SOLVED: Sql Server 2008 log shipping on servers not in same domain

Lately I suffered some headache trying to set up log shipping on a couple of Sql Server 2008 machines.

In my farm, the “second” server arrived when the first was already running, responding to a high traffic website. And the two servers are not in the same domain – actually they are not in any domain.

I won’t enter in detail on how to set up log shipping, follow the wizard, it’s quite easy (to reach the wizard: right click on a db, choose Tasks, then “Ship transaction logs”).

When you set up log shipping, and the servers are in the same domain, you have little problems: you need to create a couple of file share on the two servers, and give read permissions to accounts running the Sql Server Agent service “on the other” server. But that is quite easy, follow instructions and it’s done.

A different story is when the shipping server don’t know anything of the “shipped” one. I tried different configuration, but I always end in “Access denied” errors.

At last I found this answer on Serverfalult.com, and that was the path to follow. The answer is about Sql 2005, but the same works on sql 2008.

In brief, here’s what I did:
- created an account on the two servers, with exactly the SAME NAME and the SAME PASSWORD, and put the user in Administrators group
- changed identity (“log on” tab) of both Sql Server Agent AND Sql Server services (only Agent did not suffice) on both servers
- gave read permission on the share used in the log shipping configuration

Done all that, when I ran the log shipping job they started working immediately.

Now I’m not a windows authentication guru, but all this looks a little crazy to me… but hey, who cares! Now log shipping works… :-)

Speeed Reader, Google Reader client for WinMobile

A couple months ago I found Speeed Reader, a Windows Mobile client to access Google Reader accounts. Yes it’s Speeed, with three “e” in it.

I wasn’t using my Google Reader account anymore exactly for the reason that it was difficult to access it from my WinMo phone, so when I read of this software I decided immediately to try it.

And let me say that Speeed Reader is exactly what I needed… and probably what you need if you have a Google Reader account. And use Windows Mobile.

The interface is simple: after logging in (you can ask Speeed Reader to login automatically when launched) the application loads all the feeds grouped by “tag” (as you categorized them in Google Reader) and shows an indicator reporting the number of unread items in each tag / category.

You can browse the tags, and see all the feeds in it, open a feed and read the posts.

There are (and I find this particularly useful) some tools to share the posts through twitter / email / sms. And you can set refresh intervals, if you want.

The reading is very good, Speeed Reader does a pretty good job in rendering tags and downloading images. There is the possibility to tell the application to cache a fixed number of article, and read them in “offline” mode".

Did I tell you that it’s also very fast? Right now this is one of the most used apps in my device.

You can download a trial version of Speeed Reader 1.11 from this url: http://emuneee.com/2010/01/speeed-reader-v1-11/ then if you like it you can reach it in Handango for $1.99, exactly here: http://www.handango.com/catalog/ProductDetails.jsp?storeId=2218&deviceId=1925&platformId=30&productId=264566

I think that for $1.99 this is a must-have.

Now some screenshots. First the tags list:

Then some articles from LifeHacker.com:

This is one article from the Speeed Reader blog:

Some menu entries:

Another “skin” applied (the list is from Seth Godin’s blog):

The sharing options available:

Happy reading with Speeed Reader! :-)

Andrea

Speeed Reader – a Google Reader WinMo client

Hi, just a quick note to tell you something about Speeed Reader, a very good Google Reader client for Windows Mobile. It will read your subscriptions and will sync your read/unread topics. Sharing topics through mail or twitter is easy and fast.

Please visit the site and try it, it’s great. You can follow Speeed Reader also here on twitter: http://twitter.com/SpeeedReader

Dev site: http://emuneee.wordpress.com/eeenno/speeed-reader/

hope this helps

a.

Sql server getdate() – set to midnight

a very short note on a particular use of getdate() to obtain the today’s date with hours minutes and seconds set to midnight (00:00:00):

select dateadd(day, datediff(day, 0, getdate()), 0)

Facebook – wall post with Facebook Developer Toolkit, stream.publish

Just a c# sample that I find useful to have here – so that everybody around me can find it whenever needed :-)

public void Post(facebook.API fbAPI, string appLink)
{
    string response = fbAPI.stream.publish(
        " decided to go nuts.",
        new attachment()
        {
            name = "my application rocks",
            href = appLink,
            caption = "{*actor*}decided to go nuts.",
            description = "One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. http://indialimaalpha.blogspot.com/",
            properties = new attachment_property()
            {
                category = new attachment_category() { text = "Take another action...", href = appLink }
            },
            media = new List<attachment_media>() {
                new attachment_media_image() { src = WebConfigurationManager.AppSettings["AbsolutePath"] + "images/go_joseki.jpg", href = appLink }
            }
        },
        new List<action_link>() {
            new action_link() { text = "Take Action!", href = appLink }
        },
        null,
        0);
}

Sql Server Restore

 

Some statements I found useful to recover a database backup applying some transaction logs (had to step into this due to a wrong delete operation on a production database – no, it wasn’t me…).

RESTORE DATABASE [TheDatabase]
FROM DISK = 'D:\foldername\bak\FULL_20091102_024436.bak'
WITH
MOVE 'TheDatabase_Data' TO 'D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data\TheDatabase_Data.mdf',
MOVE 'TheDatabase_log' TO 'D:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL\Data\TheDatabase_Log.ldf',
NORECOVERY

RESTORE LOG [TheDatabase] FROM DISK = 'D:\foldername\bak\20091102_060214.bak' WITH NORECOVERY

RESTORE LOG [TheDatabase] FROM DISK = 'D:\foldername\bak\20091103_180221.bak' WITH NORECOVERY

[…]

RESTORE LOG [TheDatabase] FROM DISK = 'D:\foldername\bak\20091105_000219.bak' WITH NORECOVERY

RESTORE LOG [TheDatabase] FROM DISK = 'D:\foldername\bak\20091105_060204.bak' WITH RECOVERY

Some comments: the NORECOVERY option used in all the statement but one causes Sql Server to leave the db in a non operational state; this is needed because we will apply other restore statements. In the last one I use the RECOVERY option, in order to put the database in operational state.

Obviously this is only a little part of the big big world of database maintenance: just to say, give a look at the RESTORE command syntax… http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186858.aspx

Bye!

Azure Sql Services – let’s try!

I decided to ask for a test account in the preview phase of Azure sql services, and today I’m trying to connect to it.

The signup process is quite easy and simple; once logged, I reach the web administration console for my databases.

I created my first db, 1gb maximum size. Now I want to connect to it using SSMS (Sql Server Management Studio) from my laptop. In the console there is a useful link to ready made “connection strings”, I use them to fill the SSMS connection dialog – but hey! I cannot connect…

After some clicking around I notice that I can setup the “firewall rules” in order to gain access from my IP. Let’s try.

The connection error actually states that I cannot connect from 78.14.234.1, so I fill the form to setup a “grant access” rule, as in the screenshot below:

Now I can connect successfully! And I can launch a New Query against my db, and run some (useless, I know) statements like:

The statements are quite silly, just to prove that I can do DDL.

Now I see that I cannot use the SSMS native “Object Explorer”, and looks like it’s impossible.

Looks like there are some alternative tool in this field, with some limitation (it’s a brave new world…); for example http://hanssens.org/tools/sqlazuremanager/ – Sql Azure Manager; is a tool developed to connect to Azure. It’s a ClickOnce setup, around 3.76 Mb in size. Once downloaded and installed, it prompts for your database connection parameter and you’re in.

There is also a web-based tool, Omega.MSSQL, at https://onlinedemo.cerebrata.com/SQLAzureClient/default.aspx. I cannot connect through this, but I found good opinions on it, so maybe it’s a problem on my side.

Another tool: “Gem Query Tool for Sql Azure”, here: http://microguru.com/gem/ – it’s very simple and lacks a lot of features… but again, I think that all these tools are too young to tell.

So far so good. I’ll keep you informed on this subject as I understand better. Bye!

Windows Mobile Device Cannot Connect (or Quickly Disconnect or Drop) and Not Sync with Vista WMDC (ActiveSync)

Sometimes my Wondows Mobile phone stops syncing with the laptop, and I always go nut trying to discover the reason of this behavior.

Today while searching on Bing I found a page that shows  the solution in a very clear way, and here is the link to that:

Windows Mobile device cannot connect or quickly disconnect

Happy syncing!

.net, accessing web services test form

I know, this is a trivial thing for you all… but I still have problems in remembering, so I’ll note here this little snippet.

To enable the web service test form (that you can access only if call the web service in localhost) you will have to add to your web config these lines:

    <system.web>
    <webServices>
        <protocols>
            <add name="HttpGet"/>
            <add name="HttpPost"/>
        </protocols>
    </webServices>
    </system.web>

Windows 7 new shortcuts, very useful

New and absolutely useful shortcuts on Win7, thanks Claudio for showing me.

- WinKey + direction keys: moves around the top window (the one that has focus). If you press WinKey + up arrow, the window will bw maximized. Guess what the WinKey + down arrow dows?

- WinKey + shift + left or right keys: moves the current window on the corresponding screen if using more than one (why, are you still developing on a single monitor setup?)

- In Explorer windows, try Shift + Ctrl + n. Ok, I waited for this almost ten years…

Bye!

ila

Project Euler and Algorithmatic

I registered on Project Euler and Algorithmatic.com, and found this synergy: I uploaded my solution to http://projecteuler.net/ first problem on algorithmatic.com here: http://www.algorithmatic.com/algorithm/31/version-1/project-euler-1/

NoniGPSPlot – a great (freeware) GPS tracking tool

I don’t know why I missed this one until now – but NoniGPSPlot is a very good GPS tool, one that I will absolutely want on every windows mobile device I’ll have in my hands.

It’s a sort of GPS swiss knife, the number of possibile uses is endless. It will track your path on the display, showing… well, everything about your movements: speed, altitude, length, direction, start and end time… yesterday I discovered that in my way home I had to stop (traffic lights and so on) for 8 minutes on 35 total. And that my work place is higher than my house, and a lot of other things.

I don’t know if my enthusiasm is a geek one :-) but this tool is great. For sure I’ll donate some money to the developer for this.

Please read all about the features here and see some screenshots here!

NoniGPSPlot, windows mobile, freeware.

Ciao!

Google Wave – I’m in the dev sandbox

Yes, I’m in: still have to understand well how to move around… anyway if you’re in and want to “wave” at me I have two accounts: ila@wavesandbox.com and indialimaalpha@wavesandbox.com

See you there, Ciao!

Some good Windows Mobile free software

Recently I downloaded and installed some very good software on m win mobile phone. Just want to make a short list and give you some links, maybe you’re interested.

Iris browser: go here and download this web browser, Iris - http://irisbrowser.com/ – I’m using it and I’m very happy with it. Also Skyfire is very good, but on my device Iris is faster. I really like the three switchable views “desktop / column / mobile”. In Mobile mode gmail is rendered like you are on iPhone. This simply means that some fancy javascript features just work :-)

Pocket Sudoku: http://klargodut.com/sudoku/ this sudoku player / generator / solver is great.

YomoMedia RSS reader: http://www.yomomedia.com/reader.php Yomomedia is a combination between a desktop, web based rss aggregator and a windows mobile client. Both apps can modify settings, add channels, and so on, and the other client will adapt. This hybrid solution (even if I do not like so much the fact that someone has my rss choices on his server) gives a better and faster experience. Free. Very good. http://twitter.com/yomomedia

amAze gps: more than 2 years ago a free gps navigation software caught my attention; then, given the fact that they had no windows mobile versions of their software I almost forgot of it, but some days ago I went back to http://www.amazegps.com/ and discovered that now the WinMo version is available… and it works perfectly, at least on my Asus P552w. A free GPS navigation software, works both with internal and external GPS. http://twitter.com/amAzeGPS

Windows 7 and Cisco

Yesterday i installed Windows 7 on my work laptop, and one of the first software I tried to run is the Cisco VPN Client.

The release of the Cisco client I used before (5.0.00.0340) wasn’t working anymore. It did not even start correctly. I searched on the web and found that you can make it work applying some workarounds (see here for example); anyway I had the chance to install a newer version, 5.0.05.0290, and with this I can connect correctly to my work network.

Telnet on Windows 7

I noticed that telnet is not enabled by default in my Win7 laptop. Do not know if this is something that happens by default on alla the Win7 setups, anyway you can re-enable it doing so:

• Open Control Panel
• Go to Programs
• Click on “Turn Windows features on or off”
• Scroll down, you’ll find the “Telnet Client” unchecked. Check it, confirm, you’re done.

Windows 7

As Microsoft released the RTM for Windows 7, on MSDN (http://msdn.microsoft.com/) I decided to go along the upgrade path for my Windows Vista Ultimate laptop.

First of all, I had to download the dvd iso to my pc. And even if it’s middle august I thought that I had to show some patience… but to my surprise (and I think thank to Akamai) I could download and burn the 2.4GB image in less than 2 hours. Better than torrents :-)

Now, let’s start the in-place upgrade. It’s 8:45 in the morning. Setup starts.

First, some compatibility checks, and I have to uninstall Avira, Setup states that’s not compatible… ok, I’ll find a solution after. Uninstall Avira, reboot, restart setup.

From now on, I have nothing to do on the setup: it will restart the computer three or four times, but it will need no user input.I have the first automated  reboot after about one hour. Then I forget the pc, until the last reboot at… 16:30!!!

Incredible: 2 hours to download, almost eighth to install!!!

Now I have Win7 running, it kept all of my previous desktop setup, comprising Fences that  use to unclutter my desktop icons, and all the startup utilities like Clipx or others.

I still need time to get used to the new interface – mainly on the taskbar settings. I’ll tell you more in a few days, probably.

In the end I have to say that everything went fine, it only took more time than I expected.

Ciao!

This post speaks of a plugin that will link to this post through Twitter

I’m using Windows Live Writer to write these posts, and today I added a new plugin that will permit to tweet a link to this post on Twitter.

The plugin is here on the Windows Live Gallery, and the use is really simple. You can modify the "publishing template mask” in the WLW Options menu, and when you publish the post the plugin fires a new Tweet, with the post’s url shortened on TinyUrl.

Very useful!

This post is boring.

The web is an exciting place, isn’t it?

Well, sometimes not so much.

I encountered only a couple days ago the “Dullest Blog in the World”, at dullestblog.com – and found it addictive in a strange, unexpected way.

The boring aspect of this is that the blog is not even updated, and this is perfectly “in style” with the blog.

An article on this Dullest Blog appeared some weeks ago on MSNBC here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27792365/?pg=1#Tech_PCWorld_11LamestBlogs 

A site that around here had a huge success, and that is “useless” more than “boring”, is http://www.zombo.com “you can do anything on zombo com” is the site’s claim.

And now I found also a Twitter account that looks promising, http://twitter.com/dullestweet – more or less in the same mood of the mentioned blog.

Any other recommendations for “boring” sites?

A Mobile Wikipedia

I missed completely this, but Wikipedia officially launched a mobile version, at http://mobile.wikipedia.org/

For me this is a great news, as the “standard” Wikipedia interface is difficult to handle on a mobile device, even with a good browser as SkyFire is (non-us residents read this). And I often look for info on Wikipedia, both english an italian versions, on my mobile device.

Tried it, and it’s good: fast and well-organized, all internal links point to “mobilized” versions of the pages, I like this.