Home Forums Discussions Problems SQL 2012 unable to upgrade to 6.6

I think we need to be more clear on what "compatible" means. From Robynne Lacey's post, I take compatibility to mean "Can I run different versions of SQL Server on the same computer at the same time?"

The answer is yes. The screen shots below will show that I am running multiple versions of SQL Server on the same Windows Server 2008 R2 computer at the same time. This is a supported configuration by Microsoft.

* SQL Server 2005 SP4
* SQL Server 2008 R2 SP2
* SQL Server 2012 SP1

In order to install all these instances that are different versions, certain rules must be followed. You can't just click Next, Next, Next then finish. For example, SQL 2005 MUST be installed first immediately followed by Service Pack 4 for SQL 2005. Then you can move on to 2008 R2. You must also know which components will conflict so you can avoid installing them or go back and configure them correctly. And you must know how this will affect your server so that you can configure things properly. For example, multiple instances do NOT share memory so that means having more RAM if you need it. There are other things to know but they are beyond the scope of this post.

What we have to understand is Amazing Charts, like most any other company, is going to limit what they will support. They do this to keep support costs down. The more people calling in for support, the more support people they have to hire which means less tech-support renewals that go to the bottom line. For companies like Amazing Charts, new sales are nice but tech-support renewals pay the bills. Therefore, it is only logical to conclude that the customers who install AC on their cheap Best Buy computer they are using as a server or want custom installations are the ones who will usurp the most cookies out of the jar.

While I agree that the limitations imposed by Amazing Charts are especially annoying for those of us, like me, who truly know what they are doing those limitations are, nevertheless, understandable.

In conclusion, your best option is to move your PM and Amazing Charts to their own virtual machines. If you have Windows Server 2012 Standard as the host operating system on your server, you can install two virtual machines for free. If you have Windows Server 2008 Standard or Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard you may install one virtual machine. You will need to purchase a second copy of Windows Server Standard for the second virtual machine (if you purchase Windows Server 2012 Standard, you'll be licensed for three virtual machines as you will still have the original copy of Windows that came with your server).

It is quite correct that AC will not divulge the SA password for SQL Server which I find to be most deplorable. The data belongs to the practice, not Amazing Charts. They merely provide a tool for organizing said data and meeting government mandates. You should consult with your IT Pro's regarding any upgrades you may need for your server to run multiple copies of Windows.

Screenshots:

Services snap-in showing all SQL Server instances:



Start Menu showing all SQL Server entries:



All SQL Server Enterprise Managers open:



JamesNT