Attaching a file from a backup

I have a backup file: tom.bak that is backed up from another Sql Server.
I want to add it to my other Sql Server.
Do I need to do a restore?
Do I need to Create the database first?
What about Master - is there something I have to do with that?
I am in the process of converting my Evaluation version to the Retail
version we just bought. According to MS, I only need to do an "Upgrade,
remove or add components to an existing instance of SQL Server", Select the
instance (which there should be only one), select "Upgrade your existing
installation" option and then select "Yes, upgrade my programs" box.
I want to make sure my backups are OK before I do this, so I want to check
it on my other machine.
I assume this will not effect my databases, but I want to make sure.
Thanks,
Tom> Do I need to do a restore?
Yes.

> Do I need to Create the database first?
No. Restore will (re)create the target database.

> What about Master - is there something I have to do with that?
No, unless you want to practice your master database restore procedure.
Hope this helps.
Dan Guzman
SQL Server MVP
"tshad" <tscheiderich@.ftsolutions.com> wrote in message
news:eQj4URUFFHA.560@.TK2MSFTNGP15.phx.gbl...
>I have a backup file: tom.bak that is backed up from another Sql Server.
> I want to add it to my other Sql Server.
> Do I need to do a restore?
> Do I need to Create the database first?
> What about Master - is there something I have to do with that?
> I am in the process of converting my Evaluation version to the Retail
> version we just bought. According to MS, I only need to do an "Upgrade,
> remove or add components to an existing instance of SQL Server", Select
> the instance (which there should be only one), select "Upgrade your
> existing installation" option and then select "Yes, upgrade my programs"
> box.
> I want to make sure my backups are OK before I do this, so I want to check
> it on my other machine.
> I assume this will not effect my databases, but I want to make sure.
> Thanks,
> Tom
>