Thursday, January 29, 2009

Unable to create SQL ENDPOINT

Problem I'm doing a SQL Server CREATE ENDPOINT lab.  I have stopped the IIS Admin service, as recommended in the documentation.  I am connected to SQL Server as a Local Admin user (with full SA rights).  But still the CREATE ENDPOINT statement was failing:

CREATE ENDPOINT GetEngineeringList
STATE = STARTED
AS HTTP (
SITE = 'localhost' ,
  PATH = '/sql/employees' ,
AUTHENTICATION=(INTEGRATED),
PORTS=(CLEAR)
)
FOR SOAP (
WEBMETHOD 'GetEngineeringEmployees'
(
  name = 'AdventureWorks.dbo.GetEngineeringEmployees' ,
  schema =STANDARD
),
WSDL= DEFAULT ,
  DATABASE = 'AdventureWorks' ,
BATCHES=ENABLED
)
Explanation Contrary to logic, the CREATE ENDPOINT statement does not run with the rights of the issuing user.  It runs with the rights of the SQL Server service account.  That account doesn't have rights to the PATH I specified.
Solution Reserve the PATH using this command:

EXECUTE sp_reserve_http_namespace N 'http://localhost:80/sql/employees'

Friday, January 23, 2009

Proxy Authentication Required

Problem I'm coding up a Live Mesh sample.  I'm using Visual Studio to attempt to create a programmatic link to the Mesh.  I run it.  It was failing.
Explanation (407) Proxy Authentication Required.

So, my app was attempting to authenticate to the Windows Live Passport service, but the Telecom Web Proxy wasn't allowing my credentials through.  I needed a way of tunneling through the Telecom Web Proxy.
Solution // Set the system proxy with valid server address or IP and port
System.Net.WebProxy pry = new System.Net.WebProxy("akisa-ary1.telecom.tcnz.net", 8080);
// The DefaultCredentials automatically get username and password
pry.Credentials = CredentialCache.DefaultCredentials;

// Deprecated: GlobalProxySelection.Select = pry;

WebRequest.DefaultWebProxy = pry;

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

MCP Perks

On Sunday 23 November 2008, Sarah Grant from Microsoft ran a survey of the MCP programme, asking our opinions of the MCP benefits.  Here was my original post:

An MCP Exam voucher would be an incentive of interest to me.  I already get TechNet via work, never bother with eLearning (much prefer instructor-led or Training Kits) and can’t read e-books (prefer paper).

I try to do 2-3 exams per year.  I don’t always succeed.

Today (20 January 2009) I got this response from Sarah!

Hi James

Very happy to meet you too!  Thank you so kindly for your time to reply to my questions on the Born to Learn Blog.  I appreciate that you time and thoughts on this topic –especially the insight of what your business provides for you.

As a little gift – to continue your certifications (!)-  please accept a free exam voucher for any MCP exam (including Microsoft Dynamics) at a Prometric Testing Center near you. 

Maybe .Net 3.5 is calling you?

I’m a PC  and best wishes on your next exam

Sarah Grant


Very cool.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Exam 70-441

Exam Number 070-441
Title Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Date Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Candidate ID DT1645310
Passing Score 700
Your Score 850
Result Pass


Sectional Results

  1. Designing Database Testing and Code Management Procedures, 86%
  2. Designing an Application Solution for SQL Server 2005, 87%
  3. Designing Database Objects, 85%
  4. Designing a Database, 84%
  5. Developing Applications That Use SQL Server Support Services, 84%
MCITP Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-441): Designing Database Solutions by Using Microsoft  SQL Server(TM) 2005 (Self-Paced Training Kits)