How to Move Dentrix G7 to a New Server

Short answer: On Dentrix version 17.9.26.0 or newer, Henry Schein One’s Dentrix Installation and Migration Tool moves Dentrix from the old server to the new one. You put the old server into migration mode with your database passphrase, then run the tool on the new server and choose to migrate from the existing server. Both servers must be on the same network, workstations cannot use Dentrix during the move, and most practices should expect it to take two to three hours. Back up first and do it after hours.

Before you start

The Migration Tool quick start guide lists these prerequisites:

1. Dentrix 17.9.26.0 or newer on the existing server. Check Help | About.
2. Both servers meet the latest Dentrix System Requirements. The 2026 requirements call for Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022 or 2025 on the server. See our Dentrix server requirements article.
3. Your Dentrix data is backed up and stored safely.
4. All Windows updates are installed on both servers.
5. Your database passphrase is available and verified. You cannot complete the migration without it.

If you are on an older version of Dentrix, the tool does not apply. [[TECH INPUT NEEDED: actual migration steps used for Dentrix G7 versions older than 17.9.26.0, or confirmation that Henry Schein One must perform/upgrade first]]

Back up first

Henry Schein One’s backup guidance explains that the Dentrix database is always locked by the DentrixACEServer service, so backups use a copy exported with the Dentrix Server Administration Utility into the Common\DBCopyForBackup folder. Before the move:

1. Have everyone close Dentrix on every computer.
2. Export a fresh copy of the database with the Server Administration Utility, and confirm it finished.
3. Back up the DBCopyForBackup folder along with the other folders Henry Schein One lists, such as DentrixSQL (including DocFiles and PatPicts) and Doc.
4. Check the backup completed and is somewhere off the old server.

Step 1: Put the old server into migration mode

1. Open the Dentrix Installation and Migration Tool on the existing server.
2. Select Place This Server Into Migration Mode to Migrate to a Different Server and click Continue.
3. Enter the database passphrase and select Validate Passphrase.
4. When validation succeeds, select Start Migration Mode.

Step 2: Migrate on the new server

1. Open the Dentrix Installation and Migration Tool on the new server.
2. Choose Migrate from an Existing Server and click Continue.
3. Select Find Original Server, and search for it or enter its name.
4. Enter the original server’s passphrase when prompted, and let the tool transfer and restore the database, Document Center files and patient pictures.

The guide notes that Dentrix will not be available to workstations during this process.

Step 3: Test before anyone sees patients

1. Open Dentrix on every workstation and confirm it connects to the new server.
2. Open a recent patient and check the Appointment Book, Family File, Ledger and Chart.
3. Open a document in the Document Center and a patient picture.
4. Click through to imaging and confirm the bridge opens the right patient.
5. Print a test document and claim.
6. Set up the scheduled database export and backups on the new server, and run one.

Leave the old server switched off but intact until the new server has run a full day and completed a backup. It is your rollback.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a Dentrix server migration take?

Henry Schein One’s guide says most practices with Document Center files should expect two to three hours for the migration itself, plus time for testing.

What if we do not know our database passphrase?

Stop and contact Henry Schein One before migration day. The tool needs it on both servers.

Do the servers need to be on the same network?

Yes. The guide says both servers must be on the same network for the migration.

Want it done for you? Call (716) 463-5111

We plan and run Dentrix server moves after hours, with backups, testing and a rollback plan. Call Buffalo IT Services at (716) 463-5111, or read about our dental server migration process and Dentrix IT support.