I have been trying to run SQL Server 2005 Reporting Service on Windows Longhorn but haven’t got enough luck previously. Today I finally got it right and here are the details I’d like to share with you.
1. The Proper Environment
You need to have SQL 2005 Service Pack 2 CTP1 and Windows Longhorn Server RC1 (Build 5600) to get them work together.
I don’t know if builds prior to this works together (for installing SQL Reporting Service on Vista or Longhorn) as I have been failing so many times. Do let me know if you have successful stories.
2. Installing IIS 7
The very first thing you need to do is to ensure IIS7 is installed and configured properly on the Longhorn server. By default, the IIS7 is not installed and configured.
Installed IIS 7 in Longhorn
Start -> Server Manager. Select Manage Roles in the left panel manu then go with Add Roles. Select Web Server (IIS) and install.
I have the IIS run a complete install for the roles. Alternatively, you can try Ketaanh Shah’s comment for the minimum installation of IIS:
Common HTTP Features
Static Content Default Document HTTP Redirection Directory Browsing
Application Development
ASP.Net ISAPI Extension ISAPI Filters
Security
Windows Authentication
Management Tools
IIS Metabase IIS 6 WMI
Note: Please reboot the Longhorn server after you completed the IIS 7 installation. (I know! The Longhorn supposes to eliminate the reboots but…..maybe in next RCsJ).
3. Installing SQL Server 2005 with Reporting Service
If during the installation, Reporting Service checkbox is not enabled for you to install, check your IIS settings and installation.
4. Installing Service Pack 2 CTP1
After the installation of SQL, Reporting Service and SP2, you should use Management Studio to connect to the database as well as the Reporting Service. If you cannot connect due to error “In sufficient permission”, do the following:
Go to Start à All Programs à Microsoft SQL Server 2005 à SQL Server Management Studio. Right click your mouse and select “Run as Administrator”.
You should be able connect to the Database and Reporting Service. Add yourself and the service account to have sufficient rights for Database as well as the Reporting Service home folders.
5. Configure Reporting Service
Configure your Reporting Service using the Reporting Service Configuration Tool under here:
Go to Start à All Programs à Microsoft SQL Server 2005 à Configuration Tools à Reporting Services Configuration
You might find some errors with trying to configure the Reporting Service. Here is what I have encountered:
Report Server Database is an Invalid Version – You will get an error on Event logs for this. And the message is
The version of the report server database is either in a format that is not valid, or it cannot be read. The found version is 'C.0.8.40'. The expected version is 'C.0.8.43'. To continue, update the version of the report server database and verify access rights. (rsInvalidReportServerDatabase)
What you should do is to use the Reporting Configuration Tool, go to the Database Setup listed on the left navigation pane and then click the Upgrade button.
The reason for this error that that in SQL Server Service Pack, the report database schema is changed.
6. Browsing the Report Manager Web Folder
If you are successful, an empty folder should appear under the home page with “Home” when you try to access the Report Manager. Deploy your data sources and reports to start using Report Service!
If you see nothing in the Report Server after you deploy the reports, “run as administrator” with your IE!.