SQL Server 2008 November CTP (CTP5) has a known issue that any query execution hangs indefinitely. Fortunately, there is a quick and simple workaround to fix the issue.

Cause & Problem:

  • User changes the default setup directory to a custom one during the initial setup.
  • Query Editor hangs indefinitely when user execute any query, even a simple query such as SELECT 1.

Workaround Solution: 

In November CTP, there is a setup issue in SQL Compact Edition (SQLCE) that incorrectly handles the setup directory change. As a result, it affects query executions in QE.

  • To avoid this issue at all, do not change the default setup directory during setup.
  • To fix already installed product, go through following workaround steps.
Step 1. Go to Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel. (Programs and Features on Windows Vista).
Step 2. Uninstall "Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 Beta Management tools ENU".
Step 3. Go to the path from where one has installed SQL Server such as downloaded setup files or DVD.
Step 4. Therein go to <install path>\servers\setup and install sscesqlwbtools package.
Step 5. Complete Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1 Beta Management Tools ENU setup steps.

These steps will reinstall SQLCE dll components to a correct directory as expected, hence it fixes the QE issue.

Eric Kang
Program Manager
SQL Server Manageability