Getting Started with SQL Server 2008 R2 - Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Administration - page 19

The Upgrade
Documentation 1. Ensure to list out all the steps that will be implemented, a

screenshot of each screen is an ideal concept to perform the
upgrade by any user.

2. Make sure to include all the checkpoints that will control the GO

or NO-GO decision.

3. Every checkpoint should insist on the point of referring to

relevant log files including SQL Server error logs.

4. Action a roll-forward plan by troubleshooting the issue

wherever possible.

5. In case of serious issue of environment, invoke the no-go step to

implement the back-out plan.

Environment 1. Obtain necessary passwords from safe.

2. Perform a health check on OS and SQL Server.

3. Perform the upgrade using SQL Server installation center tool.

4. Perform the system and user database backups, once the

upgrade is completed successfully.

Post-Upgrade
Acceptance 1. Determine the application acceptance by performing

end-to-end testing.
2. Integrate the new instance to connect the live application.
3. Apply required security patches and hotfixes.
4. Review security settings and execute Best Practice Analyzer tool
for SQL Server 2008 R2.
5. Review event viewer and SQL server error logs.
6. Perform

Documentation 1. Document any new steps and modify the existing steps

wherever necessary.

2. Perform failover and failback tasks to ensure Disaster Recovery

provision is not compromised.