Upgrade from SQLServer Express to Full Version

  • How easy is it to move a production server from SQLServer Express to the full version? Is it just a matter of installing the full version and then doing a backup/restore to move the databases from the SQLExpress instances to the new instance?

  • That's one way to do it. After restoring consider changing the AUTO_CLOSE property on your database(s) to False.

    There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
    --Plato

  • opc.three (8/14/2012)


    That's one way to do it. After restoring consider changing the AUTO_CLOSE property on your database(s) to False.

    :: cough ::

    Some of the other ways...?

  • :pinch:

    Same as any migration:

    - detach + copy + attach

    - Copy Database Wizard

    - others

    Backup/restore is typically what I use to bring a DB to a new instance.

    There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
    --Plato

  • Thanks.

    I was more concerned about installing a new instance of SQL Server (FULL) when an instance of SQL Server Express already exists and then realized that both can exist at the same time. Given that there's now a high probablity that we'll have to bring the new box online with SQL Server Express, I was very worried about issues down the road with the full version. Unfortunately, there are some 'issues' with getting the full version on the box now. I would wait to bring the box online with the full version all at once, but there's a need to move to the new box.

    My concern was that we'd have to take the box down for an extended period of time for the full version to be installed, but once the 'issues' are resolved, we can handle installing it over a weekend.

  • david.holley (8/14/2012)


    Thanks.

    I was more concerned about installing a new instance of SQL Server (FULL) when an instance of SQL Server Express already exists and then realized that both can exist at the same time.

    Given that there's now a high probablity that we'll have to bring the new box online with SQL Server Express, I was very worried about issues down the road with the full version. Unfortunately, there are some 'issues' with getting the full version on the box now. I would wait to bring the box online with the full version all at once, but there's a need to move to the new box.

    My concern was that we'd have to take the box down for an extended period of time for the full version to be installed, but once the 'issues' are resolved, we can handle installing it over a weekend.

    I see. Sorry I was speaking with the assumption that the two can coexist, which they most certainly can. Note also that you cannot upgrade an Express instance to a full install so you'll have a side-by-side or you can uninstall Express, then install full if you want a fresh start.

    I have never had an issue adding a full instance to a machine with an Express instance already installed. If memory serves, a reboot will not even be necessary.

    If you decide to add a full instance without uninstalling Express, once the Express instance has outlived its usefulness you may consider disabling the Express service rather than uninstalling it. I have heard of issues being created with full instances by uninstalling an Express instance.

    There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
    --Plato

  • Thanks.

  • I agree with opc.three. You could just reset all the express services to manual and stop them. That way, you could restart them if they are ever needed again, but they won't run normally, so they won't be taking up any resources.

    Of course, this assumes you have already moved any databases and logins to the new instance.

  • Any just why would ever do anything as insane as moving the users from the old instance to the new one? Those pesky users.

  • Nothing but troublemakers, if you ask me...........

  • "The first thing we do - kill all the users." - Shakespear (Henry VI Part 2 Act 4, scene 4)

  • david.holley (8/15/2012)


    "The first thing we do - kill all the users." - Shakespear (Henry VI Part 2 Act 4, scene 4)

    That would make a fine addition to your signature here on SSC :laugh:

    There are no special teachers of virtue, because virtue is taught by the whole community.
    --Plato

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