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SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
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When I do 2007 upgrades. I typically like to restore the 2003 portal to a virtual server. What this typically means is that I need to determine the service packs on both machines, match SQL server version and service packs, etc. No matter how hard I tried in a couple of instances I always hit the same brick wall... "The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster. Please upgrade the database and try again"
 
Part of the problem for me is that most of the older portals I'm upgrading are running SQL 2000 with some Service Pack applied. I prefer to use SQL 2005. Depending on how proactive the IT team managing the portal was... Who knows what service packs were applied.
 
You can determine what version of SPS 2003 Service packs have been installed by using the system here.
 
You can try using the .spb files to use the Backup/Restore utility. At a minimum, this will attach the databases to the SQL 2005 instance. However, it will likely stil fail with the same message... "Schema too old."
 
My solution:
Install 2003 as you normally would. Then create a new portal and name it "Temp" or "Delete Me". Open up SQL Management and look at the SystemVersion table in the Site database for the newly created portal. Jot down the version number specified in the table. Now open up the Site database of the portal you are trying to restore, open the SystemVersion table and overwrite the version specified there. Go back to Central Admin and delete the temp portal, and now restore the problem child.
 
It should restore without a hitch now.

Posted 06-02-2007 7:08 PM by wpowell

Comments

David wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 06-21-2007 6:57 AM

Excellent, After trying to follow all the Microsoft help, I just needed this article from someone in the real world to help me out.

All my problems have vanished. (WRT This problem anyway ;-)

David

wpowell wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 06-21-2007 5:32 PM

Thanks for the kudos. I would say this is far from supported, but I've done it about 10 times now with no issues. So there is my disclaimer. :)

Guidocos wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 06-26-2007 12:00 PM

GREAT!!! Now it works. No more problems .... ahemmm ... no more that problem ;-)

Guido

SharePointKicks.com wrote SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this oper
on 06-26-2007 3:07 PM

You've been kicked (a good thing) - Trackback from SharePointKicks.com

Jenavi wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 07-04-2007 11:44 PM

Perfect.

Change version in *_SITE,

in SystemVersion table.

All fine.

Prabin wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 07-13-2007 10:11 AM

Thanks Wiiliam,

Your article was a great help.

Kiel wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-02-2007 12:05 PM

You may have just saved my life. Trying out now.

Kiel wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-02-2007 12:17 PM

Yes, you have just made my day brighter.

Major Kudos.

Batchman wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-03-2007 4:45 AM

Many Thanks! After hours...

Joe wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-03-2007 4:20 PM

You are the man.  This worked like a champ.  Def book marking this for the future

Steve wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-29-2007 3:43 PM

Yep, worked for me... I'm often looking for solutions to sharepoint problems online and often it is difficult to find a good answer...

Cynthia wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 08-31-2007 11:05 AM

Great, I know modifying the SQL tables is not supported by Microsoft, but the only quick solution to sync the versions.  Thanks alot!

Chris wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 09-23-2007 10:47 AM

Thanks for saving me months of work.

Guillermo Pussetto wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 10-03-2007 1:51 AM

Your solution worked for me too and save me a lot of time.

Thank you

Trev wrote re: SPS 2003 Restore - The database schema is too old to perform this operation in this SharePoint cluster
on 04-11-2008 8:46 PM

THANK YOU for this!

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