NetFx3 Error While Installing SQL Server 2012 SP1 on Windows 8 VM

A while ago I was looking for a VM with SQL 2012 installed on it (and all the other BIDS and pieces :) because I was about to start learning for my MCSE and needed some serious SSAS training. Because I couldn't find one I decided to create one myself from a VM with Windows 8 on it. I did run into some troubles however..

I was going to install all the features of SQL I could possibly need, so also MDS, DQS, IS, RS, etc. After configuring everything the install started, but I rather quickly hit the first bump:

It did continue after that, but only SSDT was successfully installed as you can see.

Apparently, the install couldn't automatically enable the .NET Framework 3.5, so let's do it manually following the next screen shots.

Windows will download the files if an internet connection is present.

But unfortunately.. The install fails once again. No idea why..

Nothing left than downloading and installing it myself from the Download Center.

And finally, it installed successfully!

Now back to the SQLServer install and my study! :)

Rule "Same architecture installation" Failed When Installing 64-bit SSDT for Visual Studio 2012

Just a quick post on an error I encountered when installing SQLServer Data Tools - Business Intelligence (SSDT-BI) for Visual Studio 2012.

The installation wouldn't even start because of a failing rule check:

Rule "Same architecture installation" failed
The CPU architecture of installing feature(s) is different than the instance specified. To continue, add features to this instance with the same architecture.

Make sure you select “New instance” on the installation dialog if you have SQL Server x64 installed. Otherwise, you probably get the error stated above!

Solution to Error Code: 0x8004d00e (BizTalk application installation)

It's been a while since I've written a post due to holidays and busy days..
Well, here's a new post about a problem I ran into when installing / configuring a BizTalk application.

I was installing an application in a DTAP environment and came across the following error message when I tried to start the application (in Acceptation):

xlang/s engine event log entry: NullReferenceException exception occurred while the XLANG/s runtime enlisted a service.Error message:Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

And:

Unable to communicate with MessageBox BizTalkMsgBoxDb on SQL Instance xxx. Error Code: 0x8004d00e. Possible reasons include:  1) The MessageBox is unavailable. 2) The network link from this machine to the MessageBox is down. 3) The DTC Configuration on either this local machine or the machine hosting this MessageBox is incorrect.

After trying several blogs and forums, also with Error Code: 0x8004d00e I didn't find anything useful.

Then I saw two different versions of each dll in the GAC (MSIL and x86).

When I checked my DEV, I noticed the platform was set to "Any CPU", which had to be x86, because the A & P environments are running in 32 bit. After making a new MSI and importing it, I didn't have any issue anymore with starting the application. Another lesson learned!