A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading SQL Server 2012 to 2019

Upgrading from SQL Server 2012 to 2019 can be a critical step to leverage new features and enhance your database performance. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, ensuring a smooth and risk-free upgrade.

1. Pre-Upgrade Planning

Before beginning the actual upgrade process, it is essential to plan thoroughly. Here are the key steps:

Check Compatibility

SQL Server 2019 introduces new features but also deprecates some. Before upgrading, review your applications to ensure they are compatible. Refer to the SQL Server 2019 release notes for details on deprecated features and recommendations for migrating to 2019 constructs.

Review Release Notes

The release notes of SQL Server 2019 contain important information about new features, changes, and best practices. Carefully go through these notes to understand how they could impact your database environment.

System Requirements

Ensure that your hardware and operating system meet the system requirements for SQL Server 2019. Incompatibilities can lead to installation failures and post-installation issues.

2. Backup Your Data

Data loss is one of the major risks during an upgrade. Thoroughly backup your data to minimize the risk:

Full Backup

Perform a full backup of all your databases, including system databases such as master, msdb, and model.

Backup Other Components

Do not forget to backup SQL Server Agent jobs, linked servers, and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages.

3. Run the SQL Server Upgrade Advisor

The SQL Server Upgrade Advisor is a powerful tool to identify potential issues before performing the upgrade:

Download and Install Upgrade Advisor

Acquire this tool from the appropriate Microsoft resources. The Upgrade Advisor will help in identifying issues in your existing databases and features.

Analyze Your Environment

Run the tool against your SQL Server 2012 instance to get comprehensive reports on any compatibility or potential issues that need addressing.

4. Prepare for the Upgrade

Setting up a test environment is crucial to ensure everything works as expected:

Test Environment

Create a test environment that mirrors your production environment for testing the upgrade process.

Upgrade Scripts

Review and prepare any necessary scripts for migrating data or adjusting configurations. Testing these scripts in the test environment is essential.

5. Install SQL Server 2019

The installation stage is the actual upgrade:

Download SQL Server 2019

Obtain the installation media from the official Microsoft website, ensuring it is the latest version.

Run the Installer

Launch the SQL Server Installation Center and select to upgrade from a previous version.

Follow the Wizard

The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Make sure to accept the license terms, select the instance to upgrade, and review the feature selection to ensure all your requirements are met.

6. Post-Upgrade Tasks

After the upgrade, several steps are crucial to ensure the new version is functioning correctly:

Update Statistics and Rebuild Indexes

Updating statistics and rebuilding indexes can significantly optimize performance. This is often necessary immediately after an upgrade.

sql ALTER DATABASE [YourDatabaseName] SET COMPATIBILITY_LEVEL 150

Check Compatibility Level

Ensure that the database compatibility level is set to 150, which is specific to SQL Server 2019. This can be done using the SQL command provided above.

Review SQL Server Agent Jobs

Verify that all SQL Server Agent jobs are functioning correctly.

Monitor Performance

Keep a close eye on the performance of the upgraded server and address any issues as they arise. Regular monitoring helps in identifying potential bottlenecks and optimizing performance further.

7. Testing and Validation

Thorough testing is vital to ensure that your applications and processes work correctly with the upgraded SQL Server:

Run Tests

Run a series of tests to ensure all applications are functioning as expected. Automation frameworks can help in this process.

Check Logs

Review the SQL Server error logs and Windows Event Viewer for any warnings or errors. Address these issues promptly to maintain stability.

8. Documentation and Training

To ensure ongoing success with the upgraded SQL Server, proper documentation and training are necessary:

Document Changes

Update your documentation to reflect the new environment and any new features being utilized. This ensures all team members are aware of the changes.

Train Staff

Ensure that your team is familiar with any new features or changes in SQL Server 2019. It is essential to provide adequate training to all relevant staff members.

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade from SQL Server 2012 to SQL Server 2019 while minimizing risks and downtime. Proper planning and testing are key to a smooth upgrade process.