Cannot Connect to Database MASTER at SQL server at SERVERNAME – SP2010 Configuration Wizard

ISSUE:

When running the Sharepoint 2010 Configuration Wizard on a new SQL server instance, you may get the following error when configuring the Specify Configuration Database Settings page:

 

 

SOLUTION:

The default SQL 2008 R2 ports are not open on the Windows Firewall on the SQL Server. Use the following steps to correct the issue:

1. On the SQL server, open the Windows Firewall Advanced Security Page.

2. Click the INBOUND RULES option on the left pane.

3. In the right pane for Inbound Rules Actions, click New Rule.

4. On the New Inbound Rule Wizard Page, select Port  for the Rule Type, Click Next.

5. Select TCP for the Protocol and type 1433-1434 in the Specific Local Ports text box. Click Next.

6. On the Action page, make sure Allow the connection is selected. Click Next .

7. On the Profile page, make sure Domain, Private and Public are checked. Click Next.

8. On the Name page, provide a descriptive name and click Finish.

Site Templates in SharePoint 2010

Datasheet view in SharePoint 2010 List gives error

The list cannot be displayed in DataSheet view for one or more of the following reasons: …
For some reason the view is still relying on AccessDatabaseEngine which is a 2007 Office System Driver: Data Connectivity Components.
Download and install this component and it will fix the error immediately:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=7554F536-8C28-4598-9B72-EF94E038C891&displaylang=en

Adding a Footer to a v4 SharePoint 2010 Master Page

I wanted to add a footer to bottom of all pages on my sharepoint 2010 site. I wanted a standard copyright line as well as a link to the privacy policy page. After digging around, I came up with this solution. Add a <DIV> to the copy of the original master page (because we all know you should not modify the default page) right above the DIV for the developer dashboard and right below the comment that ends the nav/content area. I have an example below (in red). Hope this helps someone out.

E.

      <!--End Nav|Content Area-->
    <div style="clear: both; text-align: center; padding: 10px; background-color: #FCFCFC; border: 1px solid #DBDDDE;">
     Copyright &copy; 2010 EMS Solutions Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
     <p><asp:HyperLink runat="server" NavigateURL="/Pages/Privacy-Statement.aspx" id="HyperLink1">Privacy Statement</asp:HyperLink></p>
    </div>
 
   <div id="DeveloperDashboard">
     <SharePoint:DeveloperDashboard runat="server"/>
    </div>
   </div>
  </div>
 </div>

Event ID 6610, Error, Source: Microsoft Sharepoint Products SharePoint Foundation

Persistent error that I find in the eventlogs on the Sharepoint 2010 server. Thoughts?

Safe mode did not start successfully. This page has encountered a critical error. Contact your system administrator if this problem persists.
Logging these as I find them for discussion and reference for others.

Event ID 107: SharePoint 2010 Products Configuration Wizard – Thoughts???

Persistent error each time I rebuild and install a SharePoint 2010 Server. Rebuilt this server from scratch 5 times with no progress. Here is my lab configuration:

SQL: SQL 2008 R2 patched per MS SharePoint 2010 requirements

Active Directory 2003

Install account is svcmossadmin and has domain admin rights in AD

SharePoint 2010 Server: Windows 2008 SP2 patched per MS specs

When I run the Configuration Wizard for MOSS 2010, it completes successfully but logs the following message:

Event ID 107, Warning, Source: Sharepoint 2010 Products Configuration Wizard

Unable to create a Service Connection Point in the current Active Directory domain. Verify that the SharePoint container exists in the current domain and that you have rights to write to it.

Microsoft.SharePoint.SPException: The object LDAP://CN=Microsoft SharePoint Products,CN=System,DC=xxxxxxxxxx,DC=com doesn’t exist in the directory.

at Microsoft.SharePoint.Administration.SPServiceConnectionPoint.Ensure(String serviceBindingInformation)

at Microsoft.SharePoint.PostSetupConfiguration.CentralAdministrationSiteTask.ProvisionAdminVs()

From my understanding, an entry for each SharePoint server is logged into this container so that you can control rogue servers from popping up in your environment. But I’m not sure MOSS is supposed to create the container or if I’m supposed to manually create it.

Thoughts anyone?

What are best practices for creating application pools for Service Applications in SharePoint 2010? Which service applications can safely be grouped under the same application pool, if any.

In 2007, I created an application pool for each user web application and another for the SSP. In 2010, the SSP is history and each service application is a web application and potential IIS application pool. Just looking to hear from people who have implemented MOSS2010 (?????) and/or have heard of any best practices yet regarding application pools. I realize this product is brand new but thought I’d ask.

Thanks.

E.
Eric Stepek
President/Principal Consultant
EMS Solutions Group.