You can create a compressed version of an existing database in two ways:

1. Use the Restore backup to compressed database wizard from the SQL Storage Compress user interface
2. Write a T-SQL script using your preferred SQL Server management tool (for example, SQL Server Management Studio)

If you don't already have a backup of the database you want to compress, you will need to create one before proceeding with either method.

1. Creating a compressed database using the wizard

You should use the wizard if:

• you are new to SQL Storage Compress and want to familiarise yourself with the process
• you want to generate T-SQL scripts which you can then modify and run manually
• your requirements for the compressed database are straightforward (for example, you want to compress all the data files rather than only certain files)
• you want to restore from a single, full backup file
• the backup file you are restoring from is in one of the following formats: native SQL Server, SQL Backup Pro, SQL HyperBac, or Quest LiteSpeed™ (unencrypted)

See the worked example for further details.

2. Creating a compressed database using T-SQL scripts

You should use a T-SQL script if:

• you are familiar with writing T-SQL RESTORE DATABASE commands and want full control over the command options
• your requirements for the compressed database are complex (for example, you only want to compress selected data files)
• you want to compress the transaction log file (.ldf) without encrypting it
• you want to restore from a backup split into multiple files or a combination of backups (for example, full, differential and log)
• the backup file you are restoring from is in Quest Litespeed™ encrypted format, or another third-party backup-tool format
• you need to create compressed databases as part of a batch or scheduled job

See the worked examples for further details.