SQL Server 2008 SP1 setup is a little confused

Of course, it is always annoying when we have to restart a machine or stop a service to service software.  I get annoyed when little updates to non-integral pieces of Windows prompt me to reboot; leave me alone and force me to reboot when you actually need those files.  Or be smarter about "in-place replace" (if that concept makes sense).  I understand the "in use" problem, but have we not made any strides in overcoming this in the past 20+ years of Windows?  This is not exclusive to this platform; my Macs need to reboot after updating iTunes or Word, which I can't fathom either.

Anyway, I am straying.  The other day I announced here that the CTP for SQL Server SP1 was available.  Well, I have installed it on a half dozen machines, and have come across a few minor issues in the tools (mostly around state / registered server names in Object Explorer).  But there was a change in setup that I think is going to create confusion all over the place.  Basically on a single dialog it says two things:

1) you will need to stop service x to avoid a restart; and,

2) you will not need to stop service x to avoid a restart.

Being a "glass is half full" guy for the most part, I believed 2) and, after waiting 47 minutes (yes, 47 MINUTES, I timed it!) for setup to finish, was elated to find that I did not, in fact, have to reboot.  Yay!  But the text on the dialog needs to be updated.  I complained about this on Connect, but I doubt this will meet the bar for a fix:

http://web.archive.org/web/*/https://connect.microsoft.com/SQL/feedback/ViewFeedback.aspx?FeedbackID=418470

Aaron Bertrand

I am a passionate technologist with industry experience dating back to Classic ASP and SQL Server 6.5. I am a long-time Microsoft MVP, write at Simple Talk, SQLPerformance, and MSSQLTips, and have had the honor of speaking at more conferences than I can remember. In non-tech life, I am a father of two, a huge hockey and football fan, and my pronouns are he/him. If I've helped you out, consider thanking me with a coffee. :-)

1 Response

  1. Rony says:

    Hi! if you have failed the reboot computer requirement, follow this:
    http://runakay.blogspot.com/2011/04/installing-sql-server-2008-without.html