Applying SP4 on a SP3a server.

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Applying SP4 on a SP3a server.

Dana Bibeault

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November 8, 2007 at 10:24 am

#70273

We are concerned about applying SP4 on a SP3a server. We do not use anything extra in SQL like log shipping, analysis services, reporting services or any other special option. What should we look out for before we upgrade?
Unfortunately we do not have a test environment!

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fhanlon SSChampion Points: 13131 More actions · Answer 1

Its too bad you don't have a test environment. I suggest you create one especially for SP4.

For some tips what to look for see

http://sqlserver2000.databases.aspfaq.com/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-sql-server-2000-sp4.html

Some items on forums on this site have mentioned "transactions now appear as if they were being blocked by themselves" see http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic180628-112-1.aspx This is normal see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;906344&sd=rss&spid=2852

If you have enabled AWE you likely need to install the hotfix described in http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/899761 after SP4

Francis

Lester Policarpio SSCertifiable Points: 7109 More actions · Answer 2

Another question... I thought SP4 is an updated version of SP3 (correct me if im wrong) so if i applied SP4 in a SP3 database its like applying additional features to it? then why worry?? what are the possible cases (worst) when applying SP4 in an environment with SP3???

"-=Still Learning=-"

Lester Policarpio

Jo Pattyn SSC-Dedicated Points: 32352 More actions · Answer 3

*be aware that SP4 needs a hotfix if you are using AWE-memory parameters

*SP4 has a behaviour change in deciding which index to use. With comparisions you have to match the datatypes if you want to use the index. There were rounding issues with SP3. There is a switch to use SP3 behaviour for indexes.

Dana Bibeault Hall of Fame Points: 3670 More actions · Answer 4

We are using Standard Edition SQL 2000 and we have SP3a. We are not using AWE, Analysis svc, or reporting svc or any other add ons. If we stay at SP3a can we still migrate to SQL2005 without applying SP4 first?

Thanks in advance.

fhanlon SSChampion Points: 13131 More actions · Answer 5

You do not need to apply any Service Packs before migrating to SQL 2005. SQL 2005 is a new install and your existing databases will migrate whether they are at SP3 or SP4

Francis