SQL Server on dual boot PC

  • I have a dual boot PC with Win2K Prof and Win2K Server. I have a SQL Server installed on

    Win2K Professional.

    Now I need to install SQL Server on Win2K Server.

    Basically, I'd like to use the same data whether I boot to Win2k Prof or Win2k Server. How

    do I go about it?

    I was just installing SQL Server on Win2K Server and I stopped when it asks for directory

    of the 'Data Files'. I was thinking that maybe I could point it to the folder where

    existing database data files are kept but I'm affraid to lose my data.

  • I would copy all your database files to a separate folder (the ones with .mdf and .ldf) and make backups of all your databases and then complete the install as you described.

    It is likely that the new install will over write your msdb and master database. Then stop your SQL Server service and over write those database files with the originals and I think you will be fine.

    Please note, I have never tried this but have heard that it works. I would test this method on a development machine where data is unimportant before doing this with the data you don't want to loose.

    Alternatively, you can restore the backups after the install. The down side of this is that you would have to set up logins again and restore the msdb if you have DTS packages you can't afford to loose.

    For me, whenever I try something I have never tried before I do it with a SQL Server and data that is unimportant so that if I mess everything up I can simple reformat hard drives and start over.

    Robert Marda

    SQL Server will deliver its data any way you want it

    when you give your SQL Programmer enough developing time.

    Robert W. Marda
    Billing and OSS Specialist - SQL Programmer
    MCL Systems

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