Install SQL Server 2008 R2 failover cluster with MSDTC

  • We have a 3 node cluster with only 1 instance of sql server 2008 R2 now.

    I want to install another instance of SQL Server 2008 R2.

    Also, the first instance doesn't have MSDTC configured.

    DO I need to install MSDTC first and then map the newly "going to be installed" SQL Server 2008 R2 instance to it.

    I need help in configuring this setup

  • In SQL 2008 MSDTC no longer must be clustered, but I am 99% sure that it is running on the existing nodes that the first instance can run on.

    So no, you don't need to worry about it unless you want each instance to have its own DTC. Which I usually don't.. YMMV

    CEWII

  • Elliott Whitlow (12/7/2011)


    In SQL 2008 MSDTC no longer must be clustered, but I am 99% sure that it is running on the existing nodes that the first instance can run on.

    So no, you don't need to worry about it unless you want each instance to have its own DTC. Which I usually don't.. YMMV

    CEWII

    Should it be visible in the failover cluster resources?

    I read it in few documents that it must be installed?

  • its no longer enforced but i implement it for the following reason

    you have NodeA and NodeB and the clustered sql server instance uses the virtual network name CLUSNODE1, it is a default installation of sql server. Whilst the instance is active on NodeA it will use the local MSDTC on NodeA, once it fails over it will use NodeB. With a clustered MSDTC the resource will always use the same virtual network name. Microsoft made a whole bunch of changes to allow multiple instances of MSDTC under Windows 2008 no reason not to take advantage of them if you have a lot of remote transtions. It's not just SQL Server that uses MSDTC 😉

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

  • itsamarnath (12/7/2011)


    Elliott Whitlow (12/7/2011)


    In SQL 2008 MSDTC no longer must be clustered, but I am 99% sure that it is running on the existing nodes that the first instance can run on.

    So no, you don't need to worry about it unless you want each instance to have its own DTC. Which I usually don't.. YMMV

    CEWII

    Should it be visible in the failover cluster resources?

    I read it in few documents that it must be installed?

    It would not appear as a clustered resource, but I can almost guarantee that if you look at the nodes it IS installed. MS modified it so it COULD be added as a clustered resource but it is no longer required to be a clustered resource. Previously you could only have one MSDTC in a cluster and it was a drag..

    Perry and I disagree on whether it should be added as a clustered resource, but it is not required. You are free to make your own decision.

    CEWII

  • Thanks..Now the basic question..

    How would I find out if MSDTC is locally enabled on those nodes?

    I do not find it in the add/remove programs either?

  • Look in services..

    CEWII

  • Elliott Whitlow (12/7/2011)


    Look in services..

    CEWII

    yeah Its running.

    So, to summarize the discussion, if MSDTC is running in each and every node, it can handle the distributed transactions on the instance running on that particular node..

    This is an additional feature in sql 2008 and hence, we do not need to have MSDTC as a cluster resource..

    Please let me know if I am correct 😉

  • Here's the MS resource for Windows 2008 MSDTC

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

  • I enjoyed that article.. Saved for future reference..

    CEWII

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