sql instance

[arne_ouwens]

We want to create a test environment for a migration of a Vault.

The filestore is 2,2Tb and the SQL is 78Gb.

So for the SQL they don't use the express version, it is the enterprise version.

The current version is Vault Pro 2022, the upgrade will be Vault Pro 2026.

As for the SQL server, they have a seperate server where it is running on.

For the test vault there will be a new server for the filestore, on where i will install Vault and then restore the backup.

But for the SQL, do we need a new server with a new instance?

Or is it possible to run that at the current SQL server, can we make a new instance on that?

I believe that the instance needs a specific name? (and that name is already in use?)

Or can we give the instance any other name?

[ihayesjr]

@arne_ouwens 

Vault Professional allows you to use any instance name. 

Therefore, you can use the same SQL Server, but you need another instance to run the test.

[ihayesjr]

Also, you will need to upgrade to Vault 2024 before you can upgrade to Vault 2026.

[arne_ouwens]

Hello Irvin,

Thank you for your reply.

So, there is no problem expected when i add an extra SQL instance with a different name?

During installation of the Vault server software (starting Vault 2024) there is an option to assign or choose the instance name.

But for remote SQL the name is not mandatory AUTODESKVAULT?

I'm testing om my own machine right now, and as for local database it seems that the name can't be changed? (see screenshot)

FYI, there are 2 instances on my machine (local) with different names.

When working with a remote database the instance name can be different?

I would like to hear your thoughts/feedback.

Greetings, Arne

[ihayesjr · Accepted solution]

@arne_ouwens 

SQL instances are meant to isolate one SQL instance from another. Therefore, running two instances of SQL on the same machine is possible even with Vault.

The challenge you have is that you are installing Vault Server on the same machine as SQL.

The 2024 install found the AutodeskVault SQL instance and expecting you to use it and not a unique SQL name. 

In typical use cases, you would not have the AutodeskVault instance already created if you intend to use a unique instance name and install Vault Server on the same machine.

If you want to create a test SQL instance, you need to install Vault Server on a different machine and configure the installer to use Remote Database and then input the SQL Server and instance name you want to use. (servername\instancename)

[arne_ouwens]

@ihayesjr , thank you for your response.

Sorry to keep bothering you, but one more question came to mind.

If I perform a restore from a backup, that includes database information as well, right?

It won’t be referencing the existing SQL instance, as configured in the database from which the backup was made?

[ihayesjr]

@arne_ouwens 

The Vault Server takes care of restoring it to the appropriate instance. The Vault Server doesn't know about other instances on the same server.

[c_libby]

Sorry to hijack your response but I have a related question that I can't find a specific answer for:  We are using Inventor 2025 with Vault Pro 2025.  I have a single vault setup for inventor on our vault server.  We just started using AutoCAD Plant 3D and I want integrate it with our vault.  

-If I'm to understand it correctly, Plant 3D uses a different SQL than Vault?  So what I've read is that I need to simply create a separate Plant 3D vault in the same server.  I've done that now.  What I always get hung up on is getting the project setup via with the "Create this project in vault" enabled.  Prompt 5 of 6 asks for SQL server name and this is where I'm confused.  I've read that I need to have a second instance of SQL for this?  Is that different than creating the second vault on the same server?  

All of the things I've seen on forums say to simply create a second instance of SQL to integrate Plant 3D with vault.  But I can't find any instructions on how to actually do that.  

I'm missing a fundamental link here I think.  If I set up a project to use the vault via Plant 3D why do I need to specify or set up a different SQL instance?  Isn't that literally what the vault is doing and is for?

Thanks in advance!

[ihayesjr]

@c_libby 

You need to look into the Plant 3D help for this setup.

AutoCAD Plant 3D 2023 Help | Vault Projects in AutoCAD Plant 3D Toolset | Autodesk