How to Upgrade SQL Server from 2005 to a higher version and transfer your Dental System database

Important: Steps described below include manipulations with Microsoft SQL database. 3Shape cannot take responsibility for any possible data loss as the result of the steps suggested below. Proceed at your own risk.

To maintain optimal performance and stability, Dental System 2024 and higher require a newer version of SQL Server. The installer is intentionally designed to block installation on outdated SQL versions and prompt users to upgrade their SQL Server before continuing. 

This article explains different methods for preparing backup file, upgrading SQL Server 2005, highlights useful tools and best practices, and provides tips to ensure a smooth transition.

Important: Please ensure you follow each step exactly as described and in the given order. Skipping or modifying any steps may lead to unexpected issues during the SQL upgrade process such as data loss. 

If you attempt to install Dental System 2024 while still using SQL Server 2005, you may receive the following error and as the result installation will not be completed:

“Dental System 2024 does not support Microsoft SQL Server 2005. To proceed with the upgrade, update of the database to a supported version of Microsoft SQL Server (2017 or newer) is required. Please contact support for more information.”

To avoid this issue, please follow the instructions below to back up your Dental System database, uninstall existing 3Shape SQL instance, upgrade SQL Server, and restore your data.

        1. Create Dental System Database Backup

Before upgrading, it is crucial to back up your existing database.

One way to create a backup is by using the SQL Server command-line tool from the Command Prompt:

Press Windows button

Type cmd > right click > run as administrator 

Run the following command (update the paths and filenames accordingly): 

OSQL -S.\threeshapedental -Usa -P3SDMdbmspw -n -Q "BACKUP DATABASE DentalManager TO DISK='[backup location]\[backup name].backup'"

Press Enter

When performed successfully, you will see the response similar to the one on the picture below:

Note: 

• Replace [backup location] with an existing folder path.
• Choose any backup name but keep the .backup extension.
• Backup must be created in one file.

A backup file with the chosen name will be created in the previously chosen folder:

After running this command, you will see a confirmation in the Command Prompt and a backup file will be created.

Alternatively, it is possible to create Dental System backup using SQL Server Management Studio.

Important note for customers using Dental Desktop to create cases outside of Dental System workflow: Older versions of Dental Desktop (prior to Unite 24.1) are using the same SQL instance as Dental System called “threeshapedental” but a different database called “DentalDesktop”. The last Dental Desktop version supporting SQL 2005 is 1.6.9.1. Therefore in case you are using Dental Desktop 1.6.9.1 (or older) to create cases outside of Dental System workflow, repeat this step for DentalDesktop database by replacing the “DentalManager” with “DentalDesktop” in the command prompt suggested in this step. This will ensure that your Dental Desktop database is preserved when you proceed to the next step of this instruction.

Note: It is required to stop DentalDestopServer service before creating the backup.  

        2. Uninstall MSSQL Server 2005 (THREESHAPEDENTAL) instance only

Consider that deleting SQL instance irreversibly destroys all data contained into. That's why it is crucial to create a full backup before proceeding further. 

Steps to uninstall existing instance: 

      2.1 Go to Programs and Features

      2.2 Find Microsoft SQL Server 2005 in the list > Click Uninstall

      2.3 In the SQL Server Installation Wizard, select Remove SQL Server Instance > select the instance you want to remove - THREESHAPEDENTAL

      2.4 Select all features in the checkbox as shown on the screenshot below

      2.5 Follow the steps until the SQL Server is completely removed.

      2.6. Reboot PC

       3. Install THREESHAPEDENTAL instance by running Dental System installer.

Run Dental System installer as administrator in order to install SQL Server 2017 as well as the new 3Shape instance. 

Note: If you encounter any installation issues, please contact 3Shape Support for further technical assistance (support@3shape.com)       

          4. Restore Backup of Dental System Database

To restore previously created backup, use the Command Prompt:

Press Windows button

Type cmd > right click > run as administrator 

Press Enter

Run the following command (replace [backup location] and [backup name] with your backup file’s path and name):

OSQL -S.\threeshapedental -Usa -P3SDMdbmspw -n -Q "RESTORE DATABASE DentalManager FROM DISK='[backup location]\[backup name].backup'" WITH REPLACE

Press Enter

After running this command, you will see a confirmation in the Command Prompt as shown on the screenshot below:

Alternatively, it is possible to restore Dental System backup using SQL Server Management Studio.

Important note for customers using Dental Desktop to create cases outside of Dental System workflow: Older versions of Dental Desktop (prior to Unite 24.1) are using the same SQL instance as Dental System called “threeshapedental” but a different database called “DentalDesktop”. The last Dental Desktop version supporting SQL 2005 is 1.6.9.1. Therefore in case you are using Dental Desktop 1.6.9.1 (or older) to create cases outside of Dental System workflow, repeat this step for DentalDesktop database by replacing the “DentalManager” with “DentalDesktop” in the command prompt suggested in this step. This will ensure that your Dental Desktop database is restored to the new SQL instance.

Note: It is required to stop DentalDestopServer service before restoring the backup.  

Your Dental System should now work with SQL Server 2017.

If you need any assistance, please reach out to 3Shape Support.