Overview

This article explains how to perform an in-place upgrade of SQL Server to a newer version on a server hosting Lepide databases. An in-place upgrade replaces the existing SQL Server installation with the newer version while keeping all databases, logins, and configuration intact — no manual data migration is needed. Please take Snapshot/Backup of the SQL server before proceeding.

Supported Upgrade Paths

• SQL Server 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, or 2019 can be upgraded directly to SQL Server 2022.

• SQL Server 2008 / 2008 R2 cannot be upgraded directly — these require a side-by-side migration instead

Step 1 — Check the Current SQL Server Version

Open SSMS, connect to the instance, open a New Query window, and run:

SELECT @@VERSION; 

Step 2 — Take a Backup of All Databases

Before upgrading, back up every database on the instance. Run the following query. It generates a backup command for each database:

SELECT 

'BACKUP DATABASE [' + name + '] 

TO DISK = ''D:\SQLBackups\' + name + '.bak'' 

WITH INIT, CHECKSUM;' 

FROM sys.databases 

WHERE name NOT IN ('tempdb'); 

This query does not run the backup directly. It generates the backup command as text, one row per database. Copy the generated text from the results grid, paste it into a new query window, and execute it to run all the backups.

Step 3 — Download the Correct Installer

Download the installer that matches both the SQL Server version and the edition you currently have. The edition must stay the same — only the version changes.

• Currently on SQL Server Express → download the Express installer for the new version

• Currently on SQL Server Standard → download the Standard installer for the new version

• Currently on SQL Server Enterprise → download the Enterprise installer for the new version

Step 4 — Run the Installer and Upgrade

• Take Snapshot/Backup of the SQL server if not done previously.

• Stop Lepide services.

• Run the installer on the server and download the offline ISO of it.

1. RUN the OFFLINE installer and run it and follow the steps below.

2. On the setup screen, choose 'Upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server'

1. Select the existing instance that hosts the Lepide databases

• Let setup run its validation checks

• If asked about Full-Text Upgrade Options, choose 'Import' to keep existing full-text catalogs

• Review the summary screen and click Upgrade

• Wait for the upgrade to finish — this can take a while depending on the number of databases

Step 5 — Verify the Upgrade

Once setup completes, run the same query from Step 1 again:

SELECT @@VERSION; 

Confirm the version now shows the new SQL Server release.

• Restart Lepide services

• Open Lepide and pull a test report to confirm data is still flowing correctly

Status

Following the version check, backup, correct installer download, and upgrade steps in this article ensures a smooth, traceable SQL Server upgrade for any instance hosting Lepide data.