SQL Server Import and Export Wizard Enhancements

In SQL Server 2005 Integration Services (SSIS), the redesigned SQL Server Import and Export Wizard focuses exclusively on copying data, making this wizard the simplest way to quickly create Integration Services packages that copy data between two data stores.

If you want to copy database objects such as table and views, and their properties, and not just data, use the Copy Database Wizard instead. You can also copy supporting objects, jobs, user-defined stored procedures, and user-defined error messages, and you can schedule copying to avoid server downtime. For more information, see Using the Copy Database Wizard.

The SQL Server Import and Export Wizard in SQL Server 2005 includes many new features:

• Better support for data in flat files. The SQL Server Import and Export Wizard includes the ability to manipulate data at the column level. You can adjust column width, modify the data type of columns, and specify the locale and code page of the file.
• Real-time preview of data. When the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard accesses data in flat files, you can apply column definitions to the data and view the results, making it easy to see whether a column is too narrow and data will be truncated.
• View a summary of the tasks that the package will perform and view a report of the package execution results.

Saved packages can be opened in Business Intelligence Development Studio and extended by using SSIS Designer.

For more information, see Integration Services Wizards and Creating Packages Using the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard.

See Also

Concepts

Tools Enhancements

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance

Change History