Sql Server 2005 Mdf File On 2012

I have a SQL Server 2005 .mdf file I need to install on a server. Can I simply install SQL Server 2012 Express and attach the .mdf file without any issues, or should I stick to 200

Solution 1:

If you have all files (mdf, ldf and potentially multiple ndf) and the database was cleanly shut down, you won't have an issue attaching to 2012.

If you have only the mdf it might work but it could also fail.

Either way, first take a backup of the files you have.

That being said, make sure you don't use any features that changed between 2005 and 2012 (see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143532.aspx for details)