[sims] Setting up a test from backup

[itgeek]

Hi I would like to setup a vm to test my sims.net backups. Please could you tell me if I could use the free version on sql and how I would do this please?

 

 

Thansk

[matt40k]

Yes, you can use SQL2008 Express, assuming your SIMS database isn't huge. Pretty much copy your setups directory onto a VM - make sure Windows is installed and fully updated. Then run SIMSInfrastructureSetup.exe then CCSSQLExpressInst and finally SIMSINST. Assuming your setups are up-to-date, that's pretty much it. Then you just backup a copy of your SIMS database etc and restore it onto the vm.

[NorthernSands]

Just running SIMSInst.exe on it's own will install everything that's needed. It calls the other files as and when. This will also install SQL 2008 Express during the process. Incidentally, I've had an 8GB SIMS DB running fine in SQL Express (just for me, though).

 

If you're using a copy of your existing DB, then, as Matt40K says, produce an on the fly backup, then restore it once your new server is set up (i.e. don't attach the DB during the install process, nor set up a new one). If using your DB, I would run SIMS and import the latest reports so that the Doc Storage file structure is set up for you. Then paste in the copy of all your Doc Storage files and overwrite the reports that were just imported.

 

It is often beneficial to use the latest install CD. As Matt40K alluded, SIMSInst can be a few years out of date on some servers.

[woodham]

Has anyone got the download link for the full version of sims.net spring 2011? please I've had a search on support net but cant find it

 

thanks

 

Andy

[vikpaw]

I have it, it's in the release notification that was emailed to me. It's not supposed to be public so best kept to pm, or find it on SupportNet. The release is open to download, but is password protected. Try KB108477

 

Do you need the latest update CD or are you looking for an installable? I recently downloaded the latest installable that will give a blank sims setup, it was the spring 2010. Contact your support team for that link.

 

@itgeek - that installable, might be the easiest bet for you, then you just need to copy over around 12 setup files that upgrade the db from spring 10 up to the present version of your db.

[woodham]

thats the info i was looking thank you,

so i need to do spring 2010(clean install) then summer/autumn2010 then the spring2011 updates, why cant they just repackage each release into installer and upgrade it cant be that hard...

[vikpaw]

You don't have to do it that way, and you don't need the inbetween steps.

 

The reason for clean installer, is that you clear out all old setup files and it's nice and neat, plus it puts in a blank database for you as though you're starting from scratch, though it does give options to attach your own or do more complex stuff. I don't think you get those options in a basic upgrade ISO.

 

To bypass the updates, you just plonk the inbetween setup files into the setups folder and it will run them when you next try to load sims (that's the simsload bit doing its thing). If you don't do this, then you can't restore your backup file and run it, as they'll be on different versions.

 

Once you're up to speed on a test system with your data, on the current release you're on, then you can use the spring update and update your install.

 

At least that's how i did it, and was in comms with a capita tech through the process. You could just do as suggested by the other guys, and rely on your old setups folder, but mine is messy and goes back to 2003!

 

I can mail you a list of files on saturday when i get back to work if you like.

[woodham]

hi Vikpaw

 

that would be very helpful

 

we have the spring update on our live server i just need to get it running on a test/play vm as part of a migration to hyper-v

 

Thanks

 

Andy

[vikpaw]

I've got the list, so i'll put it below, but in actual fact it's is easier the way you described. Then you don't have to worry about copying files and stuff. I was mistaken, just running that inbetween update is the same as copying the files in the list and plonking them there, so you may as well use the update iso for summer/autumn 10 as it's easier.

 

Basically, you just need the upgrades that go between spring 10 and the present version. I think this list is up to November 11, whatever version that was, i missed out a few. The Spring 11 CD takes you up to 3.61.721 to 3.61.722 as the final upgrade file, so your files should go this high if you're already on SIMS.

 

The files at the bottom are just the latest versions of the installers.

 

[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.610 to 3.61.615 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.610 to 3.61.615 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.615 to 3.61.628 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.615 to 3.61.628 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.628 to 3.61.642 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.628 to 3.61.642 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.642 to 3.61.643 upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.642 to 3.61.643 upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.643 to 3.61.664 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.643 to 3.61.664 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.664 to 3.61.665 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.664 to 3.61.665 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.665 to 3.61.668 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.665 to 3.61.668 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.668 to 3.61.669 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.668 to 3.61.669 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.669 to 3.61.670 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.669 to 3.61.670 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.670 to 3.61.698 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.670 to 3.61.698 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.698 to 3.61.700 Upgrade[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]3.61.698 to 3.61.700 Upgrade.zip.signature[/font][/color]

[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]NovaSatelliteSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]NovaSatelliteSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSAMPARKSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSAmparkSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSApplicationSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSApplicationSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSCentralServerSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSCentralServerSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSInfrastructureSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSInfrastructureSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSManualSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSManualSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSSQLApplicationSetup.exe[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSSQLApplicationSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSSQLInfrastructureSetup.exe.signature[/font][/color]
[color=#1f497d][font=Symbol]·         [/font][/color][color=#1f497d][font=Calibri]SIMSSQLInfrastructureSetup.exe[/font][/color]

 

EDIT: Actually, looking at my test install, reverted back to spring 10 clean, has files from 3.61.610 through to 3.61.664, and exploring spring 11 iso, it goes back that far, so you could just run the latest spring direct and it should work. have a play.

Edited April 9, 2011 by vikpaw
additional note

[woodham]

thanks for the list

 

Andy

[vikpaw]

Andy,

I just did another test, and as i thought, you don't actually need the list.

 

Spring Clean () Install 2010 = 7.128

Restored my db .bak file Summer 10 = 7.132 - but can't login in yet as database is incompatible.

Run Spring Update 2011 = 7.138 - All working perfectly, on latest version.

 

No need for any messing around.

[woodham]

that sound even better

 

will give it a try next week when they are all off and i have some time to play arround with it.

[NorthernSands]

I'm having to migrate our DB to a new server this week or next, too. We have some strange problems that aren't the DB (SIMS crashes entering brand new addresses), and the current Setups folder won't accept the Spring 2011 update from SOLUS. I was hoping to use the Spring 2011 install CD, but it hasn't been released yet. Hopefully this week or next!

[vikpaw]

@NorthernSands - spring 11 iso is out, i used it yesterday and most of last week. The link is on Capita SupportNet, KB108477

 

I'm currently having hassles with a new server install. Everything works fine on the standalone test server including FMS. It's not domained or anything.

When i try to connect a client it has issues. The client was a domained machine, but i remapped the S drive and gave it the right password etc. Install of SIMS and FMS is fine, but it just gives the reason 0 ( argh!! ) error.

 

I tried domaining the server, but i think that could cause problems now, as it should have been domained before all installs happened. Either way, still getting the same problem, yet it works on the server itself.

 

Just trying to go through the various troubleshoots ..

[NorthernSands]

@vikpaw That's the update CD, not the install CD (which is what I'm waiting for). Janet A isn't around until tomorrow, so I'll hopefully found out the planned release date. I'll then be able to decide whether to wait, or start from Spring 2010.

 

Regarding your, er, interesting problem, the only thing I can think off is the dns suffix search order; is the Domain's domain name in the list on the server? I've just had so many weird problems caused by that. You could also try ignoring the shared drive and used IP address based UNC paths instead.

[vikpaw]

oh, sorry. I would just go with the Spring 10 and then upgrade, that's what i've done, it works a treat. There's no real benefit to waiting as you'll just have a few less setup files in your setups folder.

 

Is it always Spring that they make installable, so you can have a Spring Clean

 

Will look at dns, it's just stupid and niggly. I've had it loads of times and it's a simple fix usually.

[NorthernSands]

Yeah, I know going from the the 2010 Spring Clean CD (nice one!) will give me the same result, but with all the changes they've made recently (.NET 4, Windows 2K8 R2 / SQL 2K8 R2 support etc) I just like a clean slate.

[vikpaw]

Clean slate is sort of why i'm doing it, though i needed to get my testing in early. Wasn't the need for .Net removed again?

I've half solved my issue, it wasn't DNS, it was firewall. I don't know what i need to allow for it to work. I followed the M$ article on it, with usual sql ports and sqlsvr.exe but still no joy, the only way is if i turn it off, or enable an Allow All programs rule.

Anyone got any ideas for Windows 2008 R2, with SQL 2008 R2....?

[Janit]

Clean slate is sort of why i'm doing it, though i needed to get my testing in early. Wasn't the need for .Net removed again?

I've half solved my issue, it wasn't DNS, it was firewall. I don't know what i need to allow for it to work. I followed the M$ article on it, with usual sql ports and sqlsvr.exe but still no joy, the only way is if i turn it off, or enable an Allow All programs rule.

Anyone got any ideas for Windows 2008 R2, with SQL 2008 R2....?

 

Have you checked the errorlog for SQL to see exactly which port it's using?

[vikpaw]

Have you checked the errorlog for SQL to see exactly which port it's using?

 

Yep, it doesn't work. I've seen that solution before and it didn't work then either. Finally got it sussed, and hope it's all ok, took the system off the domain as part of the troubleshooting but that shouldn't be a big issue.

 

Ended up allowing sqlservr through and also sqlbrowser, it was that latter one i'd forgotten about, because it's not in Program Files it's in %ProgramFiles% (x86)\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Shared\sqlbrowser.exe and i forgot to look there.

 

Both those allowed through as Inbound and all seems okay at the moment apart from a domained client is struggling to see the DocServer but that's a DNS thing as a local virtual client is fine.

 

The browser service manages the fact that it may want connections on any port, so in that respect is easier to manage. There is a way to force client and server to use a fixed port, but i'm just glad it's working now as i need it to go live tomorrow.

 

Just turned off the sqlserv - rule and it still works! Not sure i'd trust it, and haven't got time to test, the M$ article didn't really make it clear.

Edited April 13, 2011 by vikpaw
footnote

[NorthernSands]

Glad you got it working, Vik! I don't think I would have thought about looking at the firewall. Has it changed in R2?

[vikpaw]

Glad you got it working, Vik! I don't think I would have thought about looking at the firewall. Has it changed in R2?

 

Not really, it's just very secure. I knew to look there, it's even in the KB about reason 0 and says to go to M$, just not really knowing all the ins and outs, i didn't think about the (x86) folder. Why would SQL 2008 R2 need to put a core (my view) service there, backwards compatibility i guess. I dont know, but the M$ article was not clear.

 

I'm playing around abit at the mo' as the combo of rules affects speed at least that's what i think. I'm convinced there are multiple ways to access the server and if one fails it tries a different method, as having all rules disabled makes for quick access. At least it's something that can be tweaked later. Just need the accountant to go and test FMS for me.

 

Then go live bukra insha'allah

[vikpaw]

Would you believe without the sqlservr.exe in the rules, and just browser, the login takes 32 secs, then down to 27 secs on a virtual XP box.

With the sqlserv.exe exception in the rules, it only takes 7 secs!

So far tested on a vm XP client and a Win7 physical client with similar results.

What i have found now is that the docstorage isn't visible to the win7 client. the only difference is that it's on a different vlan, but it never had a problem when it was connected to the live sims server.

[vikpaw]

DOH! stupid stupid.

So in the firewall rules that were created for the docserver by default, there is a little area called scope where the remote clients were set to local subnet only, so nothing outside my VLAN could connect. ARGH!

[vikpaw]

The installable 2011 is in KB 110102 I thought i had posted it elsewhere but couldn't find it, so just in case others come here looking...

and KB 111219 will upgrade that to Summer 11.