Moving from SQL server 2005 to SQL server 2008 ... for a MS/SQL newbie.

[Muadib]

Hello,

I am in charge of moving an existing SAP NW BI (SPS20) from a MS SQL Server 2005 database on Windows Server 2003 (x864/64 bit) Platform to a MS SQL Server 2008 database/Windows Server 2008 Platform (x64/64 bit).

The SID of the SAP system will remain the same.

The thing is that I have always worrked so far on Oracle/Unix environements, windows/MSSQL is an entire new world for me,

so I am quite worried.

I have read many sap notes/installation guides/forum posts regarding this operation, I will describe here my understanding

of the techinical operations that I will need to perfrom.

Could you correct me if I am wrong, as well as give me your comments ?

1/ I will need to perform an SQL server database copy within a homogeneous system copy.

2/First ,I'll have to install on the target environnement the SQL server 2008 database. I'll have to install the SQL Server Database Software with SQL4SAP (no need to install the database server software manually, right ?). Afterwards, I'll install on the target environnent, SAP Netweaver 7.0 SR3 with a modified Instalaltion Master DVD.

3/ On the source environement, I'll perfrom a database backup of the SQL Server 2005 system and restore the database on the target environement. since I choose to perfrom a restore of the database , there is no need to follow all the steps described in sap note 151603 :determine the file structure of the source database, create the directory structure for the target database, etc ...

4/ Once the restoration is finished, I use SAPINST and finish the homogeneous copy : >additional sofware->system copy>target system->central system --> Based on AS Abap --central installation

Your comments are welcome.

Thank you for your attention

Best Regards.

Raoul

[chris_johnson3 · Accepted solution]

Hi Raoul,

If you have access to both systems. (2005 and 2008) After you install with SQL4SAP, I would just detach the DB files, copy them to the 2008 server and then attach them. Make sure that you have the correct collation before you attach it, but i believe that 2005 uses the SQL_Latin1_General_CP850_BIN2, which is required for 2008.

Then follow your/Sebastian's steps for ABAP part.

Cheers,

Chris

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Additionally you will be required to run MSSQL system copy tool which can be downloaded from SAP marketplace.

This is part of post migration activity.

Regards,

Deepak Kori

[Muadib · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Thank you very much for your precise answer Sebastian and Chris !

hi Deepakoori,

Are you talking about SAP tools fopr MSSQL ? I thought there aren't needed with SAP NW 7.0,

sapinst isn't sufficiant ?

thank you

[sebastian_dusch · Accepted solution]

Hi,

if he's talking about the SAP tools for MSSQL then IMHO it should be sufficient to change the compatibility level of your SQL 2008 database to 10 (see [sp_dbcmptlevel on MSDN|http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms178653(v=SQL.100).aspx])

[Former Member]

Also, I have a short write-up here that may help with the process:

http://joeybear23.blogspot.com/2010/10/sap-system-copy-procedure.html

Obviously, this is for a Quality System refresh, but the steps are the same, minus renaming the SID.

[Former Member]

Hi Raoul Shiro,

With referrence to your Bi installation described in this Post, we are also performing the BI installation with same SAP BI 7.0 SR3 release Win2008 / DB2008 and same OS and database, and also from another existing BI system with Win2003/DB2005.

I believe you have perfromed Database restore onto the new MSSQL 2008 Database from the old BI system (MSSQL 2005)

Now as we are planning to performing the same activity as per your post described. Before we go in I would like to request you to share your learnings in performing the activity. What challenges you have faced, any suggestions from you?

Thanks in advance for sharing the information.

Regards

Ajay

[sebastian_dusch]

Hi Raoul,

you also need a modified Kernel DVD for the installation on SQL 2008 (see SAP Note 1152240).

And don't forget to install and patch the Visual Studio c++ Runtime (also described in that note).

I also would recommend to restore the backup and then install SAP NW 7.0 SR3 and use the restored SQL 2008 database.

So the basic steps are:

1. Perform backup and restore to SQL 2008

1.1 Install SQL 2008 with SQL4SAP

1.2 Backup old database

1.3. Restore backup on SQL 2008

2. Install VC runtime on Win 2008

3. Create modified Kernel DVD

4. Create modified Master DVD

5. Perform system copy target installaton with - additional sofware->system copy>target system--->central system --> Based on AS Abap --central installation and use the SQL 2008 database

You could also use SQL Server 2008 R2 which was release last month.

Please also check Note 1476928

Best,

Sebastian Dusch