The answer is no. If you install SQL 2005 it will upgrade SQL 2000 to SQL 2005. Spend $600 on a new machine (workstation, not server) and make this happen.

If you are going to uprade at all, you should go all the way to SQL 2012. Why upgrade to be 8 years behind the curve?

Software Training, Implementation, Programming and Support for Macola Progression, Macola ES, Synergy, and Crystal Reports. Check out our Macola tools: www.gainfocus.biz/exceladdin.html

Thanks Don. 2005 is what I proposed because we own a SQL 2005 Processor license. So there would be no expense as compared to 2012.

Not sure I follow how buying a workstation will resolve this. Do you propose moving the existing databases to a workstation running SQL 2000 temporarily, upgrading the server hardware to SQL 2005, and then copying the databases back from the workstation to the original server post SQL upgrade?

I had to deal with the after effects of an in-place update. Somehow, they had changed their default instance that had their Macola data into a named instance, it required a little work on the master db to change their SQL into the default (0) instance. If Exact doesn't recommend an in-place update, I am sure they have a good reason, and I wouldn't do it.

I would backup ALL of the Macola databases (PWE, SCREENS, DATA???), uninstall SQL 2K, uninstall Macola, install SQL 2005, install Macola, restore databases, synchronize passwords (through VMB). There is a document on the Exact portal for moving Progression and SQL from one server to another - you would basically be following the steps except on the same server.

Peter Shirley
Macola Consultant, PA and surrounding states.
http://www.erpessentials.com