Many times you don’t create message schema from scratch. Instead you try to generate schema using some existing DTD, XDR or even sample XML file. Recently, I was trying to generate schema using XDR and sample XML file and ran into small irritating problems. This encouraged me to share solution for them with you.

I right clicked on project to select “Add Generated Item” menu. Then I selected “Generate Schema” option on next screen and start using it. First message I got that I need to run “InstallWFX.vbs” script file (located in InstallDir:\Program Files\Microsoft BizTalk Server 2006\sdk\Utilities\Schema Generator” folder) to install necessary prerequisite to use this tool. This was informative message and I did the same. Just for information, you need to run “InstallDTD.vbs” script file to install necessary prerequisite to generate schema using DTD file.

After running “installWFX.vbs” script, I was expecting smooth sailing but I was bugged with an error message. Something like - “Could not find file or assembly Microsoft.BizTalk.TOM … “. It was little weird to see this error because this dll was already present in machine.

I looked for similar error on net and even in BizTalk documentation but could not find one. I was making hit and try. And finally; following steps made schema generation tool run –

·         I searched for “Microsoft.BizTalk.TOM .dll” assembly on machine.

·         Used “gacutil” to register this assembly in GAC

·         Finally executed “InstallWFX.vbs” script again.

Sometime small issues create big hurdle in development and especially when you don’t find remedy for them anywhere. Hope you find this useful.