Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a End of Life
Support dates and upgrade guidance — rebuilt from live data.
Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a reached end of life on 1 Jan 2002. It no longer receives security fixes.
Support timeline
Official dates from the Microsoft SQL Server release process.
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Initial release | 24 Dec 1998 | — |
| End of life | 1 Jan 2002 | 24.6 years ago |
| Latest release | 6.50.480 · 7 Oct 2005 | final |
Where to go from 6.50-sp5a
Recommended target: Microsoft SQL Server 17.0 (supported until 6 Jan 2036).
The newest actively supported branch is Microsoft SQL Server 17.0 (latest release 17.0.4065.4 CU7).
Frequently asked questions
Is Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a still safe to use?
Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a reached end of life on 1 Jan 2002, 8,986 days ago, and is no longer covered by standard support. Running it means no guaranteed security fixes.
Can I still download Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a?
Yes — the final release (6.50.480) generally remains available from vendor archives and OS package mirrors, but installing it means running software with known, unpatched vulnerabilities.
What should I upgrade Microsoft SQL Server 6.50-sp5a to?
Upgrade to Microsoft SQL Server 17.0, the newest actively supported branch (supported until 6 Jan 2036).