Doing an edition change of Sql Server 2k5 on Windows Server from Standard to Workgroup

Question

Hello,

I am using Sql Server 2k5 Standard Edition at work, and I have been tasked with doing an edition change to Sql Server 2k5 Workgroup Edition. This is to be done on Windows Server 2k3 Standard Edition. Due to a failed attempt, I have a few questions:

-Firstly, I’ve backed up my databases via the Backup tool in tasks when right clicking on a database in the server. Is this the correct approach? Or is there something I am possibly missing?

-I keep getting a warning when the installation wizard checks my system, that in order to do the edition change (I can’t remember the feature of every edition of Sql Server 2k5 so I’m not sure if we’re downgrading or upgrading!), I need to supply the SKUUPGRADE=1 parameter in command prompt. I type that statement (SKUUPGRADE=1) in sqlcmd. I’m assuming this is wrong. Please tell me how to fix this problem, if you know.

-Once doing everything, I select default instance then the next step tells me something like there is nothing to upgrade. I can’t remember the exact error, but do I need to uninstall my current version of Sql Server first?

Thanks

Answer 1

Standard to Workgroup is a downgrade

This is the BOL page on upgrades

Unfortunately, you'll have to uninstall and reinstall. On the bright side, the master, msdb etc will simply restore into the "lower" version as long the version number is the same.