When migrating to Plesk, MS SQL databases migrate to incorrect version of MS SQL server, or the error is shown: Unable to find mssql database server on target panel

Symptoms

• During the migration MS SQL databases being transferred to the MS SQL server which version differs from source. There are the same version installed on the target server, as on source, along with the MS SQL server to which databases were migrated.

• The following error is shown in Plesk Migrator:

  PLESK_ERROR: Failed to convert DNS records for subscription 'example.com'
  Migration for that subscription is considered completely failed. No further actions are performed for it.
  Migration tools tried to perform operation in 3 attempts: Unable to find mssql database server on target panel

Cause

Default MS SQL server version is not the same as on the server from which databases were migrated, or is not selected.

Resolution

To migrate the databases to the same MSSQL server version, temporarily change default MSSQL server:

1. Log in to Plesk.

2. Go to Tools & Settings > Database Servers > <required database server> > Settings.

3. Select Use this server as default for MS SQL.

   Note: In some cases, a default MS SQL server is specified at service plan level in Service Plans > <plan name> > Hosting Parameters.

If MS SQL server is not installed in the destination server, add it as described here.