Moving from Full SQL to SQL express

[shastu]

First let me clarify that we only use Vault for our Content Center parts.  When we first did this our database was over 10GB and therefore we could not use express.  A year or two later, we rebuilt our Content Center Database and now it is not even 1 GB.  We would now like to use the SQL Express.  Our current server is using the full version of SQL2014 version 12.1.4100.1 with Service Pack 1.  We are also using ADMS2017 no service packs.  Therefore I installed SQL2014 Express version 12.1.4100.1 with Service Pack 1, and ADMS2017 no service packs.  Then I did a backup of our current server and tried to restore it on the computer running the express but I get the attached message.  I even tried applying the SQL Express Service Pack 2, and all available Service Packs for Vault 2017, but I still get the same message.  Can anyone please help me? 

[ihayesjr]

Downgrading databases to lower editions are not supported by Microsoft.

[shastu]

I am not downgrading editions.  The editions are the same, just the express version.  Are you sure this is not possible?

[ihayesjr]

@shastu,

We are saying the same thing but reversing the terms.

Editions are: Express, Standard or Enterprise

Versions are: 2012, 2014, or 2016.

To verify, you can review the SQL error logs to see what was recorded when you attempt to restore or you can install the SQL Management Studio for Express and attempt a direct restore and see if it works.

[shastu]

Where would the log files be?

[ihayesjr]

Depending on your installation, this is where the logs are located.

C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL11.AUTODESKVAULT\MSSQL\Log

[shastu]

I have attached the error log.  It seems as if it is not recognizing the fact that I Installed 2014 Express as the logs have Microsoft SQL Server 2012.

[ihayesjr]

From your description, it looks like you did not pre-install SQL Express correctly.

Since you have SQL Express 2012 installed, instance named AutodeskVault, you can upgrade that instance to 2014.

Re-run the SQL 2014 Express installation and select the Upgrade option. It should list 2012 AutodeskVault instance. Select that instance and let it run through the upgrade process. Then perform your restore again.

See this help topic. It should work for upgrading SQL Express 2012 to SQL Express 2014.

[shastu]

I chose the Upgrade from SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 R2 or SQL Server 2012.  I went through the dialog boxes and never saw anywhere to select 2012 AutodeskVault.  It said that it completed the upgrade process, but apparently it isn't.  If I try to run it again it errors out and tells me that "There are no features selected for upgrade." but there is nothing above to select.

[ihayesjr]

It is also possible that you are trying to upgrade a SQL Express 32-bit to a SQL Express 64-bit which isn't supported by Microsoft.

If this is the case, you need to uninstall SQL Express 2012, then install SQL Express 2014 using the previous instructions I link for Pre-installing SQL for Vault.

[shastu]

I think you are on to something here.  When I install Vault, I think it is installing the 32 bit version of SQL 2012.  Then when I install the SQL 2014 Express, it is the 64 bit version.  (It won't even let me install the 32 bit version on a 64 bit machine.)  Anyway,  are you telling me to uninstall everything and then start with the SQL 2014 Express installation and then install the ADMS Vault after that?

[ihayesjr · Accepted solution]

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. Use the following help section steps to install SQL. 

Install Microsoft SQL Server Prior to Installing Autodesk Vault Server

[shastu]

Thanks so much!!!