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Adding License to Expired SQL

create share 676 Reputation points
2020-12-08T21:14:24.427+00:00

Hi,

Does SQL need to be reinstalled if the evaluation license gets expired or we can just run the upgrade process and enter the key? Secondly, can it cause any problem with the databases?

Thanks.

SQL Server | Other
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  1. CathyJi-MSFT 22,396 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2020-12-09T01:39:16.077+00:00

    Hi @create share

    >Does SQL need to be reinstalled if the evaluation license gets expired or we can just run the upgrade process and enter the key?

    The SQL Server Evaluation edition is available for a 180-day trial period. You do not need to reinstall it ,you can just run SQL server edition upgrade, enter the license key as below screenshot to upgrade it.

    46374-screenshot-2020-12-09-092229.jpg

    46259-screenshot-2020-12-09-092749.jpg

    Please refer to MS document Upgrade to a Different Edition of SQL Server (Setup) to get more information.

    >Secondly, can it cause any problem with the databases?

    No. This will not affect SQL server databases. But if you buy SQL server standard license for your SQL server instance, please run sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features DMV to check whether the enterprise features that are enabled in the current database as Erland mentioned.

    Best regards,
    Cathy

    If the response is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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  1. Olaf Helper 47,441 Reputation points
    2020-12-09T12:26:33.177+00:00

    It does not automatically stop, but when the service stopped, you can't start it any long. You have to apply a valid license key to the installation, before you can start it again.

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  2. Erland Sommarskog 121.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-12-08T22:28:34.67+00:00

    I believe you can just run an Edition Upgrade.

    The databases should be unaffected.. However, if you upgrade to Standard Edition, and you have used features available on in Enterprise Edition, you may run into trouble. You can run this query in all your databases to see if there are any:

    SELECT * FROM sys.dm_db_persisted_sku_features

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  3. create share 676 Reputation points
    2020-12-09T12:11:13.94+00:00

    Thanks. Does SQL Services stop after expiration? I am not able to start the services.

  4. Tom Phillips 17,771 Reputation points
    2020-12-09T12:56:39.273+00:00

    The error log will indicate why the service did not start.

    You cannot simply reinstall eval version and get another 180 days. MS prevents that. You must upgrade to a licensed version after 180 days. The databases and all objects will be available if you do and "Edition Upgrade" to a licensed version.

    https://www.brentozar.com/archive/2020/06/how-to-upgrade-sql-server-evaluation-edition-to-developer-edition/

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