Cannot update identity column SQL Server 2016

[jeffw8713]

@K3JAE

As for using SET IDENTITY_INSERT ON I see this not feasible for two reasons:

1. Unless I totally misunderstand that command I understand it to be used to insert a new ID or change an identity number This is not what I am trying to do.
2. This would also be an issue as I have one connection string that will conflict when I load different forms (multiple forms in one program) since I usually only run one session and my understanding is Identity Insert can only be done on one table at a time per session. There are also occasions where I am writing to 2 separate tables at the same time. Again, there is NO need or desire to overwrite the ID column.

The error you are getting is because you are trying to import the data into a table that has an identity. The import process is bringing the data from the old system with the identity value - and you cannot import that columns value unless you tell SQL Server to allow inserting the identity columns value.

Your best option is to backup the existing database and restore it to the new server. This avoids any issues with importing data since all the data already exists in the backup file.