Description

How to upgrade the Backup Exec SQL Database version outside of Backup Exec (Backup Exec 22 or greater).

This might be necessary if the original Backup Exec installation was performed with a custom SQL Instance or updating to a new version of SQL Express.

For example, an upgrade from SQL Express 2017 (Backup Exec 22 and above) to SQL Express 2019 or 2022.

Note: Backup Exec 22 and greater installs by default a SQL 2017 Express instance name (BKUPEXEC64) 64-bit.

Upgrading from the previous version of Backup Exec to 22 and above, the upgrade process removes the 32-bit (BKUPEXEC) SQL instance and installs a 64-bit SQL instance of (BKUPEXEC64).

1. Stop the Backup Exec services. Close the Backup Exec console and Backup Exec Services Manager if opened.
2. Download SQL Server 2022 Express Edition setup file from the Microsoft website.
    
3. Run the setup file and select "Upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server".
   
4. Follow the installation wizard and select 'Database Engine Services' and 'Management Tools - Basic' features.
    
5. Choose the appropriate instance name and configure the necessary settings.
   
6. Complete the installation process and restart the SQL Server service.