How to update data to newer version of a solution?

[ML2008]

I have a solution with several tables and each table with several fields, is there an easy way to import the data to the new solution version everytime I update the solution?

[Barbecue]

The best way is probably to separate the scripts, calculations, and rules of the system from the raw data. That way you would never have to worry about importing unless you actually changed a field definition (see the Separation Model forum for more information about this.) But if you didn't build your solution this way to begin with, this would require a major redesign of your database.

The simplest to implement in an existing solution would probably be a script that imports the data from the old version of each table into the new version. If you always rename the old version to a preset filename, this could be automated to a single button click. It would require a little effort to set up the first time, but you could then basically click a button and have the import run itself.

The biggest thing to beware of is accidentally changing database keys during the import process. Make sure you always uncheck the "Perform Auto Enter Operations" box when importing, or you may scramble your database relationships and lose historical information. Also make sure you Set Next Serial Value to a value higher than the current highest value for each auto increment field.