I would like to know the answer for the following question for sql7, 2k, 2k5
and 2k8.

Can you convert a stand alone sql server to a node, either as first node or
second node in a active/passive cluster?

I understand that i can always build the cluster from scratch by installing
everything afresh.


Thank you.

You can add the node to an existing cluster. There is no "in-place" way to
convert a stand-alone instance to a clustered instance.

--
Geoff N. Hiten
Principal SQL Infrastructure Consultant
Microsoft SQL Server MVP

"HUBBUDD" <HUBBUDD (AT) discussions (DOT) microsoft.com> wrote

Thanks for the response.

So if I add the node to the cluster, would it automatically add sql server
thats installed on the node to the cluster, or would I have to reinstall the
sql server after node is added to the cluster?



"Geoff N. Hiten" wrote:

You would need to add the node to the Windows Cluster, then you would add
each SQL Instance to the new node. The process for adding a SQL instance to
a node varies between SQL 2005 and SQL 2008. 2008 is much easier.


--
Geoff N. Hiten
Principal SQL Infrastructure Consultant
Microsoft SQL Server MVP


"HUBBUDD" <HUBBUDD (AT) discussions (DOT) microsoft.com> wrote

How exactly would that work? I don't believe this would be very straight
forward since when you install SQL you have to tell it that its part of a
cluster (I assume this does a bit more than just create resources). you
could certain add the system to a cluster but that wouldn't make SQL
clustered, it would just put the system itself in a cluster.

I don't think its possible to just slip a standalone server in to a cluster.
you could potentially add the system to a cluster and then create the
appropriate resources to the cluster manager but I'm not sure how SQL would
be with this since when you go to do certain things in SQL its aware its in
a cluster and presents things different (for example disks). I'm going to
imagine there is some info in the master db (or somewhere else) that
indicates its in a cluster

I cant say for certain, but I'm pretty sure this couldn't easily/safely be
done.

Justin

"Geoff N. Hiten" <SQLCraftsman (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote