intend to user DWC SQL Database Convert to create tables on the target database, the user for the target database must have admin access.
  • Password - just that.
  • Database Name - yup.  The name of the database.

Batch setting are used if the database migration will load either the source or the target to an extent you wish to avoid.  You set the number of records to be migrated before execution pauses.  You may set the batch to alert you and wait or just pause for a number of seconds between batches. If you don't want the conversion or update process to pause at all enter 0 (zero) or a blank in the Send box.

The Source table prefix filter allows you to limit the staging process to only those tables you desire.  The list is separated by commas.  You may set the filter, stage the tables and then change the filter and stage again until you have the list you desire.  If you cannot filter out the undesired tables, just highlight one or more tables in the Source Database list and press the Del key to remove them.  You may click the Stage button to repopulate the Source Database list as many times as you want before you Convert or Update.

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Miscellaneous

Nothing at the moment.

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Contact Us

Mailing Address:
DWC SQL Database Converter
DWCLLC
5100 Kingston Drive
Annandale, VA  22003
Voice 703.642.8213
Fax 703.642.8211

 

Email Address:
dwcinfo@dwcllcsolutions.com

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

DWC SQL Database Converter End User License Agreement

THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT between "you," the end user of DWC SQL Database Converter ("DWCSQLdBConverter") brand software, and Don Withrow Consulting LLC, a Virginia limited liability company ("DWCLLC").

Use of the software you are about to download or install indicates your acceptance of these terms. You also agree to accept these terms by so indicating at the appropriate screen, prior to the download or installation process. As used in this Agreement, the capitalized term "Software" means the DWCSQLdBConverter software (either the freeware or commercial versions) together with any and all enhancements, upgrades, and updates that may be provided to you in the future by DWCLLC. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, YOU SHOULD PROMPTLY DISCONTINUE THE INSTALLATION AND DOWNLOAD PROCESS AND NOT USE THE SOFTWARE FOR ANY PURPOSE.

Ownership

The Software and any accompanying documentation are owned by DWCLLC and ownership of the Software shall at all times remain with DWCLLC. Copies are provided to you only to allow you to exercise your rights under this Agreement. This Agreement does not constitute a sale of the Software or any accompanying documentation, or any portion thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you do not receive any rights to any patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks or other intellectual property rights relating to or in the Software or any accompanying documentation. All rights not expressly granted to you under this Agreement are reserved by DWCLLC.

Grant of License Applicable To DWCSQLdBConverter Basic

Subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, DWCLLC grants you a limited, nonexclusive, non-sub-licensable, and revocable right to use the freeware version of the Software called DWCSQLdBConverter Basic ("DWCSQLdBConverter Basic") solely in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

1. Use of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic. DWCSQLdBConverter Basic is being distributed as Freeware. It may be freely used, copied and distributed as long as it is not sold and all original files are included, including this license and DWCLLC’s copyright notice. You may use DWCSQLdBConverter Basic on as many computers as you require.

2. Distribution Permitted. You may make copies of your copy of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic to give to others provided that such copies are not modified from the original downloaded copy of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic. You may not charge a fee for distributing copies of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic except that freeware distribution companies may charge their normal shipping and handling fees not to exceed $5.00 U.S. per copy. If a copy of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic is distributed, DWCLLC requests that you send DWCLLC an e-mail addressed to dwcinfo@dwcllcsolutions.com notifying DWCLLC of such distribution and the identity of the person or entity receiving the copy of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic.

3. Termination. DWCLLC may terminate your license to DWCSQLdBConverter Basic at any time, for any reason or no reason. DWCLLC may also terminate your license to DWCSQLdBConverter Basic if you breach any of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Upon termination, you shall immediately destroy all copies of DWCSQLdBConverter Basic in your possession, custody or control.

4. Fees. There is no license fee for DWCSQLdBConverter Basic. If you wish to receive the commercial version of DWCSQLdBConverter, DWCSQLdBConverter Pro, you will be required to pay the applicable license fee.

Grant of License Applicable To DWCSQLdBConverter Pro

Subject to the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement, DWCLLC grants you a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable and non-sub-licensable right to use the commercial version of the Software called DWCSQLdBConverter Pro ("DWCSQLdBConverter Pro") solely in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

1. Use of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro. You may download and use DWCSQLdBConverter Pro on multiple computers owned, leased or rented by you; however, you are the only individual with the right to use your licensed copy(ies) of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro. All copies of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro must include DWCLLC’s copyright notice.

2. Distribution Prohibited. You may not distribute copies of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro for use by any individual other than you. Distribution of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro by you to third parties is hereby expressly prohibited.

3. Fees. A license to DWCSQLdBConverter Pro costs $85.00 entitling you to unlimited use of the version of DWCSQLdBConverter Pro you purchased along with one year (i.e., 365 days) of support and upgrades as set forth below.

4. Support. DWCLLC will provide you with support services related to DWCSQLdBConverter Pro ("Support Services") for a period that begins on the purchase date and ends 365 days later. The nature, scope and extent of Support Services shall be as set forth in DWCLLC’s policies and programs described in any user manuals, in "online" documentation, and/or other DWCLLC provided materials and are subject to change at DWCLLC’s sole discretion.

5. Upgrades. DWCLLC will provide you with free upgrades for a period that begins on the purchase date and ends 365 days later. Such upgrades will include any upgrades for DWCSQLdBConverter Pro that are released by DWCLLC for general distribution to DWCSQLdBConverter Pro licensees during the one year period for which you are entitled to receive free upgrades. DWCLLC has no obligation to provide you with any upgrades that are not released for general distribution to DWCLLC’s other licensees. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to obligate DWCLLC to provide upgrades to you under any circumstances.

Prohibited Conduct

You represent and warrant that you will not violate any of the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and that:

You will not, and will not permit others to: (i) reverse engineer, de-compile, disassemble, derive the source code of, modify, or create derivative works from the Software; or (ii) use, copy, modify, alter, or transfer, electronically or otherwise, the Software or any of the accompanying documentation except as expressly permitted in this Agreement; or (iii) redistribute, sell, rent, lease, sublicense, or otherwise transfer rights to the Software whether in a stand-alone configuration or as incorporated with other software code written by any party except as expressly permitted in this Agreement.

You will not use the Software to engage in or allow others to engage in any illegal activity.

You will not engage in use of the Software that will interfere with or damage the operation of the services of third parties by overburdening/disabling network resources through automated queries, excessive usage or similar conduct.

You will not use the Software to engage in any activity that will violate the rights of third parties, including, without limitation, through the use, public display, public performance, reproduction, distribution, or modification of communications or materials that infringe copyrights, trademarks, publicity rights, privacy rights, other proprietary rights, or rights against defamation of third parties.

You will not transfer the Software or utilize the Software in combination with third party software authored by you or others to create an integrated software program which you transfer to unrelated third parties.

Upgrades, Updates And Enhancements

All upgrades, updates or enhancements of the Software shall be deemed to be part of the Software and will be subject to this Agreement.

Disclaimer of Warranty

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES THAT IT IS FREE OF DEFECTS, VIRUS FREE, ABLE TO OPERATE ON AN UNINTERRUPTED BASIS, MERCHANTABLE, FIT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGING. THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY CONSTITUTES AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THIS LICENSE AND AGREEMENT. NO USE OF THE SOFTWARE IS AUTHORIZED HEREUNDER EXCEPT UNDER THIS DISCLAIMER.

Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL DWCLLC BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, WORK STOPPAGE, COMPUTER FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION, OR ANY AND ALL OTHER COMMERCIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF, AND REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL OR EQUITABLE THEORY (CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) UPON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED. IN ANY CASE, DWCLLC’S COLLECTIVE LIABILITY UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS LICENSE SHALL NOT EXCEED IN THE AGGREGATE THE SUM OF THE FEES (IF ANY) YOU PAID FOR THIS LICENSE.

Export Control

The Software may contain encryption and is subject to United States export control laws and regulations and may be subject to export or import regulations in other countries, including controls on encryption products. You agree that you will not export, re-export or transfer the Software in violation of any applicable laws or regulations of the United States or the country where you legally obtained it. You are responsible for obtaining any licenses to export, re-export, transfer or import the Software.

In addition to the above, the Software may not be used by, or exported or re-exported to: (i) any U.S. or EU sanctioned or embargoed country, or to nationals or residents of such countries; or (ii) to any person, entity or organization or other party identified on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Table of Denial Orders or the U.S. Department of Treasury’s lists of "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons," as published and revised from time to time; (iii) to any party engaged in nuclear, chemical/biological weapons or missile proliferation activities, unless authorized by U.S. and local (as required) law or regulations.

U.S. Government Legends

The Software is commercial in nature and developed solely at private expense. The Software is delivered as "Commercial Computer Software" as defined in DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995) or as a commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101(a) and as such is provided with only such rights as are provided in this Agreement.

Legends and Notices

You agree that you will not remove or alter any trademark, logo, copyright or other proprietary notices, legends, symbols or labels in the Software or any accompanying documentation.

Term and Termination

This Agreement is effective upon your acceptance as provided herein and payment of the applicable license fees (if any), and will remain in force until terminated. You may terminate the licenses granted in this Agreement at any time by destroying the Software and any accompanying documentation, together with any and all copies thereof. The licenses granted in this Agreement will terminate automatically if you breach any of its terms or conditions or any of the terms or conditions of any other agreement between you and DWCLLC. Upon termination, you shall immediately destroy the original and all copies of the Software and any accompanying documentation, or return them to DWCLLC.

Software Suggestions

DWCLLC welcomes suggestions for enhancing the Software and any accompanying documentation that may result in computer programs, reports, presentations, documents, ideas or inventions relating or useful to DWCLLC’s business. You acknowledge that all title, ownership rights, and intellectual property rights concerning such suggestions shall become the exclusive property of DWCLLC and may be used for its business purposes in its sole discretion without any payment or accounting to you.

Miscellaneous

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the Software, and may be amended only by a writing signed by both parties. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Virginia, excluding its conflict of law provisions. All disputes relating to this Agreement are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Virginia and you expressly consent to the exercise of personal jurisdiction in the courts of Virginia in connection with any such dispute. This Agreement shall not be governed by the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. If any provision in this Agreement should be held illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be modified to the extent necessary to render it enforceable without losing its intent, or severed from this Agreement if no such modification is possible, and other provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. A waiver by either party of any term or condition of this Agreement or any breach thereof, in any one instance, shall not waive such term or condition or any subsequent breach thereof.

 

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