Installing SQL 2008 on SQL 2005 box

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Installing SQL 2008 on SQL 2005 box

Rainbow002

SSC Veteran

Points: 230
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March 16, 2010 at 3:58 pm

#212536

Hi Guys,
Can you confirm whether SQL server 2005 and SQL server 2008 can coexist on the same box.
I already have SQL server 2005 on a non-production server but if possible, I want to install SQL server 2008 on it for couple of small applications to connect...if both version can coexit, would the latter one be a named or default instance ?
Thanks,

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)

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Fidel Rodriguez SSC Enthusiast Points: 145 More actions · Answer 1

Hi:

I've done this before to migrate users off of 2005 to 2008. The environments can co-exist and I believe the second installation has to be named. I hope that helps - good luck!

---FR

GRE (Gethyn Ellis) SSCrazy Eights Points: 9602 More actions · Answer 2

They can coexist, so if you have SQL Server 2005 default instance, you should be able to install SQL Server 2008 along side as a named instance.

Gethyn Elliswww.gethynellis.com

Paul White SSC Guru Points: 150468 More actions · Answer 3

It is supported, but that does not mean you will not come across any issues 😉

SQL Server 2005 does not have to be a default instance BTW.

See Working with Multiple Versions and Instances of SQL Server

Paul White
All articles available on SQL.kiwi
@SQL_Kiwi

Rainbow002 SSC Veteran Points: 230 More actions · Answer 4

Thanks All for the info. I'm planning the installation for next week and come back here if I encounter any issues...

Rainbow002 SSC Veteran Points: 230 More actions · Answer 5

Here's how it went:

I installed SQL 2008 on the same box that has 2005 and SQL 2008 cannot be the default instance. The default instance is called "MSSQLSERVER" which was already taken by 2005 so 2008 had to be named instance. btw, the default instance name cannot be changed as it's grayed out so the second installation of SQL server even if different version has to be named.

Jeffrey Williams SSC Guru Points: 90304 More actions · Answer 6

Asif-414084 (3/28/2010)
Here's how it went:
I installed SQL 2008 on the same box that has 2005 and SQL 2008 cannot be the default instance. The default instance is called "MSSQLSERVER" which was already taken by 2005 so 2008 had to be named instance. btw, the default instance name cannot be changed as it's grayed out so the second installation of SQL server even if different version has to be named.

Well, not quite - if the default instance has already been installed then yes, you can't change it or install. However, if you have never installed a default instance it would be available.

Jeffrey Williams
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”

― Charles R. Swindoll

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Rainbow002 SSC Veteran Points: 230 More actions · Answer 7

That's right! cuz you can I think install named instance and not choose default for even very first installation.

Perry Whittle SSC Guru Points: 234013 More actions · Answer 8

Hi

only if you install SQL Server 2000 does it have to be a default instance and must be installed first before SQL Server 2008. Otherwise it doesnt matter. As Paul says you may find the odd issue but no show stoppers

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