Category Archives: Microsoft

Visual Studio 2005 Beta 2 + SQL Server 2005 CTP – April Dev

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This weekend I installed Visual Studio 2005 Team Suit Beta 2 and SQL Server 2005 CTP – April 2005 – Developer Edition. I followed these steps to uninstall VS 2005 and SQL Server 2005 before I began installing the updated version. The VS 2005 Beta 2 uninstall went smooth, but the SQL Server Beta 2 uninstall was anything but smooth. SQL Server Beta 2 and components seemed to uninstall correctly, so I proceeded to install the new version of SQL Server 2005. When the new version of Yukon was installed, I noticed that I was missing the tools and DTS (these features were enabled)!

Next, I uninstalled Yukon and then installed the 2.0.40607 version of the .NET Framework. I then installed/uninstalled the first version of SQL Server 2005 Beta 2 that I started with (originally installed in January). The ghost entries were still there after this uninstall…

Finally, I used this tool to see what MSI was reporting to be installed. I then tried to use msiexec /x which seemed to work from the dialogs, but the ghost entries were still hanging around. I finally fired up my good friend, regedit, and removed all entries matching the ghost MSI entries. Once the registry entries were removed, the April CTP install completed successfully and I finally had the tools and DTS.

The installation of Visual Studio 2005 Beta 2 went smooth and I made sure to disable the SQL Server 2005 Express option. Everything it working great now!

New Blog Application

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I finished the basic version of my new blog system this evening with the addition of the comment system. My blog application is not as feature rich as .Text at the moment, but it has been a fun project. Over the next week, I am going to update the Articles and Examples sections with new content.

The weekend is at hand! We watched both of The Incredibles DVDs last weekend. I always enjoy watching the “behind the scenes” and seeing what the guys at Pixar go through making their great movies. Their movies would not be possible without their awesome software developers (their artists and animators are ok too ;) !

MCSD Exams Completed

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I passed the 70-300 and am now a MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer)! What a long journey which took almost a year. When I first began I had never used C# or the .NET Framework (I was proficient with C++ however). I have also been able to use the .NET Framework on production projects at work which has been great experience gaining knowledge about .NET, SQL Server 2000, IIS, and Windows Server 2003. There are no testing centers in city so I have had to travel to take my tests where I could (from MN to south TX). I actually ended up taking all of the exams at different locations. I am excited to have the preparation behind me and now I am ready to focus on further developing my skills and gaining more experience with the .NET Framework.

I saw this sign taped to the back of a truck’s tailgate this weekend:

Parachute For Sale
Used Once
Never Opened
Slight Stain

I will begin blogging more consistently now and also uploading some exciting content to the site in the upcoming weeks!

MCAD Exams Completed

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I passed the 70-320 on November 24th which was the last test needed to become an MCAD. I scored a 952 on the 70-320 and took it after driving 5 hours the night before to San Antonio to visit my parents and staying up until 1am!

Passed:
70-315
70-229
70-320

I am studying to take the 70-316 currently on my way to become an MCSD. I will take the 70-300 as soon as I pass the 316. I am also reading through the Inside C#, Second Edition which I am really enjoying.