SQL 2008 R2 Enterprise downgrade to SQL 2008 R2 Standard

  • Hi,

    We have a couple of critical servers that currently runs on an Enterprise version of SQL.

    These databases does not use any of the Enterprise features.

    Will it be possible for us to downgrade these instances to Standard?

    I have seen some websites where they say it is possible and then I got a couple of other websites where they say it is not possible

    Kind Regards,

  • Edition downgrades are possible for a database. It's version downgrades that aren't

    However it's not something you can do by running the installer and selecting a different version. You will to uninstall the Enterprise edition instance, install a Standard edition instance, recreate all your logins, jobs, linked servers, etc and attach the user databases.

    Use the sys.dm_db_persistent_sku_features (I think that's it's name) to check and make sure there's no Enterprise-only feature in any DB, because if there is it won't attach to a lower edition.

    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
  • Make sure you have backups in place and that you've tested them by running a restore prior to starting this process.

    "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

  • Hi,

    Thank you. I appreciate the response.

    Kind Regards,

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