Upgrading SIMS to SQL 2005

[jwood]

SIMS currently runs on SQL 2000.

We are required to upgrade to SQL 2005 as part of the next SIMS release.

What is the best and/or easiest way to do this?

[Linfit]

Would suggest you get SIMS updated to Sept (or August) release first and iron out any snags with that, if not already done so.

If you are intending to use full fat SQL 2005 you can install this in parallel with 2000 on the same server without affecting the working system. Once this is running OK, then use the Capita tools to migrate the database over to 2005.
We have done the first part but not the second.......

Beware that the install requires a few restarts and it needs to be patched up to SP2: took us about 2 hours in total one evening last week.

We use full fat SQL, so not sure about whether SQL express will install in tandem with the desktop engine if you are using these.

[Gatt]

Still waiting on our LEA to migrate SIMS over to 2005...

[jwood]

I understood that we needed to be on SQL 2005 before we could upgrade to the September/August version. That was why I wanted to do it!

[localzuk]

It is required for the November release...

[DreddMetal]

Capita now say that if your a secondary you need to be on SQL2005 before the november upgrade or if your a primary before the december upgrade.

No idea why they changed their mind but thats where they stand on the matter at the moment i believe.

[localzuk]

What about us middle schools?

[DMcCoy]

SQL 2005 conversion can be done *after* the August update not before. There is a very good guide on supportnet (My file is called SIMSSQL2005Migration_12873.pdf not sure what KB its under).

[PhilNeal]

LA support teams said they could not migrate all their schools to SQL 2005 in the time frame so we extended primary support until the end of Jan 2008. Primary schools can do the January census on either 2000 or 2005. Middle schools demeed secondary need to move to 2005 before the January census.

[DreddMetal]

Thanks for the reply Phil, does that mean that primary school can install the November and December upgrade whilst still on MSDE?

[jwood]

I've just installed SQL 2005 in preparation for the November update.

I have a copy of the sims.mdf and sims.ldf files which I can attach to the new database, but how do you restore the contents of the master database?

Come to think of it, how did the master database get created in the first place? For schools using MSDE, I believe they install a Capita customised version which has this in place, but if you start with a blank SQL installation, how does this data get created?

Without it, you get a database connection error when trying to log in (user simsinit not recognised, or similar).

[DreddMetal]

Just tell let everyone else know the answer to my question:

For Primary and Special schools we will support Nov and Dec on MSDE/SQL2000 but not for Secondary Schools.



There is a separate installer for FMS which needs to be requested from distribution.


Regards


Simon



Simon Smith

Head of SIMS Product Management
CAPITA Children's Services

[PhilNeal]

Sorry my PC has been out of commission!

DreddMetal, you can't install MSDE now as MS has withdrawn our right to distribute it. (Replacing it with SQL Express) You can however upgrade the primary school to November on MSDE.

[DreddMetal]

Thanks for the reply Phil