I have 2 Windows 2003 servers running SQL2000. They each have separate
databases. I am in the process of clustering these 2 machines together. I
have purchased a shared external SCSI PowerVault appliance to put the quorom
and the shared databases on. I want to create a Virtual SQL server using
these 2 machines and put their separate databases on the virtual server. My
question is:

Do I have to uninstall SQL server on each machine before I install the
virtual server? If I have to I would have to restore my databases to the new
virtual server

Or can I just install a new named instance of SQL server - choosing the
virtual server in the setup? If I can do this - it would be a lot easier
moving my databases over to the new server.

If I can just create a new virtual server with leaving the original SQL in
tact - will the original still be available to my users if I decide not to
move all the databases over that day?

Is there one way that is better than the other?

1. If you want to use the exact same instance names, uninstall/reinstall for
clustering is needed. If not, you can just virtualize your new instance and
migrate data.
2. Consider reading through this kb for some details
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/224071
3. Your original instance will continue to run while you're installing a new
instance on the same node.

The bottom line, I would create a new instance and ensure it's up and
running before tinkering with the original.


--
-oj


"Amy Lewis" <AmyLewis (AT) discussions (DOT) microsoft.com> wrote

Each instance of SQL Server requires its own shared disk. You can install
either 1 default instance and 15 named instances or up to 16 named
instances, but each must have its own shared drive. All drives must have a
drive letter, no mount points allowed. For existing nonclustered instances,
if you move the data files to a shared drive then you will have the option
during setup to upgrade the standalone instance to a virtual/clustered
instance (assuming you're using the Enterprise Edition setup).

Cindy Gross, MCDBA, MCSE
http://cindygross.tripod.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.