Quick question: SQL Express 2016 for VBR server?

[john.brodhurst]

I'm planning new install, and I want everything shiny and new. Is SQL Server Express Edition 2016 supported on the 9.5 U1 Veeam server to back the VBR database? I know the in-box SQL install is 2012 (or at least it was last time I installed VBR 9). Sorry if I've missed something, but I've spent some time today searching and I couldn't find a definitive answer.

[foggy]

Hi John, it's right in the system requirements section. Yes, you can use SQL Server Express Edition 2016 with Veeam B& 9.5 U1.

[jmmarton]

It's also recommended to upgrade the included SQL Express 2012 to at least 2014.

Joe

[john.brodhurst]

Thanks for the replies. I did not find that system requirements section in my searching but logically that is the first place I should have looked, sorry.

On a related note, is it too much to hope that Veeam 8.0 U3 supports 2016? I have another upgrade project which is a bigger leap. If necessary, I could do the SQL upgrade after the Veeam upgrade potentially, as its currently using 2012 which I think is the in-box version so this should install without complaints.

[foggy]

SQL Server 2016 support was introduced in version 9.5, so you'd better upgrade Veeam B&R first.

[john.brodhurst]

Got it - thanks for the quick reply.

[jazzoberoi]

Hi, Can we upgrade the SQL 2012 express that gets installed with Veeam directly to 2016 SP1 ?

Also, which version of the SQL Express 2016 do we need to download, as there are 3 options:

- SQL Server 2016 SP1 Express
- SQL Server 2016 Express with Advanced Services
- SQL Server 2016 Express LocalDB

Thanks.

[unsichtbarre]

SQL Server 2016 Express with Advanced Services has the management tools you will need to create/browse the database.

[john.brodhurst]

Hi, Can we upgrade the SQL 2012 express that gets installed with Veeam directly to 2016 SP1 ?

You most definitely can do an in-place upgrade as long as you choose the instance when running the setup wizard - the full details are here: Upgrade SQL Server Using the Installation Wizard (relevant to all SKUs of SQL Server including Express)

[reaperhammer]

Is SQL Express 2017 support yet?

[veremin]

Unfortunately, before our testing is finished, we cannot provide you with definitive answer. Thanks.