SQL Server 2008 R2 enterprise evaluation edition

[sippo]

I have this installed on one of our servers, as we weren't told we needed it so needed a download asap. When I need to upgrade it from the 180 day expiry, will it mean a reinstall? Will I need to get an enterprise volume key?

[Domino]

Just launch the installer again, go to 'maintenance' and choose 'edition upgrade' - you should be good to go :-)

[sippo]

Does it have to be an enterprise key though if I'm using the evaluation version? I can't do a reinstall as the system is now live.

[Domino]

Hmm, before its worth checking to see if theres any of the enterprise feature in use:

SELECT * FROM sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features;
GO

If not then a rekey using the method above should work

[sippo]

I maybe being a bit 'slow' here, but how do I perform that command?

[Domino]

If you open up the SQL management studio and connect to your instance, then right click any of the databases and choose 'new query' you'll be presented with a window in which to run it.

Then hit 'execute' and see if you get anything in the Results window.

[sippo]

No results.

Does this mean I can use a basic license key for sql?! Will it mean a reinstall?

[Domino]

Yes you can use a standard licence. No a reinstall is not necessary, use the method mentioned above.

[sippo]

Thanks for all your help domino!

[Domino]

No worries mate - good luck! Just remember to take a full backup before you wade in

Shouldn't be an issue - but with MSSQL it's always better to be safe ;-)

[sippo]

Right, I've been on the phone to microsoft and they aren't very helpful to say the least! They say, that I cannot use a 2012 standard key and that a full re-install will be needed?!! They say that no 2012 key is compatible with 2008 r2?!

Argh!

[Domino]

Hang on, hang on....nowhere did you mention a 2012 key...

Yeah, you won't be able to key across versions, but if you've bought from some kind of volume licence package (schools agreement?) you can usually get a downgrade right if you've bought a 2012 edition.

Cross Edition Rights are currently available for certain SQL Server products only and allow customers
to deploy an alternate (usually lower) edition in place of the currently licensed edition. SQL Server cross
edition rights can be combined with the version downgrade rights available for all products offered under
a volume licensing agreement that allow customers to deploy prior versions of the software in place of the
currently licensed version. In some cases, rights to deploy prior versions of product editions other than the
edition currently licensed may also be allowed.

[sippo]

I've got an EES Agreement but have been told 2008 is no longer available to buy?

[Domino]

You should have downgrade rights through - can your reseller not help you out?