What version of SQL Server is running?

[update: SQL2005 versions more info here]

To find out what version of SQL Server your running, do this: From the command prompt on the SQL Server itself,

osql -E -S %computername%

This will give you a SQL prompt, at which you do the following:


1>exec master..xp_msver 'ProductName'
2>exec master..xp_msver 'ProductVersion'
3>go

This gives you two bits of information, (1) the Product Name & (2) the Product Version - which requires some interpretation, note them both. But first, at the SQL prompt, type quit.


1>quit

The table below will help determine exactly what SQL Server is running.

Version Product
2005.90.1399 SQL Server 2005 RTM
2005.90.2047 SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 1
2005.90.3042 SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2
8.00.194 SQL Server 2000 RTM
8.00.384 SQL Server 2000 SP1
8.00.532 SQL Server 2000 SP2
8.00.760 SQL Server 2000 SP3
8.00.760 SQL Server 2000 SP3a *note below
8.00.818 SQL Server 2000 SP3 w/ Cumulative Patch MS03-031
8.00.2039 SQL Server 2000 SP4
7.00.1063 SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 4 (SP4)
7.00.961 SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
7.00.842 SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
7.00.699 SQL Server 7.0 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
7.00.623 SQL Server 7.0 RTM (Release To Manufacturing)
6.50.479 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 5a (SP5a) Update
6.50.416 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 5a (SP5a)
6.50.415 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 5 (SP5)
6.50.281 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 4 (SP4)
6.50.258 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
6.50.240 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
6.50.213 SQL Server 6.5 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
6.50.201 SQL Server 6.5 RTM

You will notice that there is SQL Server 2000 SP3 and SP3a both have the same version number. Some software providers require at least SP3a (i.e. some MYOB products). So how does one tell the difference between the two?

By finding the file SSNETLIB.DLL and right clicking it, and checking the version number. If the version number of this file is 2000.80.760.0, you have SQL Server 2000 SP3. If the version number of this file is 2000.80.766.0, you have SQL Server 2000 SP3a.

This file is normally found in one of these two locations:

  • Default instance: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\Binn\Ssnetlib.dll
  • Named instance: C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQLServer\MSSQL$<InstanceName>\Binn\Ssnetlib.dll

Of course, Microsoft have more to say and you can find it at: www.support.microsoft.com/kb/321185

Written on April 14, 2008