When it comes to managing SQL Server, there are various licensing scenarios that can arise. Whether you have installed SQL Server from MSDN media and later purchased a Volume License, or you need to transfer the license to a different department, updating the license key is a task that may need to be performed. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in updating the license key for SQL Server.
Step 1: Launch the SQL Server Installation Center
To update the license key, you can either run the setup.exe from the media or launch the “Installation Center” from the Start menu. To access the Installation Center, go to Start -> Programs -> Microsoft SQL Server [Version] -> Configuration Tools -> SQL Server Installation Center [(64-bit)]. This will open the SQL Server Installation Center.
Step 2: Select “Edition Upgrade”
In the SQL Server Installation Center, navigate to the “Maintenance” section and click on “Edition Upgrade”. This will initiate the edition upgrade process, which is essentially the same as updating the license key.
Step 3: Enter the New License Key
Follow the prompts in the edition upgrade wizard and make sure to enter the new license key when prompted. This will replace the existing license key with the new one.
Command Line Option
If you need to update the license key on multiple servers and going through the setup wizard is not feasible, you can use the command line option. The command line syntax for updating the license key is as follows:
For Default Instance:
Setup.exe /q /ACTION=EditionUpgrade /INSTANCENAME=MSSQLSERVER /PID=<PID key for new edition> /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS
For Named Instance:
Setup.exe /q /ACTION=EditionUpgrade /INSTANCENAME=InstanceName /PID=<PID key for new edition> /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS
Replace “<PID key for new edition>” with the actual product key for the new edition of SQL Server.
By following these steps, you can easily update the license key for SQL Server and ensure compliance with your licensing agreements. It is important to note that the process may vary slightly depending on the version of SQL Server you are using, so always refer to the official documentation for your specific version.
Have you ever had to update the license key for SQL Server? What techniques have you used in the past? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!