Want to stop using D365 FO but need to keep the database

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Posted on by Parthiv_Adhyaru

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Hi Members,

I am having a query related to storing the database after switching from D365 FO to other ERP.

Basically, I came across a scenario where client want to stop using D365 FO and move back to their legacy system.

Client have regulatory requirements to keep the F&O database for at least ten years.

From what I understand, the best way to keep the database is to create a VHD and restore the latest production database.

This will be cost effective and less hassle free (I assume).

What alternatives do we have in this scenario?

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Dynamics 365 Finance

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Martin Dráb 237,965 Most Valuable Professional on at

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If you want just the database, create a backup of the database. A VHD is a virtual disk for virtual machines, therefore that would be a way if you wanted to save a whole virtual computer, not just a database.

Of course, it's questionable how useful the database is without the F&O application, but you explicitly said you didn't want to use F&O (and - I'm assuming - you won't have a license to use).

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Parthiv_Adhyaru 118 on at

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Hi @Martin Dráb,

As a user, In order to access the database, we would need the F&O application and that's why I am more inclined towards setting up a VHD with Production Database.

Yes, we are not planning to get any new licenses for F&O application (sandbox or Production).

This being the best option right now, do you think is there any other way?

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Martin Dráb 237,965 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Okay, so your actual requirement is different than what you originally claimed. You want a working F&O environment you can use when needed, not just the database.

Using F&O without a license doesn't sound legal to me.

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Parthiv_Adhyaru 118 on at

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Hi Martin,

We are not going to use this VHD for posting any transaction.

As we need to maintain the data for Statutory purpose, we might access some reports from D365 FO, if any statutory requirement arises.

Hence, there is no day to day or frequent use of D365 FO application.

So this is my actual requirement, that we might need to access D365 FO application for report generation, if any statutory need arises.

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Arvind Bharti 720 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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Hi,

You can also think of using one box :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/dev-tools/secure-developer-vm

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Raj Borad 1,428 on at

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Hi,

As you say, you need to access D365 FO application for report generation, if any statutory need arises. You can go with the VHD option (your suggested).

Some references related which might be useful for you:

Step by Step Guide to Deploy a Local VHD of D365FO - Alex Meyer

How to Set up a VHD for D365 finance and operations by Umesh

Make sure that by intentionally or unintentionally the new records should not create in future in this new Instance which may affect for statutory purpose.

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André Arnaud de Cal... 301,075 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

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Hi Parthiv,

Accessing the application does require a license. Even read-only does this as per the Dynamics 365 licensing guide. You can save a backup of the database and also have a database available using SQL server. You can then create report by using e.g. Power BI which is also requiring licenses.

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