ArcSDE geodatabases for SQL Server Express (ArcSDE database servers) can be moved from one database server to another. This is done by detaching the geodatabase from one database server, moving the data file to the new server, then attaching the geodatabase.
Detaching a geodatabase removes all references to the geodatabase from the database server, but it does not delete the database file (the .mdf file). Once detached, the SQL Server Express data file can be transported and attached to another SQL Server Express instance.
You will find the database file (.mdf) for the database in the directory in which you initially created the geodatabase. For example, if you create a new geodatabase in the folder C:\MyData, that is the directory in which you would find the database to copy it for transport. It is also where you would find the database file if you decide to reattach it to your database server. If you forget or do not know where the geodatabase was stored when it was created, you can go to the Geodatabase Properties dialog box. (Do this
before detaching the geodatabase.) The location of the database is shown in the General area on the Administration tab. When attaching a geodatabase, you will only use the database file (.mdf file); the log file (.ldf file) will be re-created.
Attaching a geodatabase registers the data file with the SQL Server Express instance. The geodatabase will be added to the server and will appear in the Catalog tree.
You must be a database server administrator to detach or attach a geodatabase from or to the database server.