We have a scenario where we need to restore a SQL Server 2012 backup to a SQL Server 2016 environment, drop a few files to make more room, take a backup, and restore it back to another SQL Server 2012 environment again. Using the "GENERATE SCRIPTS" task is not an option as the DB is extremely large and complicated. Basically, is there a way to retain the old compatibility mode without automatically upgrading it, while restoring, using, and backing up an older version database in a newer version server?
None of the process above is negotiable or will be elaborated upon, these are the constraints I have to work with. Thanks for any help!
