Report Builder 3.0 error : Connection Failed. Unable to connect to the server that is specified in the URL

Report Builder 3.0 error

"Connection failed.
Unable to connect to the server that is specified in the URL,'http://servername/Reports_SQLEXPRESS2008'.
Make sure the server is running, the URL is correct, and you have permission to use the server."

I saw other suggestions for fixing this error such as:

a) to make sure that the SQL Server Version is SQL Server 2008 R2 as Report Builder 3.0 does not support SQL Server 2008 or below.
or
b) to make sure you're not missing off the trailing slash in the URL, i.e. http://server/ReportingServices instead of http://server/ReportingServices/
or
c) even with SQL Server 2008 R2 - Report Builder 3.0 can't connect when supplied with the correct URL, even though you can successfully deploy from BIDS to the same URL.
etc.,

However, I found the cause can also be as simple as using the Report Manager URL, instead of the Web Service URL, in Report Builder's "Connect to Report Server" dialog box:

So, go into the Reporting Services Configuration Manager and make sure the URL you are typing into Report Builder is from the 'Report Server Web Service URLs' panel (see highlighted below):





and NOT from the Report Manager Site Identification URLs, as below:



Notice that TCP Port 80 is the default port and you will still be able to connect even if you leave out the default port number (:80) from the URL in Report Builder.

HResult 0x2, Level 16, State 1 Named Pipes Provider: Could not open a connection to SQL Server [2]. ...Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 : Login timeout expired.

With three SQL Server (Express) instances running, typing SQLCMD at a command line caused error:

HResult 0x2, Level 16, State 1
Named Pipes Provider: Could not open a connection to SQL Server [2].
Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 : A network-related or in
stance-specific error has occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server.
Server is not found or not accessible. Check if instance name is correct and if
SQL Server is configured to allow remote connections. For more information see
 SQL Server Books Online..
Sqlcmd: Error: Microsoft SQL Server Native Client 10.0 : Login timeout expired.

Some online sources I checked for a solution suggested making sure that in addition to the 'Shared Memory' protocol, that 'Named Pipes' and 'TCP/IP' protocols were also enabled (via SQL Server Configuration Manager).

However none of those steps resolved the issue. It seems the error can also be the result (if you have multiple Sql Server instances running) of not specifying a particular Sql Server instance-name in the SQLCMD command line, eg:

C:\>SQLCMD

instead, this should be:

C:\>SQLCMD -S ServerName\InstanceName

Where ServerName and InstanceName are strings pointing to a) name of the server - aka 'Computer Name' - hosting your database and
b) the service name of a running instance of Sql Server, respectively.

For example the default instance-name for a free SQL Server Express installation is SQLEXPRESS, whereas for a licensed copy this is usually MSSQLSERVER.

Effective Clustered Indexes

Clustered indexes are the cornerstone of good database design. A poorly-chosen clustered index doesn't just lead to high execution times; it has a 'waterfall effect' on the entire system, causing wasted disk space, poor IO, heavy fragmentation, and more.

As a guideline, clustered Indexes should be Narrow, Unique, Static and Ever Increasing (NUSE).  Michelle Ufford Explains why...

www.simple-talk.com/sql/learn-sql-server


A clustered index determines the physical order of data in a table. A clustered index is analogous to a telephone directory, which arranges data by last name. Because the clustered index dictates the physical storage order of the data in the table, a table can contain only one clustered index. However, the index can comprise multiple columns (a composite index), like the way a telephone directory is organized by last name and first name....

A nonclustered index is analogous to an index in a textbook. The data is stored in one place, the index in another, with pointers to the storage location of the data. The items in the index are stored in the order of the index key values, but the information in the table is stored in a different order (which can be dictated by a clustered index). If no clustered index is created on the table, the rows are not guaranteed to be in any particular order....

What are the ten most common questions asked at interviews?

1. Why do you want this job?

One of the most predictable questions and very important! You need to demonstrate that you have researched the employer and tie your knowledge of them into the skills and interests that led you to apply. For example, an interviewee with a small public relations agency might say:

"I'm always ready to take on responsibility and feel this will come more quickly with a firm of this size. A small firm also gives the chance to build closer working relationships with clients and colleagues and I've found through my past work experience that this makes an organisation more effective as well as more satisfying to work in."

Try to find some specific feature on which the employer prides themselves: their training, their client base, their individuality, their public image, etc. This may not always be possible with very small organisations but you may be able to pick up something of this nature from the interviewer.

More...

Free Networking Tutorials, System Administration Tutorials and Security Tutorials

Getting certified in major IT products is the smartest move one can make. Certification can also boost confidence level. When you achieve the level of certification you desire, employers will recognize and reward your accomplishment. Certified IT professionals earn more when compared with a non-certified counterpart. In fact, many employers require certification for specific job roles. Even if you already have the job skills and experience required in order to perform your job successfully, certification will enhance your marketability.

Free Networking Tutorials - Basic Networking

In windows 7 - searching for all files containing "A word or phrase in the file"

Here are all the steps you might need to follow to actually search file contents:

1. Make sure that Windows 7 is actually going to search files with your extension, and it appears that using this list properly is important *whether or not you are looking in an indexed location*!!
    a.  Hit the start button and type "search" in the search box.
    b.  Select "Change How Windows Searches"
    c.  Hit "Advanced"
    d.  Select the "File Types" tab.
    e.  Make sure the file extension for the files you want to search in is on the list *and* is set to "Index Properties and File Contents" (yes, pick your jaw up off the floor).  I know this appears to be for file indexing, but it does seem to make a difference on whether you find the file in non-indexed locations as well.
    f.  Say "Ok" and exit all the dialog boxes

2.  Actually perform your search on the folder in question.  Depending on some other settings you may have to type "content: spam" to find "spam" *in* the files instead of files with the word "spam" in the name.  Alternately, if you press the "Alt" key when you're exploring in the folder, you can choose "Tools / Folder Options" go to the "Search" tab and select "Always search file names and contents".

answers.microsoft.com - forum

----

You may run Windows Search and Indexing troubleshooter built in Windows 7 and check if it helps you fix the indexing issue. Access the link below and follow the steps to run Search and Indexing troubleshooter.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Open-the-Search-and-Indexing-troubleshooter

After running the Indexing troubleshooter rebuild Index and check if it helps.

To rebuild the index:
1.       Open the Control Panel from the Start menu.
2.       Open Indexing Options in the Control Panel.
3.      Note: If Indexing Options is not available, change View by to  Large icons at the top right of the Control Panel.
4.       Select the Advanced button in the Indexing Options window.
5.       Select Rebuild in the Troubleshooting section of the Advanced Options window.
6.       Select OK when asked if you’re sure you want to re-build the search index.

If rebuilding doesn't add the files, then you may add the folders manually to indexing and check if it helps. Access the link below and follow the steps in “How do I add or remove index locations?”  to add it manually.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Improve-Windows-searches-using-the-index-frequently-asked-questions

answers.microsoft.com - forum



microsoft.support - adittional info

Opera Bookmarks annoyances

How to enable the Personal Bar:
Open the O Menu
Select "Settings"
Select "Toolbars"Check the check mark for "Personal Bar"

If you want the Bar to show in the old location of the Personal Bar:

Open the "Appearance dialog (Shift + F12) > Toolbars"

Click "Show hidden toolbars while customizing"

Above the Address Bar a Bar appears, click in once to mark it. (A Yellow outline shows around the bar)

Click "Placement" And select "Top" inside the Appearance Dialog

Mark the Bar located below the Address Bar, and choose "Placement Off"
Click OK
 
The Bar is now shown in the old location.

If you have a specific set of websites you visit often, you can make it easy to open all those websites at once using a bookmarks folder and a nickname. Typing a folder’s nickname in the address bar opens all the websites in that folder.

To do this, create a bookmarks folder, add some sites to it, and apply a nickname to it.

First, bookmark some sites you want to open using a nickname.

http://my.opera.com/desktopteam/blog/2010/09/15/hello-bookmarks-bar?startidx=150