cluster-compatible OS versions

I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new
host nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
active/active/passive failover setup.
The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
existing nodes in some fashion?
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?
I have not done this specific scenario, but I'd guess that it should work
because that's no different from an OS rolling upgrade. In any event, I'd
keep the OS versions on all nodes the same when all is said and done.
Linchi
"horseradish" wrote:

> I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
> SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
> nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
> I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new
> host nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
> active/active/passive failover setup.
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?
>
|||I would upgrade to SP2 (if your vendors support it) on the existing node.
Make sure you have a valid, restorable backup first. Then add in the second
SP2 nodes.
Cheers,
Rodney R. Fournier
MVP - Windows Server - Clustering
http://www.nw-america.com - Clustering Website
http://msmvps.com/clustering - Blog
http://www.clusterhelp.com - Cluster Training
ClusterHelp.com is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner
"horseradish" <millardjk@.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23ilR6MojHHA.4904@.TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
>SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
>nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
> I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new host
> nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
> active/active/passive failover setup.
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?