SQL Server 2000-2014 migration using 2008 Express as intermediary We have SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition, and we're researching migration to SQL Server 2014.  I already know that I need to use 2008 as an intermediate step.  My question is, do we need to purchase a licensed 2008, or will 2008 Express work.  The 2008 edition will only be installed briefly (as long as it takes to restore to it, and then backup from it), so I'm hoping Express is good enough.
You could use Express, but it does not have all features that the full versions do and cannot handle databases larger than 10GB each. Please note the 10 GB restriction applies to the total size of data files only (so, for example, log files do not count toward the limit).

If that does not fit your needs, you could use a trial version of SQL Server 2008 R2 (ISO Image, or VHD) which is good for 180 days. As Aaron has researched, the EULA for the trial does cover this activity. The EULA states,


  
  You may install and use any number of copies of the software on your devices. You may use the software only to demonstrate and internally evaluate it. 
  You may not use the software in a live operating environment unless Microsoft permits you to do so under another agreement.
  


Which does apparently include the use of an evaluation copy as a stepping stone.

Either way, you should  use SQL Server 2008 R2 and not SQL Server 2008.