SIMS Installer couldn't detect a valid SQL instance [Solved]

Hi, our school's just bought a new admin server and my plan was to run SIMSInst.exe to set it up as a new server, then copy the database across from the old server - (most posts in this forum support this). However, when setting up SIMS on the new server I get the following message after it runs SQL Express 2008 Setup: SIMS Installer couldn't detect a valid SQL Instance. Please re-run SIMSInst.exe to set up your SIMS SQL server.

I've tried running SIMSInst again and now have 3 SQL instances set up but still get this message!! Any ideas? I'm using Server 2008 R2, which Capita (supposedly) supports.

Are you filling in the config page, link found on first page during install?

Have you enabled TCP\IP in Sql Server Configuration Manager > SQL Server Network Configuration > Protocols

Quote:

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Originally Posted by harryeds

I'm using Server 2008 R2,

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Do they now?

Don't you create the instance you want to install on first yourself? It has to be a named instance, not a default / unnamed one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by matt40k

Have you enabled TCP\IP in Sql Server Configuration Manager > SQL Server Network Configuration > Protocols



Do they now?

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Autumn 2010 wasn't it? Or did i read it wrong and it's Spring, along with all the other cool and funky stuff.

EDIT: Yep, Autumn 2010 sees the commencement of support for windows 7 64 bit and windows server 2008 R2 64 bit (from roadmap 2010 #16472)

EDIT2: We are talking about Windows server not SQL server aren't we??

Thanks for your replies - Edutech I definately haven't seen a link to a config page but have filled in all pages during installation. Matt, TCP/IP is already enabled and Vikpaw, yes I was talking about Windows Server. Any other ideas?

Is the firewall open for port 1433 (SQL) sometimes windows can get in its own way.

2 Options: You need to ensure you have the most up-to-date SIMSinst.exe which will see SQL installations (there have been problems in the past)

You could opt to install as workstation and Doc Server. The manually run SIMSSeverApplicationSetup.exe to install necessary tools. Finally, using SQL SMS you can attached the database. Ensure sims.ini and connect.ini files are point to the correct database name. The part in the SIMSinst install for the server only does all mentioned above automatically for you.

Good luck

Is the system all up to date and patched, including all pre-requisites. I remember having to jump some hoops before getting the full SQL 2008 to install.
Perhaps you could restart and try installing your own SQL, Express or Full, and then trying SIMSinst after.

Thanks, I'll try all of that and let you guys know!!

I know for the full version you need sql 2008 sp1 for it to work correctly on 2k8 r2 - possibly this could be needed for express? just a thought

I've installed/moved SIMS a lot recently. I'm pretty sure Matt40k's answer is right. Can you check that the SIMS related instance of SQL has TCP/IP enabled?

If not then I apologise.

No, TCP/IP is definitely enabled; I didn't need to enable it either, it had been done for me, presumably by the installer. Thanks to GREED for his response, which solved the problem and clarified things for me and thanks to all the rest of you too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by harryeds

No, TCP/IP is definitely enabled; I didn't need to enable it either, it had been done for me, presumably by the installer. Thanks to GREED for his response, which solved the problem and clarified things for me and thanks to all the rest of you too.

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No problems at all, do come back if we can help out any more! :)