What is the difference between SQL Server 2000 SP3 vs. SP4 ?

  • Greetings,

    I'm currently supporting these old SQL Servers 2000, SP3 (running OS 2000, SP4) and trying to see whether upgrading to SP4 will improve their performance and eliminate some of the known errors. I did read through some of the documentations from Microsoft as well as from other sources but still don't have a clear view of the differences between SP3 and SP4, and what the main benefit which I can get out from SP4. So much for these old systems 🙂

    Any thoughts and replies will be greatly appreciated.

    Regards,

    Khanh

  • SP4:

    +bugfixes

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888799

    +better corruption/blocking detection

    -has an intial bug with AWE (additional hotfixes needed)

    -changes index seeks (needs exact typing char(20)vs char(20) etc, to eliminate some false results)

    There is also a cumulative post SP4 hotfix build.

  • the cumulative post SP4 hotfix rollup you want is HF2187. containf the AWE fix.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------

  • How can I check to see if we already have this installed?

  • Should be visbible in the version number

    SELECT @@VERSION

    or

    execute xp_msver

    List of version numbers:

    http://www.sqlsecurity.com/FAQs/SQLServerVersionDatabase/tabid/63/Default.aspx

  • There were also some security enhancements that smack of deprecations... for example... sp_MakeWebTask now requires SA Privs to use...

    --Jeff Moden


    RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
    First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
    ________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

    Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.


    Helpful Links:
    How to post code problems
    How to Post Performance Problems
    Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

  • There were some XML modifications also, so if you have an application that uses XML then you may want to test it.

  • There is one extremely important reason to go to SP4 for SQL 2000. This is because MS Support for SP3 expired in July of 2007 whereas SP4 is supported until 2013 !

    RegardsRudy KomacsarSenior Database Administrator"Ave Caesar! - Morituri te salutamus."

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply