How to install Microsoft SQL Server 2022 manually

IMPORTANT: These install steps are only applicable for Vanguard. For Display Studio, refer to: How to install Microsoft SQL Server 2014 manually

Upgrading - Uninstall SQL Server 2014 (NUCLEUS instance)

The 32-bit version of SQL Server 2014 SP2 Express installed by Vanguard does not support an in-place upgrade to 64-bit version of SQL Server 2022 Express. These steps outline how to ensure a backup exists and how to uninstall the old instance prior to installing the newer version of SQL Server.

1. Ensure there is a recent backup (.nucbak file extension):
• Nucleus/Vanguard Server will automatically create backup of the databases at 7-day intervals and save to C:\ProgramData\Daktronics\Nucleus Server\Backup
• Optionally, you can manually save a new backup via Daktronics Database Utility: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/support/kb/000024154 

NOTE: The .nucbak file contains the SQL Server backup files (.bak) for each of the databases.

2. Within Windows Settings, go to Apps > Installed Apps.
3. Type SQL Server 2014 in the filter.
4. Find Microsoft SQL Server 2014 and click the ... then select Uninstall.

NOTE: Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Setup and Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Transact-SQL ScriptDom will be automatically uninstalled if there are no other instances.

5. Click Uninstall in the confirmation prompt.
6. Click Remove in the SQL Server 2014 window.

7. Select Instance - Ensure NUCLEUS is selected as the instance to remove.

8. Select Features - Check all checkboxes.

9. Complete - Review status and click Close.

10. Restart the computer and then follow the steps below to install SQL Server 2022 (NUCLEUS instance).

Install SQL Server 2022 (NUCLEUS instance)

1. Download Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express from Microsoft’s website
• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=104781 
2. Click the Custom installation type.

3. Specify a temporary location for the download of additional installation files.

4. Click the Install button to begin the download of additional installation files.
5. The SQL Server Installation Center window will appear after the successful download of additional installation files.
6. Within the Installation menu, click New SQL Server standalone installation or add features to an existing installation.

7. License Terms - Check the box to accept license terms and click Next.
8. Microsoft Update - Optionally check the box for Use Microsoft Update to check for updates and click Next.
• Extended support for security updates ends January 11, 2033 https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/sql-server-2022
• NOTE: As with regular Windows updates, running updates to SQL Server should be done according to maintenance schedules of to minimize downtime of Vanguard server.

9. Install Rules – Ensure that there are no failures and click Next.

• • NOTE: If a warning is reported for Windows Firewall, that can generally be ignored since only local access is necessary as Nucleus/Vanguard Server runs on the same computer. If situations arise where remote connectivity to the database is required, please see https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/install/configure-the-windows-firewall-to-allow-sql-server-access?view=sql-server-ver16 

10. Feature Selection - Ensure that Database Engine Services is the only checked box and click Next.

11. Instance Configuration - Change the Named instance and Instance ID from SQLExpress to NUCLEUS.

12. Server Configuration - Leave the defaults and click Next.

13. Database Engine Configuration - Add the local computer's administrators group and click Next.

14. Installation Progress - This step may take several minutes to complete.
15. Complete - Review the status and click Close.

16. Delete the temporary install files created in Step 3 (ex. C:\SQL2022) if desired; this is optional.

Initial Install - Install Vanguard Standard or Professional

1. For Vanguard Professional, select Local Server which will automatically detect that there is already a SQL Server instance on the local computer and execute the scripts to set up Nucleus Database and Nucleus Log databases
• NOTE: For client computers, be sure to select Remote Server install.

Upgrade - Load Previous Nucleus Database Backup

The install of SQL Server 2022 (NUCLEUS instance) will be missing the Nucleus Database and Nucleus Log databases. Following these steps will restore the previous data. Additional information on Daktronics Database Utility: https://www.daktronics.com/en-us/support/kb/000024154 

1. Open the folder C:\Program Files (x86)\Daktronics\Nucleus Server\Database Utility.
2. Run the Daktronics Database Utility application.
3. Click Load.

4. Click Yes at the Restore Warning prompt.

5. Browse to the .nucbak file that was previously saved.
6. Verify prompt stating successful operation.

7. Log in to Vanguard and verify latest data from backup.
8. Optionally delete the original database folder at C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL12.NUCLEUS.
• IMPORTANT: Do not delete any files in the new database folder at C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL16.NUCLEUS.