Migrate SQL 2008 r2 to a new Windows 2012 cluster

What is the best way to migrate a SQL 2008 R2 instance that is hosted on a Windows 2008 R2 Failover cluster to a newer cluster running Windows 2012?  Oh, yeah, with as little downtime as possible?
Tom PattersonAsked:
Who is Participating?
I wear a lot of hats...

"The solutions and answers provided on Experts Exchange have been extremely helpful to me over the last few years. I wear a lot of hats - Developer, Database Administrator, Help Desk, etc., so I know a lot of things but not a lot about one thing. Experts Exchange gives me answers from people who do know a lot about one thing, in a easy to use platform." -Todd S.

Vitor MontalvãoMSSQL Senior EngineerCommented:
Tom, please give a read in these 3 articles that I wrote for SQL Server database migration. After that you should be able to suit yourself but feel free to return to me with more questions:
Detach / Attach method
Backup & Restore method
Copy database wizard method

Experts Exchange Solution brought to you by

Your issues matter to us.

Facing a tech roadblock? Get the help and guidance you need from experienced professionals who care. Ask your question anytime, anywhere, with no hassle.

Start your 7-day free trial
Alexander ArdatovSoftware ManagerCommented:
Like an idea: you can setup a new Sql Server on a newer cluster running Windows 2012, setup a replication (or log shipping) for DBs on old server to a new one and when the replication completes switch connections to a new server.
Downtime for sql server clinets will be very small. Just for switching connections to a new server
Vitor MontalvãoMSSQL Senior EngineerCommented:
The Log Shipping idea is good. Or alternatively, the Mirroring.
But I wouldn't recommend the Replication.
Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2019 in Miami

The Acronis Global Cyber Summit 2019 will be held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Resort on October 13–16, 2019, and it promises to be the must-attend event for IT infrastructure managers, CIOs, service providers, value-added resellers, ISVs, and developers.

Learn more
Alexander ArdatovSoftware ManagerCommented:
Yes. Mirroring is good too and looks like it was implemented in sql server 2005, so the author can use it.
Tom PattersonAuthor Commented:
Since this is going from one Windows Server Failover Cluster to another.  What do you think of using the Copy Cluster Roles feature?
Vitor MontalvãoMSSQL Senior EngineerCommented:
Copy Cluster Roles has nothing to do with SQL Server databases.
Vitor MontalvãoMSSQL Senior EngineerCommented:
Recommendation to close this question by accepting the above comments as solution.
It's more than this solution.Get answers and train to solve all your tech problems - anytime, anywhere.Try it for free Edge Out The Competitionfor your dream job with proven skills and certifications.Get started today Stand Outas the employee with proven skills.Start learning today for free Move Your Career Forwardwith certification training in the latest technologies.Start your trial today
Microsoft SQL Server

From novice to tech pro — start learning today.