SQL Server Transition

[grahamvb]

Hello Access Programmers,

I have been assisting a small business (20 seats) with Access front end / back end services and they want to add SQL Server 2012 SP1. They are running a server with MS Server 2012 R2 and have asked me if they can install and run SQL Server 2012 SP1 on the same machine without clobbering MS Server 2012 R2.

The machine has the necessary hardware attributes but I do not know what SQL Server 2012 SP1 does to an existing operating system when it installs. Does SQL Server 2012 SP1 replace the existing OS or does it exist with it, like an add-in?

Thanks for considering my question.

 

[SQL_Hell]

Hello,

Unsure what you mean regarding replacing the OS, SQL server is a database engine rather than an operating system, so installing will never overwrite the operating system.

You can have 2 instances of sql server on one server, but the new instance will need to be a named instance.

Why not put the database in the sql server 2012 r2 instance that is already there?

 

[grahamvb]

Thank you SQL_Hell, that was exactly what I needed to know. I did as you said and all worked well.

I did learn a few things along the way that I would like to share in case others new to SQL Server 2012 SP1 have had similar issues.

1. Unlike other Microsoft products, such as Office, you can not install SQL Server 2012 SP1 from the service pack media. You must install it from Microsoft SQL Server 2012 media. It will ask for or download the Service Pack 1 files during installation.

2. When it asks for the installation location, it is asking for the location of the installation media, not where you want the installation on your computer. The error about no permission at this location, that leads you to think that there is a security/permission issue, results from this confusing request during installation.

3. You have to open up specific ports on the server's Windows Firewall to access the services on the server. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc646023.aspx.

I am sure their is more to it than that, but that is what I have figured out so far. I will likely be back here asking other newbe questions as they arise. I have gained much about Access and Windows Server 2008 and 2012 but SQL Server is completely new to me.

Thank you again SQL_Hell for your assistance.