Set SharePoint Content Database in Read-Only Mode

This weekend I am working on a SharePoint 2010 to 2013 upgrade.

One of the steps; the beginning steps I will do is set the databases I am upgrading into read only mode to prevent users or automated process from upgrading the database during the upgrade window.

Now I could have taken the system offline for this; but that would be simple and inconvenient for anyone looking for information.  And in IT its all about the Information now isn’t it. You can find my steps below.

SharePoint Application Server

• I first logged into my central administration of my SharePoint Server (SharePoint 2010).
• Under Application Management, Select Manage content databases
• Chose your web application  and select the database
• You will notice that there isn’t a location to set this database into read only mode; however you do see that its status indicates its not in read only mode.
  
• Keep this page open, as we will reload it later.

SharePoing SQL Database Server

• Log into your Microsoft SQL Database Server (Or use SSMS).
• Launch SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
• Connect to the SQL Database Server instance
• Select the database in question
• Right click and select Properties
• Under properties select Options
• Scroll down to the area that reads “State”
• You will see Database Read-Only
• Change the value from False to True, then click OK
  
• You will see a notification that it will momentary kick active users.
• Click OK to continue.

Now you can revisit the SharePoint Application Server and reload the page and you will now notice that the status has changed and is in read only mode.

Congrats, if you followed these steps you did it right.