SQL Server Performance Forum – Threads Archive

migrating 150 dbs from server a to server b

I have a server (server a) that is out of warrantee and I want to ‘move’ the databases from server ‘a’ to a new server. I plan on: 1.building the new server making sure I have the same drives available (D:, E:, F:, etc.)
2.installing sql server on the new server
3.put the old server in ‘read only’ mode
4.backup the Master and MSDB databases on the old server
5.restoring Master and MSDB to the new server
6.copy the D, E, and F drives from server ‘a’ to the new server
7.Once the copy is complete I want to rename the ‘a’ server to something like ‘a-old’ and then rename the new server to be ‘a’. This approach is designed to do 2 things: 1. make it quicker to migrate 150+ databases from and old server to a new server
2. accomplish this (via the rename) so that 150+ applications don’t have to change the server name in their connection strings. The real questions!!: 1. Is there a problem with SQL SERVER if you install SQL SERVER on a server and then rename the server?…like registry problems, system/computer name issues, underlying DNS issues, Active Directory issues, etc. 2. Can I restore the Master and MSDB databases and put the .mdf and .ldf files on drives that match the old server and will everything ‘connect’ OK? If anyone has any experience with this I would like to share a few thoughts about any war stories that you may have experienced! Thanks.

1. Is there a problem with SQL SERVER if you install SQL SERVER on a server and then rename the server?…like registry problems, system/computer name issues, underlying DNS issues, Active Directory issues, etc.
I would never go with this approach and renaming server might have problems with the application connection and other issues what you’ve specified. Eventhough if the fresh install takes time its better to overcome few issues with the old server setup. Take help from this linkhttp://vyaskn.tripod.com/moving_sql_server.htm about moving the sql databases. ALso have a look at the corresponding KBA referred to overcome the issues. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;304692 with BACKUP/RESTORE methodology. Hope this information will be a good start and any issues, this forum is available to resolve. Good luck.
Satya SKJ
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