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

[Captain_Amateur]

I am trying to migrate SIMS from a 2003 server to a 2008 server.

 

I have copied all the files to the new server. I am now trying to install SQL so I can re-attach the database.

 

When I run simsinst.exe, everything seems to go ok. The SQL part completes with no errors. However, I then get the error "SIMS Installer couldn't detect a valid SQL instance. Please re-run SIMSInst.exe to setup your SIMS SQL Server."

 

There does appear to be a "SQL Server (SIMS2008)" service, which suggests that the SQL install worked ok.

 

Any ideas?

[matt40k]

What version is your SIMSINST?

[Captain_Amateur]

The version under file properties is 1.570.2.0. The date modified is 11/06/2008 at 10:52.

[Jamo]

Check Firewall, and also SQL by default installs without support for TCP turned on. SQL Config Manager needs to be used to turn it on.

 

(This is a default SQL install anyhow, I have never done it straight from SIMS so sorry if it is different!!)

[lollettuk]

Can SQL management Studio connect to the instance?

Did you install SQL in mixed mode authentication?

Can SQL Mgnt studio login as SA?

 

As Jamo said:

In SQL Server Configuration Manager:

Have you enabled Names Pipes and TCP/IP?

[Captain_Amateur]

Thanks to Jamo and lollettuk for their replies.

 

The firewall is off.

 

According to SQL Server Configuration Manager, both TCP and Named Pipes are enabled. I didn't do that - the settings were there already.

 

SQL Management Studio can connect to the instance. It is installed in "SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode".

 

Any other suggestions?

[lollettuk]

In SQL Server Configuration Manager:

Is TCP/IP/IP Addresses/IPALL set to 1433?

[matt40k]

The version under file properties is 1.570.2.0. The date modified is 11/06/2008 at 10:52.

 

You've got an old SIMSINST, you either need to ask for a updated version, or not use your out-of-date simsinst and do it manually - manually install simssqlapps, use dbattach to attach\restore the database. Problem you've got is Capita's just released the a new installable CD complete with a simsinst, but it'll install SQL 2008 R2, so if you use that, you're back to square one (install wise).

[Captain_Amateur]

lollettuk:

In SQL Server Configuration Manager, the IPAll (dynamic ports) is 44033, and the TCP port is blank.

 

Should I change either of these to 1433?

 

Matt40k:

I have contacted Capita - they said they would call back but that was several hours ago. I'll try modifying ports if lollettuk thinks it will fix it. If not, I'll try the manual approach...

[lollettuk]

SQL default port is 1433... Not "TCP Dynamic ports" setting, but the one below "TCP Port"

 

But Matts answer is correct your SIMSINST is out of date, so running SIMSSQLApplicationSetup.exe manually should do the trick

[Captain_Amateur]

In the end, I fixed this using matt40k's advice.

 

I manually installed SIMSSQLApplicationSetup.exe (pointing to the SQL instance that was already installed). I then used DbAttach.exe to attach the database.

 

Thanks for all your help guys.