SQL - How to backup a database and export as a MDF file with MS SQL 2008 R2

Question

I have created a database \"test\" with some tables in MS SQL Server 2008 R2 (i.e. MS SQL Server Management Studio).

Now, I need to export this database as a MDF file.

Answer 1

In my experience, its easier to use the commands sp_detach_db (MSDN) and sp_attach_db (MSDN). I was trying to attach a database that was offline when detached and SQL Server Management Studio (2014) kept crashing when I used the Attach option from the right-click context menu. The commands worked - hope this saves someone some time.

NOTE: Run SSMS as an administrator if you see an access denied while trying to execute the attach command