The instance name specified is invalid 1

[avputnam]

I try to upgrade from SQL 8.00.194 to SQL 8.00.760.

I have downloaded sql2kdesksp3.exe. I ran it and created sql2ksp3 folder. However, when I click on setup.exe inside of the sql2ksp3 folder, the setup looks like it is trying to initialize, but then in about a minute comes with "The instance name specified is invalid"[/color red] error message .

Does any one know how I can upgrade to new version?

Thank you in advance

 

[nigelrivett]

It will try to get a list of the instances installed on the m/c to let you choose the one to upgrade.

Have a look at your instances and see if any have an odd name.

Found this on sqljunkies from a search in google
sql2kdesksp3.exe instance

If installing MSDE Service Pack 3 causes the error "Instance name is invalid," do the following:
Browse to the folder that you extracted the MSDE service pack files to.
1.Browse to the MSDE directory.
2.Right-click on the Setup.exe file and select Create Shortcut.
3.Right-click on the shortcut to Setup.exe and select Properties.
4.In the target field add /upgradesp sqlrun blanksapwd=1 after Setup.exe.

If you extracted the files to C:\sql2ksp3\MSDE the string is
"C:\sql2ksp3\MSDE\setup.exe /upgradesp sqlrun blanksapwd=1".

(do not use " " if the original string does not have it)

5.Double-click on the shortcut to Setup.exe to run the upgrade.

I came across to this problem when I was trying to uninstall MSDE which gave me fatal error related to active directory help service that was preventing me to unistall the program. I reinstalled it and unistalled it. Found this tips on Cisco's website.

======================================
Cursors are useful if you don't know sql.
DTS can be used in a similar way.
Beer is not cold and it isn't fizzy.

 

[thendrickson]

Hey, can I give nigelrivett 2 stars for this one?

Saved me a lot of work