Confusion between SQL Server 2008 Developer edition & SQL Server 2008 R2 (and its group of SPs)

Question

I have installed the SQL Server 2008 developers edition onto my laptop to learn the program.  I have updated with SP1, SP2, and SP3.  Can SQL Server 2008 R2 be loaded onto the computer and then updated with its group of service packs?  The only reason I am having to mess with R2 at all, is the AdventureWorks data is currently for the 2008 R2 version of SQL Server.  It is newer than what SQL 2008 can use.  I believe the version needed for SQL 2008 is 655 and the one on the download website for 2008 R2 is newer & you get an error of no backwards capability to use the older one.

Is SQL Server 2008 R2 considered an upgrade of 2008 or a separate program?  If I attempt to download & install SQL 2008 R2 along with the corresponding service packs will this cause any harm to my configuration?  Up to this point there hasn't been much of a problem loading everything from 2008.  If anyone knows where the older AdventureWorks databases might be located I'd be thrilled to not need to load 2008 R2.  I basically wanted to use the examples to get up to speed with this program.

Would I be able to use the AdventureWorks database files from SQL 2005 within 2008?  Then I wouldn't need to mess with anything R2.

Answer 1

You can install SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 on the same machine.  You just need to install a named instance of SQL Server 2008 R2 and not an upgrade.  A video on how to do this can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oXqzdHUH4A

BTW, AdventureWorks 2008 can be found at http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/releases/view/89502

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Jeff Wharton
MSysDev (C.Sturt), MDbDsgnMgt (C.Sturt), MCT, MCPD, MCSD, MCITP, MCDBA
Blog: Mr. Wharty's Ramblings
Twitter: @Mr_Wharty
MC ID: Microsoft Transcript

Answer 2

• Yes, you can install SQL server 2008 R2 but that will be a named instance (if current SQL 2008 is default instance)
• Yes, You can install all group of service pack SP1 & SP2 of SQL Server 2008 R2
• No, There will be no issue from product side but you may face slowness on laptop that will depand laptop configuration & usage
• Yes, AdventureWorks database files from SQL 2005 will work in 2008

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