lsalih (1/30/2015)
Matt, thank you for your input, so I assume the answer is no for making an existing instance a primary node for the cluster. The primary cluster has to be build first, then add existing instances (nodes) to it. Correct?
We just don't do this in one fell swoop. Do it in parallel, make sure the new stuff works, then figure out what to do. As in:
Build up the cluster brand new, which involves getting the space lined up and allocated to the virtual cluster group. You can always build it with a single node in it for a while.
Build your instance within the cluster.
move/transfer all DB's into new instance (to include perms, users, etc... etc...)
TEST TEST TEST TEST TEST
Then once you know it's happy and working.... then perhaps you can de-allocate the space and re-purpose the existing server hardware to be nodes within the new cluster. Depending on how critical that server is - we've kept the single instance for 6 months before even considering a repurpose.
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Your lack of planning does not constitute an emergency on my part...unless you're my manager...or a director and above...or a really loud-spoken end-user..All right - what was my emergency again?