Upgrading SQL 2014 to 2022 for SIMS

[chazzy2501]

Been told that sql 2014 support is ending and SIMS tell me that I have to update..  What is unusual is that they've not thrown any instructions at me but just quoted £500 to do it for me...

 

Anyone know where the upgrade docs are before I go hunting? can I do an in place upgrade? been a looong time.

 

 

[3s-gtech]

You don't so much 'in place' SQL, as install the new version alongside the old, unmount the DB, then re-mount it in the new version. There are a few other bits, like single-user mode to stop anyone modifying the DB while you try and work.

 

From my distant memory it's fairly painless but I can't offer much more detail - we're on Connected now.

[Koldov]

Don't know if you can view this, don't think it's restricted (a few of the old websites that used to have instructions, the pages have mysteriously disappeared)...

 

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50e965eae4b0e6a1b5e24274/t/56096b29e4b0796afc6aebad/1443457833689/SQL2012Migration_21835.pdf

 

There's quite a few old threads on here too (probably one of mine as I did it years ago!).

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/topic/201966-sims-server-migration/

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/topic/134641-what-is-the-best-way-to-move-sims-amp-fms-sql-databases-to-a-new-server/

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/topic/21448-migrating-sims-net-to-new-hardware/

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/203758-de-attaching-re-attaching-sims-database-sql2012-2014-sql2016-resetting-passwords.html

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/156675-moving-sims-new-server-2.html

 

https://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/231705-help-sims-fms-discover-migration-fail.html

 

Might not all be very up to date, but should give you an idea of the process (I don't think it's really changed much, but the Capita SIMS Migration Tool did get updates).

 

I also found this, but YYMV, I haven't read it fully so UAYOR etc...

 

https://fyr.io/post/migrate_sims_net_server

 

Edited May 14, 2025 by Koldov

[Koldov]

Also found this...

 

https://parentpaygroup.service-now.com/sys_attachment.do?sys_id=28041d9ffb5cea1085b6f92abeefdc4b#:~:text=This document guides you through the process,Discover software are supported on SQL 2022.

[bknaggs]

One of the install options in SQL is to upgrade an instance. This is how I upgraded SQL on our SIMS server without having to detach/move/reattach.

 

If you're on a VM then snapshot before you start and if all goes well delete the snapshot and if it goes pear shaped revert the snapshot.

[Koldov]

FFS! That would have been good to know a few years ago... How come nobody ever advises that option?

[3s-gtech]

Aye, that sounds different, but better! Snapshot is well advised - I had to roll back when I in-placed our SIMS server OS years back.

[chazzy2501]

I need the migration utility mentioned in the PDF, anyone know where I get it?

 

"The SIMS SQL 2022 Migration Utility"

 

(or maybe use the instance upgrade option:)

 

 

[chazzy2501]

edit: I'm a bananna, just had to look at my licence agreement.. to figure out which version of sql server to get. 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 14, 2025 by chazzy2501

[chazzy2501]

does anyone know how to setup SQL 2022 and the new sims instance...

 

on the first page it tells me to begin the migration I need to install SQL 2022 and create a instance.... ! that's it! no step by step, click here, select this, name that, create this, just a go for it?!

 

I'm being told that as SQL 2022 is Microsoft product and I have to figure it out as my safso (county sims support) offer no support on Microsoft products only sims! So I can pay sims £500 to do the migration... So there are instructions but not for me but magically for £500 I can have someone else follow the instructions that are not in existence.