SQL Server
FoxPro

SQL Server to FoxPro / DBF Converter

Export SQL Server tables into a Visual FoxPro .dbc database or standalone DBF files with field mapping, saved sessions, and optional DBSync.

SQL Server → FoxPro migration usually means exporting selected SQL Server tables into a Visual FoxPro .dbc database or standalone DBF files for a legacy desktop application.

DBConvert handles the table-level export: it reads SQL Server, SQL Server Express, Azure SQL, or Amazon RDS for SQL Server; maps SQL Server types to DBF/FoxPro fields; writes rows; and can save the job for repeated exports. The review work is in DBF field limits, memo files, code pages, identity values, Unicode text, deleted-row behavior, and T-SQL that FoxPro cannot run.

What DBConvert does on this path: handles SQL Server → DBF/FoxPro as a repeatable desktop workflow:

  • Reads SQL Server, SQL Server Express, Azure SQL Database, and Amazon RDS for SQL Server sources.
  • Writes Visual FoxPro .dbc databases or standalone DBF table folders.
  • Maps tables, fields, indexes, primary keys, and supported views with type-mapping review.
  • Saves the job as a rerunnable session; DBSync keeps SQL Server and DBF/FoxPro aligned for recurring exchange.

What it does not do: SQL Server stored procedures, triggers, functions, jobs, security, and application SQL are not translated into FoxPro forms, reports, menus, .prg programs, or desktop business logic.

Which tool: DBConvert or DBSync?

DBConvert for SQL Server → DBF/FoxPro

One-time export or repeatable test loads. Use it when a legacy DBF/FoxPro system needs a SQL Server table copy with field mapping and saved settings.

DBSync for SQL Server ↔ DBF/FoxPro

Recurring exchange. Use it when SQL Server remains active and the DBF/FoxPro side needs periodic inserts, updates, or deletes. Review synchronization concepts.

Need more context? Compare DBConvert and DBSync side by side →

How DBConvert handles the SQL Server → DBF/FoxPro differences

DBConvert handles source connection, object selection, field mapping, DBF/FoxPro output, transfer, and validation. SQL Server server-side logic and FoxPro application design remain separate work.

Source connection

DBConvert reads SQL Server through regular SQL Server connection settings, including Azure SQL and Amazon RDS for SQL Server when firewall rules allow the migration machine.

Target shape

Choose a Visual FoxPro .dbc target or standalone DBF tables. Memo fields need companion files such as .fpt in the output folder.

Field limits

SQL Server nvarchar(max), varbinary(max), decimal, uniqueidentifier, XML, and JSON-in-text columns need DBF/FoxPro storage choices before the export is trusted.

Unicode and code pages

SQL Server Unicode text must be written with a DBF code page policy. Test names, addresses, long notes, and symbols before using the DBF files in a legacy application.

Identity values

SQL Server identity columns need a FoxPro AutoInc or numeric field policy. Confirm next values if the DBF side will continue accepting inserts.

Application logic boundary

DBConvert migrates tables, fields, supported views, indexes, and keys. T-SQL procedures, triggers, jobs, security, and application SQL are not converted into FoxPro application objects or .prg code.

Type mapping checkpoints

SQL Server DBF / FoxPro Notes
int, bigint, identity Integer / Numeric / AutoInc Check DBF numeric width and next-value behavior.
decimal(p,s), money Numeric / Currency Review precision and scale before legacy reports use the export.
varchar, nvarchar, nvarchar(max) Character / Memo Long text should use memo output with companion files.
datetime2, date, time DateTime / Date Review fractional seconds and date-only expectations.
bit Logical Check nullable bits if the DBF side expects only true / false.
uniqueidentifier, XML, JSON text, varbinary(max) Character / Memo / General policy These are not native DBF equivalents; sample real values.

Choosing the SQL Server → DBF/FoxPro route

This is usually a compatibility export, so choose the route by repeatability, file-shape control, and whether sync is needed.

Route Where it fits Where it falls short
DBConvert / DBSync You need a GUI export, DBF/FoxPro output, saved settings, filters, type mapping review, or recurring synchronization. T-SQL code and FoxPro application objects remain separate work.
CSV export and DBF import A few flat tables need to be copied once into a legacy tool. You lose schema metadata, DBF field policy, indexes, memo handling, and repeatability unless scripted separately.
Custom ETL DBF is only one output of a larger export or data-exchange pipeline. You own drivers, code pages, field limits, retries, validation, and sync behavior.

Supported versions

  • SQL Server 2008–2022, including Express editions
  • Azure SQL Database and Amazon RDS for SQL Server
  • SQL Server schemas (dbo, custom schemas)
  • Windows authentication or SQL authentication
  • Visual FoxPro .dbc databases and standalone DBF tables
  • Free tables (DBF without .dbc container) and Memo (.fpt) files

Supported in this path

Source SQL Server
Target FoxPro
Microsoft SQL Server SQL Server Express Azure SQL Database Amazon RDS for SQL Server Visual FoxPro DBF / dBase free tables Clipper / XBase DBF
SQL Server

All SQL Server Tools

Other directions and pairs
FoxPro

All FoxPro Tools

Migration & sync options

Reverse Conversion

FoxPro to SQL Server

Using SQL Server to FoxPro Tools

When launching the DBConvert or DBSync application in GUI mode, it guides you through the steps to start database migration or synchronization:

1

Connect to SQL Server source database

Specify the username/password and host/port parameters if your source database requires login credentials.

Connect to SQL Server source database from DBConvert

SQL Server source

Connect by TCP/IP or Named Pipes, use Azure SQL, or read from Amazon RDS for SQL Server.

2

Connect to FoxPro destination database

Specify parameters for the destination database similar to the source, defining connection settings and username/password pairs.

Connect to FoxPro target database from DBConvert

FoxPro target

Write to a Visual FoxPro .dbc database or a folder of free DBF tables.

More guides for SQL Server ↔ FoxPro

Next steps: configure, validate, run

After connecting source and target, the remaining steps are the same for every database pair:

  • Configure migration options - pick tables, fields, indices, views.
  • Issue detection - the built-in checker flags integrity problems before migration starts.
  • Execute - commit the job, monitor progress, save the session for reuse.
  • Schedule and CLI - rerun saved sessions on a schedule or from the command line.
Open the full guide

Steps 3-5, software features, command-line mode, scheduler, and system requirements.

See all features