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Save the existing MySQL database to a file (see save page). The SPM8 schema is usually called "sidata." Restore this file into a new database (schema), which you could call "sidata14" (see restore page). For good practice, you may also want to create a MySQL user (say "datauser") and give that user permissions to use the new database (see user permissions page). You will also need the old MySQL database name, user, and password.
Terminology note: what we call "database" is what MySQL calls "Schema."
Update the new database in CSPM
Make sure you have the the old SPM8 MySQL database name, user, and password.
Start SPM12, CSPM.
Go to local settings (CSPM "options" menu); enter the MySQL Database parameters for the newdatabase (sidata14, not the old sidata from SPM8). Click "Test" to check the connection. This has to work before the next step can run.
Now run the upgrade script, under CSPM, Utilities (only do this once!). (It should cause an error if you run it a second time by mistake.)
