Creating a copy of primary database and attaching the copy database in the same sql instance I just got into a project in which we have only one SQL Server 2012 copy. We have 12 databases attached to the primary instance of SQL Server 2012.

As I don't have SQL Server 2012 or supporting OS, I have to depend on the primary instance of SQL Server 2012.

I am not sure whether it is good to create copy/clone of all 12 databases and attach it to same instance and work on the copy for data manipulation and query testing purpose.

Based on Kin's query

SELECT
   SERVERPROPERTY ('MachineName') AS PhysicalMachineName,
   SERVERPROPERTY ('ServerName') AS SQLServerName,
   SERVERPROPERTY ('Edition') AS ServerEdition,
   CAST(SUBSTRING(@@Version,charindex('SQL',@@version, 1),15) AS VARCHAR(255)) +  ' + ' 
       + CAST (SERVERPROPERTY ('productlevel')AS VARCHAR (50)) + ' + (Build'
       + CAST (SERVERPROPERTY ('ProductVersion') AS VARCHAR (50)) +')' AS ProductVersion,
    RIGHT(@@version, (Len(@@Version)-charindex('Windows',@@version, 1))+1) AS [O.S.],
 SERVERPROPERTY ('Collation') AS Collation


Following is the output. I ignored PhysicalMachineName and SQLServerName.

ServerEdition : Business Intelligence Edition (64-bit)
ProductVersion : SQL Server 2012 + RTM + (Build11.0.2100.60)
O.S.           : Windows NT 6.1 &lt;X64&gt; (Build 7601: Service Pack 1) 
Collation      : SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS
IF the server is NOT a PRODUCTION server, then you can backup the databases you need for Data manipulation and restore them with databaseName_test.

Keep in mind that you will still be competing for resources on the server by creating another set of databases.

Why cant you install another instance of sql server ? Even the enterprise edition is free for 30 days (for evaluation purpose ONLY) or just buy a Developer edition which is much cheaper. If you have MSDN subscription, you will be able to get one. Windows Azure is also another option.

Below will give you the correct version and some more info :

     SELECT
   SERVERPROPERTY ('MachineName') AS PhysicalMachineName,
   SERVERPROPERTY ('ServerName') AS SQLServerName,
   SERVERPROPERTY ('Edition') AS ServerEdition,
   CAST(SUBSTRING(@@Version,charindex('SQL',@@version, 1),15) AS VARCHAR(255)) +  ' + ' 
       + CAST (SERVERPROPERTY ('productlevel')AS VARCHAR (50)) + ' + (Build'
       + CAST (SERVERPROPERTY ('ProductVersion') AS VARCHAR (50)) +')' AS ProductVersion,
    RIGHT(@@version, (Len(@@Version)-charindex('Windows',@@version, 1))+1) AS [O.S.],
 SERVERPROPERTY ('Collation') AS Collation