Reinstallation of SQL Server Developer Edition

[jsc0624]

Hi Guys,

Anyone here knows how to re-install sql server 2005 without affecting the existing databases in the sql server. I just want to do this because I need to install the japanese unicode character set. I think the default character set is Latin_1 so I need to change it into japanese unicode. I hope you guys understand what I am trying to say.

[szlamany]

I would detach all the databases that you are interested in saving. Before you detach them look at properties and see where the MDF and LDF files are.

Then find the MDF/LDF files related to these DB's.

Move them to a new folder - safely stick them somewhere.

Then I think I would uninstall MS SQL first - before re-installing it.

After you re-install it you simply put the MDF and LDF files back in place and attach them.

You might want to also create BACKUP files of these - in case you need to restore them into the server as opposed to attach them. The only reason I mention this is because you are discussing doing this for reasons related to character sets...