How to: Change a Web Applications Content Database in SharePoint

Suppose you have a content database(lets say OLDDB to this) but you're not happy with it, ie. somebody corrupted it and you want to return a recent backup by replacing it with a new content db. This might not be a recommended way but I use this all time and did not have any difficulties. just make sure you back up!  ^_^

First of all, you have to create a new database:
The only thing you have to be careful about is the Collation. You have to use the *exact* collation of the content database that you want to change.

if it is Latin1_General_CI_AS_KS_WS -which is in my case- make sure that you create the new db with this collation.

After the db creation (lets say NEWDB to this), Restore a recent backup of OLDDB to newdb.

AT THIS POINT,TAKE A BACKUP OF OLDDB AND PUT IT TO SOME SAFE PLACE

After backing up the old db, open to  Central Administration, look at the screenshot below: navigate to

Application Management > Content Databases

Select by clicking the old content database (screenshot below)

Now Click "Remove content database" check box, it will produce a dialogbox like below, click ok to close the dialog box, and click ok in the form to remove the content database

Now you removed the old Database.

Now return to the Manage Content Databases Screen for your application.

Click add a content database link (Screen below)

Now, enter the details for your new database (i marked the textboxes with orange below)

Click ok, and you're done!

**If you're new To SharePoint make sure that you select the right Web Application  at the top right of the pages! **