It has been a long time since SQL Server 2008 R2 got Service Pack Update. Microsoft has finally released SQL Server 2008 R2 service pack 3and its feature pack. SQL Server 2008 R2 SP3 contains fixes to issues reported as well as Hotfix solutions have provided since SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 2 up to and including Cumulative Update 13.
Install the SQL Server 2008 R2 Client In this article, let us look at the steps involved in installing SQL Server 2008 R2. In order to have a smooth installation, restart the PC before beginning the SQL Server client installation.
I have personally switched to SQL Server 2014 few months ago and I am happy with its performance and robust behavior. Many of the customer and clients are still using SQL Server 2012. However, if you are using SQL Server 2008 R2, I suggest that you look at upgrading to the latest version of SQL Server or at least update your software with latest service pack.
You can download SQL Server 2008 R2 Service Pack from following link:
UPDATE: If you are still using SQL Server 2008, I strongly suggest that you upgrade it to the latest version of SQL Server as SQL Server 2008 is now no more officially supported by Microsoft. However, the reality is that still today, I get lots of customers who are still using this version of SQL Server.
Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)
I am looking to install this on a 64 bit system in order to test SQL queries against an ODBC source. The current links are Microsoft are too new. Does anyone know where I can download it from?
2 Answers
SQLCMD should come with Management Studio http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=7593 However there's no reason why you couldn't use a newer version of SQLCMD to connect to an older database.
For SQL Server 2008 R2, you want to download the files from what is called the Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Feature Pack. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=16978
From there, you are going to need 2 programs 'Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Native Client' X64 Package (sqlncli.msi) and 'Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 R2 Command Line Utilities' X64 Package (SqlCmdLnUtils.msi) in either 32 bit or 64 bit form depending on where you are installing it. Most servers are 64 bit so if doubt, choose that version first.
Install the native client first and command line utilities second.