title: Upgrading from SQL Server 2012 Express to Standard
body: <p>I have a phone server running Window Server 2008. The server software is currently using Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express Edition. I created an IVR application that has created a second database using the same SQL Server instance. </p>
  
  <p>I found out post-development that the version of SQL Server installed on the server was Express and NOT Standard like I had thought. I checked the SQL Server Configuration manager and noticed that the instance is <code>MSSQLSERVER</code>, but it is running express. The phone system software I am using is proprietary and I cannot get in to change/modify connection strings. </p>
  
  <p>My question is:</p>
  
  <p>Is it reasonable to assume that upgrading from SQL Server 2012 Express to SQL Server 2012 Standard is safe? Does upgrading change the connection string, or instance name? Or is there anything I should be aware of during the upgrade? Or would it be better to just run Standard alongside Express? </p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>
  
  <p>I have read various articles saying that the connection string doesn't change, but I would like some input from someone who has actually upgraded from Express to Standard. </p>