title: SQL Server 2012 backward compatibility for backups with 2008
body: <p>I have a number of clients with SQL Server 2008 and that's what I have here on my server too. I use backup files to send databases back and forth between clients and at my office.</p>
  
  <p>I have read that when you create a backup from SQL Server 2012 there is no way to restore it onto a 2008 instance. I assumed that the compatibility level would take care of this problem, but it doesn't. Therefore, I am at a loss as to how to upgrade. Other than upgrade all my clients all at once, which is impossible, I can think of no clean way to do this.</p>
  
  <p>I have the need to send a database to a client as well as receive a database from a client. This is my first version upgrade on SQL Server, so I'm new to this problem. Any ideas on how to proceed?</p>