Migrating the SQL Express DB to another SQL DB instance ?

[John_Santana]

People,

At the moment my Backup Exec 15 database is running on 

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express Edition (32 bit) (SP2) - 10.50.4000.0 

which I'd like to migrate it into Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Standard Edition (64-bit) (SP2) - 11.0.5343.0 

so how to do that safely without leaving any issue to the current backup job & SQL DB maintenance task if there is any ?

Thanks

[pkh · Accepted solution]

See this document

http://www.veritas.com/docs/000029027

Make sure that the BEDB has its own instance because there would be times when the BEDB needs to be restarted and sharing an instance between the BEDB with some other production databases may hinder production.

Also, be aware that using a non-default BEDB means that you have to take care of the maintenance of the BEDB SQL instance.

With the new BEDB, how do you plan to recover the media server, in case it is wiped out?

[John_Santana]

@Pkh,

Well the SQL Server doesn't have a specialized / dedicated DB Instance, os it is pretty much the standard MSSQLSERVER (Default).

Would that be enough ?

With the new BEDB, how do you plan to recover the media server, in case it is wiped out?

Not sure how to do that ?

[pkh · Accepted solution]

As I said, the recommendation is for a dedicated instance for the BEDB.  Otherwise, when you need to restart the BEDB, you would also need to restart the other databases in that instance.

If you don't know how to recover a media server with a non-default BEDB, why are you embarking on this route?  

[CraigV · Accepted solution]

John: To be honest there are very few environments large enough to require a dedicated SQL Server. It has its own set of complications running this. SQL Express is really good-enough for the purposes of running the BEDB.

Thanks!

[VJware · Accepted solution]

Would recommend a read at this blog as well - https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/blogs/using-custom-sql-instance-backup-exec-installs

[John_Santana]

Hi All,

The reason is because the C: drive is running very low under 4 GB and decreasing, this is due to the Windows Update directory getting bigger (WinSXS) and I also found out that this SQL Express edition running BEDB is on C: drive as well.

hence I'd like to move it away from this server.

[pkh · Accepted solution]

The BEDB is less than 4GB so it it not going to give you much breathing room

[Colin_Weaver · Accepted solution]

Agree with pkh if you are having problems with disk space on C: then the BEDB is negligible

However at the end of the day your real problem is disk space so your better options are

1) Somehow increase the size of the C: drive.

2) Consider re-installing Backup Exec and it's SQL express intance onto a different volume on the same server (this is good practice for performance etc too) You would need to take steps to protect the existing database, catalog and database encryption key so that you can recover them after the re-install

3) Consider moving the Backup Exec Catalogs folder (as this is likely to be much larger then your SQL express footprint) assuming the catalogs folder is on the C: drive currently.

[John_Santana]

Thanks All for the assistance.