Ok, I think I understand (thanks for the replies btw).

So there *does* appear to be a direct upgrade path (as indicated by Steve Jones's article url) from 2005 to 2014 provided that its 2005 SP4 or later. Sorry to disagree with you SQLRNNR are you sure when you say: "There is not a direct upgrade path to 2014 from 2005 (2005 compat mode is not even supported in 2014). "

Assuming that there is an upgrade path from 2005 SP4 to 2014 would the broad steps be as follows:

1-Step Process:

1. Install 2014 on a separate box

2. Run the 2014 Upgrade Advisor and implement the suggestions when upgrading 2005

3. Test everything as indicated (code/SSIS packages/etc...)

or

2-Step Process:

1. Install 2008 R2 and 2014 on a separate box

2. Upgrade 2005 to 2008 R2 using the R2 Upgrade Advisor

3. Test everything as indicated (code/SSIS packages/etc...) on R2

4. Assuming all well upgraded R2 to 2014 using the Upgrade Advisor on 2014

5. Again, Test everything as indicated (code/SSIS packages/etc...)

The 2-step Process doubles the work but could be a safer option. What do ye guys think? I would appreciate any comments at all...

J.