Dynamics CRM: How to Sandbox?

Introduction

Greetings, esteemed readers! Are you searching for a way to safely test and modify your Dynamics CRM without affecting your production environment? Then sandboxing is your solution!

Sandboxing allows you to create a replica of your CRM that can be used for testing and development purposes. You can use it to test new customizations, plugins, workflows, and many more without worrying about damaging your production environment. In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about Dynamics CRM: How to Sandbox.

What is Sandbox?

A sandbox instance is an environment where you can test and develop customizations without affecting your production environment. It is a replica of your CRM environment with its data and customizations. Sandbox instances can be used to test the functionality of newly developed customizations such as plugins, workflows, and JavaScript or to test upgrades or patches before applying them in the production environment.

There are two types of sandbox instances:

Sandbox Type	Description
Developer	Used for development and testing purposes. Can only be created by users with administrative privileges.
Preview	Used for previewing the functionality of the upcoming version of Dynamics CRM. Preview instances are created by Microsoft and are available for a limited time before the release of the new version.

How to Create a Sandbox Instance?

Creating a sandbox instance is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to create a sandbox instance:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on New.
6. Select the sandbox type that you want to create.
7. Select the language and the region for your sandbox instance.
8. Enter a unique name for your sandbox instance.
9. Select the size of your sandbox instance.
10. Click on Create.

How to Access a Sandbox Instance?

After creating a sandbox instance, you can access it by following the steps below:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on the name of your sandbox instance.

Alternatively, you can access your sandbox instance from the Dynamics 365 Admin Center. Follow the steps below:

1. Log in to the Dynamics 365 Admin Center.
2. Click on Instances.
3. Click on the name of your sandbox instance.

How to Refresh a Sandbox Instance?

Refreshing a sandbox instance allows you to create a replica of your production environment in your sandbox instance. Follow the steps below to refresh your sandbox instance:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on the name of your sandbox instance.
6. Click on the Refresh button.
7. Select the source environment that you want to refresh your sandbox instance from.
8. Select the components that you want to refresh.
9. Click on the Submit button.

How to Delete a Sandbox Instance?

To delete a sandbox instance, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on the name of the sandbox instance that you want to delete.
6. Click on the Delete button.
7. Confirm the deletion by clicking on the Delete button again.

FAQs

What are the benefits of sandboxing?

Sandboxing provides a safe environment to test and develop customizations without affecting your production environment. It also allows you to preview the functionality of the upcoming version of Dynamics CRM before it is released.

Can I have multiple sandbox instances?

Yes, you can create multiple sandbox instances depending on your needs. However, Microsoft provides a limited number of sandbox instances based on your subscription.

Can I use the same data in my sandbox instance as in my production environment?

Yes, you can use the production data in your sandbox instance by refreshing it.

Can I delete a sandbox instance?

Yes, you can delete a sandbox instance at any time.

What happens to my customization that I create in the sandbox instance?

Your customizations are not automatically transferred to your production environment. You need to export them from your sandbox instance and import them into your production environment using solutions.

What is the difference between a developer and a preview sandbox instance?

Developer instances are used for development and testing purposes while preview instances are used for previewing the upcoming version of Dynamics CRM.

How long can I use a sandbox instance?

You can use a sandbox instance as long as you have an active subscription. However, Microsoft may limit the amount of data, storage, and resources that you can use in your sandbox instance.

Can I create a copy of a sandbox instance?

Yes, you can create a copy of a sandbox instance by exporting and importing it.

How many sandbox instances can I create?

Microsoft provides a limited number of sandbox instances based on your subscription. However, you can create additional sandbox instances by purchasing them.

Can I change the size of my sandbox instance?

Yes, you can change the size of your sandbox instance by following the steps below:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on the name of the sandbox instance that you want to change the size.
6. Click on the Change Size button.
7. Select the new size for your sandbox instance.
8. Click on the Submit button.

Can I reset my sandbox instance?

Yes, you can reset your sandbox instance by following the steps below:

1. Log in to your Dynamics CRM environment as an administrator.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Click on Administration.
4. Click on Instances.
5. Click on the name of the sandbox instance that you want to reset.
6. Click on the Reset button.
7. Confirm the reset by clicking on the Reset button again.

Can I access my sandbox instance from the Dynamics 365 Admin Center?

Yes, you can access your sandbox instance from the Dynamics 365 Admin Center by following the steps below:

1. Log in to the Dynamics 365 Admin Center.
2. Click on Instances.
3. Click on the name of your sandbox instance.

What is the cost of creating a sandbox instance?

The cost of a sandbox instance depends on your subscription plan. However, Microsoft provides a limited number of sandbox instances based on your subscription.

Conclusion

Creating a sandbox instance is a great way to test and develop customizations without affecting your production environment. With the steps outlined in this article, you can safely create, access, refresh, and delete sandbox instances. Sandboxing is an essential tool for any Dynamics CRM administrator or developer, and you should take advantage of its benefits.

So what are you waiting for? Start sandboxing today and take your Dynamics CRM customization and development to the next level!

Closing or Disclaimer

This article is a comprehensive guide on Dynamics CRM: How to Sandbox. The information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot be held liable for any damage or loss that may result from using the information provided in this article. Always take proper precautions and backup your data before making any changes to your environment.

Dynamics CRM: How to Sandbox?