To back up a SQL Azure database to a local SQL Server 2012

The entire backup process can be divided into the following two major steps:

First, the database of the target SQL Azure is backed up to the local by "Export data-tier Application", the detailed steps are as follows:

1. Start SQL Server Management Studio and connect to the target SQL Azure. Select the target database that you want to back up in SQL Azure, and right-click the Export data-tier Application menu:

2. Go to the Start page and select "Next":

3. Set the local backup path in the "Settings" tab of "Export Settings", noting that the extension is ". Bacpac" instead of ". Bak":

4. In the "Advanced" tab of "Export Settings", set the table to be backed up, default to "All Tables":

5. After setting up "Export Settings", select "Next" and enter the following interface:

6. Select "Finish" to make a backup:

7. After the backup is completed, the message "Operation Complete" is displayed:

Second, import the locally backed up SQL Azure database to SQL Server via "Import Data-tier application" and follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on the local SQL Server database directory and select "Import data-tier Application".

2. In the "Import Settings" tab, select "Import from Local Disk" to set up the files backed up above:

3, click "Next", continue to set the database name and the location of the database file Save:

4. After the setup is complete, click "Next" to enter the following interface:

5. Click "Finish" to start the execution. When you are finished, the message "Operation Complete" is displayed: