June 17, 2009 at 6:17 am
Hi Guys,
This is my first post on here, im a definate rookie when it comes to SQL DBA so take it easy on me if im being stupid here....
I have a customer using SQL Server 2005 Express edition, but are rapidly outgrowing it and are looking to move forward with it. They are running Windows Server 2003 R2.
I am needing to upgrade them to SQL Server 2005 Standard edition, but could only purchase SQL Server 2008 Standard edt. So Basically im looking for a quick guide of how I go about using its downgrade rights to install SQL server 2005. I have tried using some SQL 2005 Standard edition Media and the code from the box of SQL 2008 Standard but just get rejected saying that the "product key is not valid".
Is there a specific file I have to download or something I have to run to install SQL server 2005. Or is there and option in the wizard when installing SQL 2008 that allows me to install SQL 2005?
Im trying to get this resolved ASAP, so all input is greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks
Rob
June 17, 2009 at 7:18 am
In order to do that, you need to have valid media for SQL 2005, including a product key. You can't install 2005 from 2008 media, nor can you use a 2008 product key on 2005 media.
Do you have the 2005 disks and product key? If so, you're fine. Just means you can't install that copy of 2008 anywhere. That'll make you legal.
Edit: Have you thought of installing 2008 and setting up their database in compatibility 90 on it? That's another option, and worth looking into.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread
"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon
June 17, 2009 at 7:34 am
Hi GSquared,
I have the media for SQL Server 2005 but not the key, It is possible for me to get hold of a key that has been used by another site. Basically I purchased a boxed version of SQL server 2008 under the daft assumption that it would ship with downgrade rights (as on all the quotes I received they stated "with downgrade rights to SQL Server 2005")
How would I go about using the key from the other site but under the licence of the product that I have bought, and stay legal?
Im now being told something about software assurance?
Sorry about my niavety on the subject.
June 17, 2009 at 7:54 am
It has "downgrade rights", but doesn't have the installation media for it. Difference between having a right and having the tool to implement it. (Like, you have the right to own a gun, if you live in the US, but that doesn't mean you automatically own one.)
If you don't have the product key for your copy of the SQL 2005 media, then you're probably out of luck on that. Might be a legal way around that, but I don't know what it would be.
Try calling Microsoft customer support. They'll be able to answer you with what you need to do to be legal on this one. There's almost certainly a simple, painless answer, and they'd be the ones to provide that.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread
"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon
June 17, 2009 at 8:32 am
Thanks for your input GSquared.
I have spoken to my supplier (PCWB/Equanet) and their Microsoft vendor has said that the boxed version that I have does not have any downgrade rights, and that to do this we must register with them (and pay presumably) for an "Open Licence" agreement with them to enable us to use the version with SQL Server 2005. Unfortunately for me, they are struggling to give me prices and timescales for this and so its not looking like im going to make it to site tommorow for the install...
Im probably wrong but I was under the impression that all new versions of SQL Server 2008 standard would have had the downgrade rights :blink:
June 17, 2009 at 11:34 am
So far as I know, if you have a license for SQL 2008, you can use it for a license for the same or a lesser edition license for 2005. I'm pretty sure that's Microsoft policy. As I mentioned, call them and ask. It'll only take a few minutes, and it's worth the effort.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread
"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon
Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply