How can I convert SQL Server data file version ?

[User 2456424]

Assuming I have file data northwnd.mdf version 2005 I want to convert to file data version 2008 or reverse ?

[Mycroft Holmes]

Use backup and restore going from 2005->2008. You cannot reverse the process using this method.

Never underestimate the power of human stupidity RAH

[Chris Quinn]

As Mycroft said, you can upgrade, but not downgrade. Restore the older version database to a newer version instance, or detach from the old version and attach to the new version. Be aware that backup formats changed between SQL2008 and SQL2008 R2, which can cause incompatibilities

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[jschell]

You could export it - dump it as sql statements rather than as a back up. If the exported sql was fairly simple then it would work in either database. It is possible that it would require some modification to go from 2008 to 2005.