Dropping an old database is a one-way door. Here is the short checklist I run first, with a demo you can paste into SSMS.
Upgrading With Log Shipping for a Short Cutover
Upgrading with log shipping stages a newer secondary with NORECOVERY, applies logs in order, and leaves a short, rehearsed final cutover.
Moving a Database to New Hardware With Little Downtime
Moving a database to new hardware with little downtime uses early restore, a maintained log chain, final synchronization, and a tested client switch.
Reading a Backup File Before You Restore With RESTORE HEADERONLY
Use RESTORE HEADERONLY to identify backup sets, source versions and finish dates before selecting a restore and checking the media.
Resetting a Test Database With Database Snapshots
Resetting a test database with SQL Server snapshots gives a fast baseline for repeatable tests; create, revert, and manage sparse files safely.
Piecemeal Restore Quiz: What Happens to Tables Not Restored Yet?
This Piecemeal Restore Quiz asks what happens when a query reads a table whose filegroup is still offline. The answer is an error for that table only, while everything else keeps working. A tested script shows the error and then brings the last filegroup online.
Resource Database Quiz: Where Do the System Objects Live?
This Resource Database Quiz asks where SQL Server stores the definition of sys.objects and whether BACKUP DATABASE can protect it. The answer is the hidden Resource database. A tested script shows its version, its date and the system objects every database sees.