Upgrade database from SQL Server 2005 to 2008 — and rebuild full-text indexes?

Question

I upgraded from Sql Server 2005 to Sql Server 2008. I backed up the data in SQL Server 2005, and then I restored in SQL Server 2008. Next, I found the catalog under "Storage->Full Text Catalogs", and I right-clicked on it, and am trying to rebuild the Full-Text Catalog. The database is only 600mb. However, it keeps running for hours, and never semes to finish.

Answer 1

Hi,

Take a look at the following article.

It provides details and references for best practices for using Full Text Search in SQL Server 2008.

http://sqlcat.com/msdnmirror/archive/2008/11/05/best-practices-for-integrated-full-text-search-ifts-in-sql-2008.aspx

If you need specific assistance just drop me a line.

Cheers,

Answer 2

It appears that SQL Server 2008 has lousy Full-Text search because it is more tightly integrated into the database. There are some workarounds, but it isn't that great.

Answer 3

It can take a long time to complete, I'd look at the FTLOGs (.log files) for the catalogs - if they are big I'd say it is having a problem indexing your documents. Is this RTM 2008?

Things you can try.

• Drop the indexes and create from scratch, dont use the interface - run this in a script.
• Check the Logs for possible errors.
• Ensure the Fulltext daemon is running and indexing your
  documents , an issue with a CTP meant the daemon stopped.