SQL Server supports multiple instances of the Database Engine, Analysis Services, and Reporting Services on the same computer. You can also upgrade earlier versions of SQL Server, or install SQL Server on a computer where earlier SQL Server versions are already installed. For supported upgrade scenarios, see Version and Edition Upgrades.
Using SQL Server Side-By-Side with Previous Versions of SQL Server
You can install SQL Server on a computer that is already running instances of an earlier SQL Server version. If a default instance already exists on the computer, SQL Server must be installed as a named instance.
The following table shows side-by-side support for SQL Server 2008:
|
Existing instance of SQL Server 2008
|
Side-by-side support
|
|---|
|
SQL Server 2008 (32-bit)
|
SQL Server 2000 (32-bit)
SQL Server 2000 (64-bit) x64
SQL Server 2005 (32-bit)
SQL Server 2005 (64-bit) x64
|
|
SQL Server 2008 (64-bit) IA64
|
SQL Server 2005 (64-bit) IA64
|
|
SQL Server 2008 (64-bit) x64
|
SQL Server 2000 (32-bit)
SQL Server 2000 (64-bit) x64
SQL Server 2005 (32-bit)
SQL Server 2005 (64-bit) x64
|
Tasks
How to: Install SQL Server 2008 (Setup)
Reference
Hardware and Software Requirements for Installing SQL Server 2008
Version and Edition Upgrades
Concepts
Upgrading to SQL Server 2008
Backward Compatibility
Using Upgrade Advisor to Prepare for Upgrades
Help and Information
Getting SQL Server 2008 Assistance