determining SQL Server Version

  • We had a disaster last week (SAN Corruption) and it hit a bunch of my sql serves.

    I have been able to recover all but one. The one I am having a problem with is a NAMED Instance that I obviously don't know the original SP level on. When I try to restore MSDB it won't let me because of a version conflict

    Is there any way to tell what the SP Level is either from a system DB .mdf or LDF file or from a backup file without restoreing?

    Right now I'm installing SQL Server to a test server and I'm going to try and restore the system dbs at each patch level.. seems like there must be a better way!!

  • I'm pretty sure that info's in the database boot page, but I don't know where or how to interpret it.

    The one person around here who will know is Paul Randal. He posts from time to time here (often to disaster-related posts) or you can find his blog here[/url]

    Sorry I can't be more help.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Thanks Gail!

  • The software version is recorded in the database backup file.

    You can display it with this command. Look for the following columns:

    SoftwareVersionMajor

    SoftwareVersionMinor

    SoftwareVersionBuild

    restore HeaderOnly

    from disk = 'X:\MSSQL\backup\msdb_db_200804061122.BAK'

  • Thank you so much. my build is 760.. SP3 : (

    Can I UNINSTALL SP4 or do I HAVE to reinstall???????????

  • Reinstall.

    Also, you can look at the version of sqlsrvr.exe (right click, properties)

  • Thanks Steve (and everyone)

    good to know both ways:

    restore HeaderOnly

    from disk = 'X:\MSSQL\backup\msdb_db_200804061122.BAK'

    and the sqlservr.exe properties

    the later wouldn't have helped me since we lost the Server.. but it's good to know!

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