Environment:
SQL Server 2000 SP3a on W2K Advanced Server SP4.
1 IBM Server x440 with FastT700 Storage (Fibre Channel)

We need to buy another IBM Server x440 or x445 and we
would like to make a cluster.
Question 1:
Once we build the Cluster with the installation of the
Cluster Service, making the W2K Cluster, is it possible to
upgrade the default instance of SQL Server to a default
clusterd instance of SQL Server?
In BOL I have found a note that explain how to do this but
I have some doubts.

When I installed SQL Server I placed the system files on
the C: drive, the DB files on our SAN on disk E: and the
log files on disk F:.

Question 2:
If we would like to use Windows Server 2003 what would be
the possibility for an upgrade?
I mean, should I erase all and start with Windows Server
2003 setup or can you suggest to upgrade the OS first,
from W2K Advanced Server, and then cluster SQL Server if
possible?


Can you advice please?
Any help is really appreciated.
Thank you very much for your time.
Franco

Answers Inline

"Franco" <fbottani (AT) lugano (DOT) ch> wrote

The process is really not much more complex than creating a clustered
instance from scratch. Much of the information you enter would have to be
done for a new installation anyway.

I prefer a clean install rather than an upgrade, but that is more preference
than hard rule. It is possible to do an in-place upgrade. I have done so
when it was not practical to do a clean install and it went fine. Make sure
you have correct drivers for your HBAs and any additional SAN client
software for Server 2003 before starting an upgrade.

If you do chose to upgrade to e OS in-place, follow these instructions make
sure you have SQL SP3a installed before starting the upgrade or VERY BAD
THINGS will happen.


--
Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Senior Database Administrator
Careerbuilder.com