Default Instance SQL 2005

[web4fun]

Scenario:

Currently installing SQL 2005 Standard Edition server to server as a backend to our new Sharepoint environment and we plan to do SQL Clustering later in the year.

Question:

Since the Sharepoint installation strongly suggests that the Sharepoint databases/tables get installed into a Named Instance vs. the default instance, I was going to just create the named instance instead of the default instance. Will this cause any problems with regard to Reporting Services or the SQL Clustering, etc. in the future? In other words, is the Default Instance a must?

If the default instance is a must, then if I install it on my D: drive with data files on this drive and log files and backups on my E: drive, then can I install a named instance and point my data files, log files, etc. to the same drives? My assumption is no as these are separate instances but I may be able to create different folders/directories specific to the default instance; i.e. D:\DefaultData and D:\NamedinstanceData, E:\DefaultLogs and E:\NamedInstancelogs......do I even need to do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ptheriault]

The default instance is not a must. In fact you can go back later and install a default instance if you need one.

- Paul
- If at first you don't succeed, find out if the loser gets anything.

 

[web4fun]

Thank you Paul.

 

[mrdenny]

If you are going to be clustering later in the year do your self a favor and install in a cluster now. Moving an instance to a cluster after the fact is a pain as you have to uninstall and reinstall.

If you don't have the passive node now that's fine. Do the install as a single node cluster then when you get the passive node you can push SQL to that node with minimal down time.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[web4fun]

Thank you mrdenny....I'll take that into account.