SQL 2008 updates and service packs

  • I have been tasked with looking after the SQL server 2008 at work. We are looking to intergrate this with Sharepoint 2010 at some stage. It does not appear to have had any updates or services packs run on it . There are data bases connected to the SQL server . Can I just download the latest updates and run these or is there any set procedure I need to do to update our SQL server.

  • In short, yes, but there's more. Service packs are more than just your average patch. Some contain major new features as well as major patches for existing features. It will depend on what the databases on the instance are doing but I would recommend reading the release notes for the service pack and any other SQL Server patches you're planning to deploy very carefully. Is there a test environment that mimics your production environment? Ideally you'll want to apply the service pack and any patches there first and run your applications to make sure everything still works as planned before going to update production. Also, make sure you have the installation media for SQL Server and any patches to bring the server back to its current state should you have to rebuild the server. Very important: make sure you take full backups (and verify them) before applying the service packs.

    I am not trying to scare you, I promise, and this post is by no means comprehensive, but it is important to take service packs seriously so you can be sure you have an "out" if something goes wrong.

    Congratulations on being the newest "Accidental DBA"! It happens, and these forums are a great place to get help from time to time.

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

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