4.0.0 HP PolyServe Software for Microsoft SQL Server Administration Guide (T5392-96056, March 2010)

5. Run the workload tests again and compare the results with the baseline.
We recommend that the test machine be identical to the production machine. For example, the two
machines should contain the same components (including third-party applications such as anti-virus
software) and the same settings (such as the /3G flag in boot.ini).
Also ensure that the component versions match. The following generic components should be identical
on the test and production machines.
Net CLR service packsNumber of SQL instances
Network card and firmwareSettings of SQL instances
Network card settingsSQL Service Packs
Number of network cardsSQL hot fixes
HBA card and firmwareOperating system version
Number of NBA cardsOperating system service packs
Number of CPUsOperating system security updates
Amount of physical memoryMatrix Server version
Third-party softwareSQL Server solution pack version
.Net CLR version
If you are unable to create an identical test machine, we recommend that you create a scaled-down
version of your production machine and test any upgrades on it. Be sure to scale down the workload
as well. Although a scaled-down machine deviates from the real environment, it will enable you to
verify that the dependency among components does not affect SQL server availability after the upgrade.
3. Back up the current machine state
Before performing the upgrade, you should back up the current state of the production machine. The
backup should include the general machine-wide state and the SQL instance-specific state. The
machine-wide state includes the following:
• Registry settings
• Machine name, network settings, accounts
• Shared SQL files and DLL
• Operating system
The SQL instance-specific state includes the following:
• Data (master database, model database, user database)
• Logins
• DTS packages
Before starting the upgrade, verify that you can restore the backup onto your test machine.
Upgrade production SQL Servers130