Downgrade to SQL 2014 Standard edition after "accidental" install of Enterprise? :)

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Downgrade to SQL 2014 Standard edition after "accidental" install of Enterprise? :)

Theo Ekelmans

SSCarpal Tunnel

Points: 4593
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May 12, 2014 at 9:21 am

#307677

Hi,
After installing the umpteenth SQL server on autopilot, i realized that i installed a standard edition with an enterprise ISO.... stupid me, and i got my fair share of laughs from my colleagues (and then some) 🙂
But i was wondering.... since i have not installed or used any Enterprise features, a downgrade should be possible right?
Being a lazy bastard or time efficient nerd (take your pick), i fired up setup again, and i got to this screen.... and i was stumped.... the downgrade path is valid, the rule passed, so why can't i downgrade?
Yeah, yeah....I know i can re-install to get it to work, but why can't i downgrade?
A downgrade also comes in handy sometimes when customers want to downsize a server from Enterprise OLTP to Standard OLTP, or when some stupid yahoo like me installed Enterprise for OLTP DEV / TEST, where Standard is more than enough.
Any ideas anyone?
Theo Ekelmans
The Netherlands

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398890 More actions · Answer 1

Never tried that. I'd just uninstall and reinstall. Safer that way.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

Perry Whittle SSC Guru Points: 234013 More actions · Answer 2

Theo Ekelmans (5/12/2014)
so why can't i downgrade?
...............................................
but why can't i downgrade?
Any ideas anyone?
Theo Ekelmans
The Netherlands

You'd need to ask someone from Microsoft!

The SQL Server 2014 edition upgrade section of this link details the supported paths.

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"Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

Megistal SSCrazy Eights Points: 8787 More actions · Answer 3

Megistal

SSCrazy Eights

Points: 8787

May 13, 2014 at 6:38 am

#1713004

Disregard I've miss-look something.

lkennedy76 SSChampion Points: 13683 More actions · Answer 4

There is no way I would trust a downgrade. Basically your asking for it. un-install and re-install with correct ISO. I know it blows but it will work out in the end. 😀

MCSE SQL Server 2012\2014\2016

Theo Ekelmans SSCarpal Tunnel Points: 4593 More actions · Answer 5

🙂

I allready reinstalled it.

But the screen seems to suggest a downgrade is possible using the UI, and since upgrading a standard edition to enterprise works, the reverse should also be possible... should it not?

The other backdoor; downgrade by replacing the key also does not work anymore.

Setup.exe /q /ACTION=editionupgrade /INSTANCENAME=MSSQLSERVER /PID="<PID key for new edition>" /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS

Upgrade using the method above still works, as well as upgrading via setup.

But it's all no biggie... i was just being curious.

Theo 🙂

Perry Whittle SSC Guru Points: 234013 More actions · Answer 6

I'm pretty sure you'll find the edition downgrade part is relative for when the licensing model is changing (e.g. from Core to server+CAL)

Not what you think it's for 😉

Check with Microsoft to be sure!

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"Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉

lkennedy76 SSChampion Points: 13683 More actions · Answer 7

Been there done that! Been burned one to many times. It just safer to start over, it really, well ya know, but in the long run you be happier you took the time to un-install \ re-install

MCSE SQL Server 2012\2014\2016

Grant Fritchey SSC Guru Points: 398890 More actions · Answer 8

lkennedy or LK (5/13/2014)
Been there done that! Been burned one to many times. It just safer to start over, it really, well ya know, but in the long run you be happier you took the time to un-install \ re-install

Right there with you.

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt

Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

EdVassie SSC Guru Points: 60472 More actions · Answer 9

There is no supported method to downgrade from Enterprise to any lower edition (BI, Standard or whatever).

In theory you can uninstall SQL Enterprise and install SQL Standard. For a sandbox environment I might do this. If I was going to deliver the server for other people to use I would go to the Windows people, tell them I made a mistake and ask them nicely to put a clean install of Windows on the server.

Original author: https://github.com/SQL-FineBuild/Common/wiki/ 1-click install and best practice configuration of SQL Server 2019, 2017 2016, 2014, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008 and 2005.

When I give food to the poor they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor they call me a communist - Archbishop Hélder Câmara

Radiance SSC Eights! Points: 822 More actions · Answer 10

I have a doubt (dummy,I think so): If your production environment is using Enterprise Edition, why you don't deploy Developer Edition in DEV/HOM instead of Standard Edition?

[]'s