Is WINS needed for a Win2K3 / SQL Server 2000 Cluster?

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Greg Bradshaw II - 23 May 2006 16:21 GMT

Hello. We are currently using Windows 2003 and SQL Server 2000 to set up a
2-node cluster with named instances. The problem that we are having is that,
if a server is rebooted, the groups that are supposed to fail over, do not.
They just go offline.

We are in the process of upgrading to Windows 2003 AD from an NT domain.
I've read in another Microsoft article that, if you're using Windows 2000/SQL
Server 2000, MSCS requires WINS. Right now, we're trying to decide if we
should configure a WINS server for the SQL Cluster Failover to work properly.

Thanks in advance!

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Rodney R. Fournier [MVP] - 23 May 2006 17:27 GMT

2000 on 2000 will use WINS. 2003 does not require WINS.

Cheers,

Rodney R. Fournier

MVP - Windows Server - Clustering
http://www.nw-america.com - Clustering Website
http://www.msmvps.com/clustering - Blog
http://www.clusterhelp.com - Cluster Training
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> Hello. We are currently using Windows 2003 and SQL Server 2000 to set up
> a
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance!

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Greg Bradshaw II - 23 May 2006 18:19 GMT

Okay. Now with the Virtual SQL instances being in DNS (forward and reverse
lookup), why would the instances not be failing over properly if WINS is not
required? What am I missing?

> 2000 on 2000 will use WINS. 2003 does not require WINS.
>
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> >
> > Thanks in advance!

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Russ Kaufmann [MVP] - 23 May 2006 18:52 GMT

> Okay. Now with the Virtual SQL instances being in DNS (forward and
> reverse
> lookup), why would the instances not be failing over properly if WINS is
> not
> required? What am I missing?

Do you have the WIndows Firewall installed on any of your network
interfaces?

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Russ Kaufmann
MVP - Windows Server - Clustering
ClusterHelp.com, a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner
Web http://www.clusterhelp.com
Blog http://msmvps.com/clusterhelp

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Greg Bradshaw II - 23 May 2006 19:31 GMT

No, we don't.

> > Okay. Now with the Virtual SQL instances being in DNS (forward and
> > reverse
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Do you have the WIndows Firewall installed on any of your network
> interfaces?

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Michael Hotek - 30 May 2006 12:01 GMT

What are you getting in the event log? Is it simply shutting down or does
it try to come online on Node2, fail, and since Node1 is no longer there,
winds up shutting down?

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Mike
http://www.solidqualitylearning.com
Disclaimer: This communication is an original work and represents my sole
views on the subject. It does not represent the views of any other person
or entity either by inference or direct reference.

> No, we don't.
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>> Do you have the WIndows Firewall installed on any of your network
>> interfaces?

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Russ Kaufmann [MVP] - 23 May 2006 18:51 GMT

> Hello. We are currently using Windows 2003 and SQL Server 2000 to set up
> a
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> should configure a WINS server for the SQL Cluster Failover to work
> properly.

Actually, WINS is not required, but it can be helpful. If you configure your
cluster using security best practices, then you will not need WINS, however,
if you don't do that, then WINS may benefit you.

I discuss the why and why nots here:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/clusterhelp/archive/2005/08/05/61710.aspx

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Russ Kaufmann
MVP - Windows Server - Clustering
ClusterHelp.com, a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner
Web http://www.clusterhelp.com
Blog http://msmvps.com/clusterhelp

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