Concurrent (x64) and (x86) SQL 2005 instances

  • I have not found any information anywhere to answer this question, so I am turning to the experts here at SSC.

    Background: I have inherited a development database server running 64-bit Windows 2003 OS (x64). There are three named instances, all running 32-bit SQL 2005 Enterprise Edition (x86). The application team wants these instances upgraded to 64-bit SQL.

    Question: Can a SQL 2005 (x64) instance run concurrently with a SQL 2005 (x86) instance on the same server?

    If the answer is yes, I can upgrade the three instances one at a time, resulting in minimal downtime for the developers.

    If the answer is no, I have to take all three dev instances from the developers while I upgrade all of the instances, resulting in a full days downtime.

    I would appreciate any feedback from anyone who has first-hand experience with this issue. Thanks.

  • The short answer is yes, you can run x32 and x64 instances next to each other.

    But you cannot upgrade a 32-bit instance to 64 bit.

    You need to install new x64 instances next to the exisitng x32 ones.

    [font="Verdana"]Markus Bohse[/font]

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