A lot of Windows OS updates are cluster aware, some are not. My advice is to disable SQL Server from starting in cluster adminsistrator while patching. DO NOT disable the...

I would go to at leaste Service Pack #4 and MS11-049 Build 5292 - June 2011.

Here is a useful link:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307487

Without knowing actual sizes I would start with Option 3, if that does not work then you'll have to resort to Option...

hmmm ... I do not see anything that really jumps out at me ...

I did learn about those first 2 trace flags though ...

At this point I do not have...

Retire ? Why ?

I've been in IT since 1981 and databases since 1983 (SQL Server since v4.2 on OS2/Warp !). The career is both challenging and rewarding. Being a 'production'...

All great information ...

Just do not forget about any indexes that have varchar columns as well !

a few questions ...

How much RAM on the Windows side ?

How much RAM is allocated to SQL Server ?

Are you using any startup trace flags ?

Are you using 'default' LiteSpeed...

Well worded Kevin !

from something Microsoft gave us:

1.During Data loads; it is recommended to set the database’s recovery model to “Bulk Logged” and enable Trace Flag 610 to decrease load times. This is...

Bulk Logged may even generate a larger transaction log ...

... unless you couple it with trace flag

one other noe about the upgrade from SQL 2000 - drop all system generated statistics before performing the update of all statistics. Attached is a code snippet you can...

Yes, a disturbing trend in a number of ways ... enough said.

However I am not affected since my only online 'presence' is SSC, almost daily, and a G-mail account that...

We had an audit finding similar to this a couple of years ago.

Our action was to discuss the perils of removing default permissions from these objects that are granted by...

I think I mught understand a little of what you are asking ...

... however to clarify things I would ask you to stop and restart your SQL Server instance and...

hmmm ... you found the CPU issue - good deal.

Now a question or two ..

- Do you have security/logon errors on the remote node where the installation is failing...