Create a copy of db and renaming it so i can attach both db

Question

I have a db lets call it 'mysite_db' on a server and i have created another copy in my own pc which is also 'mysite_db', now i would like to attach the db (from my own pc) to the main sql server which already has this db name. meanning i have to change my local db's name (i guess i also need to change the physicall file) but im lost with how to do that, can u please guide me how?

my goal is to load the 2 databases on the server for example: 'mysite_db' and 'myNewSite_db'

Answer 1

If You want to use the same directory for your mdf\ldf files You will have to (physically) rename them.
1. Detach files from local PC
2. Rename mdf and ldf files
3. Copy\Move the files to the server directory where the original Database is stored.
(In My example I used D:\Data for mdf and E:\Logs for ldf, change the path before running the script)
4. Use this code:

USE [master]
GO
CREATE DATABASE [myNewSite_db] ON 
( FILENAME = N'D:\Data\myNewSite_db.mdf' ),
( FILENAME = N'E:\Logs\myNewSite_db_log.ldf' )
FOR ATTACH
GO

5. If You want to change the logical file name to be the same as the physical one use:
(Assuming the original logical file name was "mysite_db")

USE [myNewSite_db]
GO
ALTER DATABASE [myNewSite_db] 
    MODIFY FILE (NAME=N'mysite_db', NEWNAME=N'myNewSite_db')
GO
ALTER DATABASE [myNewSite_db] 
    MODIFY FILE (NAME=N'mysite_db_log', NEWNAME=N'myNewSite_db_log')
GO

Good luck,
Roi

Answer 2

When you attach the database give it the name "myNewSite_db"

If you save the file in a different directory you don't even need to change the file name.