There’s a popular saying from computer geeks which goes like – “If it’s ain’t broken don’t fix it”. This month our Windows 2000 computer server which host MSSQL 7.0 Database crashed several times. Thus, I consider putting in something new.

I thought that it would be the time to upgrade to a newer MSSQL version. I have been thinking of the latest MSSQL Server 2008 Enterprise Edition, but the whopping price of about $5000 plus the License Pack of about $9000. Anyway, MSSQL Server 2008 is not supported by Windows Server 2000. Thus, I’ve chosen to use instead the MSSQL Server 2005 Express Edition, besides it’s free. Though there is a 4GB size limitation for MSSQL Server 2005 Express Edition, for our particular purpose it will enough.

There are many improvements that comes with MSSQL Server 2005 like improved performance, security, and manageability. It could be that these changes will impact existing applications built on MSSQL Server 7.0 Database. Thus, making the upgrade as smooth as possible is a challenge.

I am glad that there is this SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Advisor software which helps plan upgrades from SQL Server 7.0 or SQL Server 2000. The software would analyze and generate reports on various issues during upgrade. If there are issues to be resolved then you could fix it before the actual upgrade. Nothing to fear when using the upgrade advisor as it does not modify data on the servers. Overall, the SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Advisor would reduce risk and problems when upgrading SQL Server 7.0 to SQL Server 2005.