need to add new sql server cluster node on windows 2003/sql 2005 that has two instances. i understand how to add the new node ( http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191545(v=sql.90).aspx) but unsure how to service pack it (sp3). appreciate any help.
Welcome to the forums!. My recommendations is to use the last sp available. In 2005 sp4. SP3 or SP4 you have to test it.
See the http://www.sql-server-performance.com/articles/clustering/clustering_best_practices_p1.aspx article and KBA http://support.microsoft.com/kb/934749/en-us on how to service pack the cluster. In this case go to SP4 which is latest & last service pack in 2005 version. Here are the steps: Applying service packs Service packs are regression tested before release, but you should still test their impact on the cluster and application solution in a UAT environment. SQL Server servic packs are cluster aware, which means they will: =94 Detect the failover cluster instance installed during the configuration of the cluster. =94 Apply the updates and information from the service pack to the active node. =94 Apply the updates and information to the additional nodes. Before installation of the service pack, it is recommended that you copy the installation files locally to the active node of the cluster. The service pack installation process will stop and restart the relevant services when it completes.
I second Satya's opinon. We should always test the service pack before applying them to production environment, and run the SP on the active node first it will take care of services and also patch the second node (reference http://www.sql-server-citation.com/2009/04/patching-ms-sql-server-cluster.html )
