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    Wednesday, July 09, 2008

    The connection in this workbook will no longer be identical to the connection defined in the external file located at ...

    Office Data Connection files (ODC files) are a great feature in Excel 2007. Basically this technology allows you to store connection information (server name, authentication, database name, cube, ...) in a file. This file can be placed on a central file share or in a Sharepoint library. In stead of defining new connection info in every single Excel file, you just point to the "central" ODC file. If something changes, e.g. the cube is moved to another server, you simple update the ODC file and everyone is redirected the new server automatically.

    At least this wil work if you specied "Always attempt to use this file to refresh data" the during the initial creation of the ODC file.

    image

    If you didn't check the check box then you and want to enforce the link afterwards you might be tempted to check the "Always use connection file" checkpoint in the connection properties (Click Connections in Data ribbon, Properties, Definition)

    image

    However if you check "Always use the connection file" you will get following error message:

    The connection in this workbook will no longer be identical to the connection defined in the external file located at ....
    The link to that external file will also be removed.
    Do you want to proceed with the changes to the connection in this workbook?

    Excel will break the link between the "Excel internal" connection and the ODC file. The UI seems to suggest that you can fix the link. At least that's what I thought. The key point is that the option "Always use the connection file" is not stored in Excel but in the ODC file.

    If you want to fix the link between Excel and the ODC file you can manually update the ODC file by adding the following line


    <odc:AlwaysUseConnectionFile/>

    Make sure to add it just before the </odc:Connection> line.

    image

    After you saved the ODC file go back to Excel. Click Connections in the Data ribbon, Properties, Definition. Click Browse and point to the updated ODC file. After you click OK you will notice that the "Always use connection file" checkbox is now checked. And you no longer receive the error message.

    Took me quite some time recently to find out, so I wanted to share this one.

    Friday, July 04, 2008

    SQL Server 2008 Jumpstart material available to public

    In february I attended the SQL Server 2008 Jumpstart training in Seattle. The trainings were written and presented by SQL Server gurus (Kimberly Tripp, Paul Randal, Bob Beauchemin ,...). All sessions were recorded and are now available for download (free registration required).


    On the site you will find:
    • All session recordings
    • Powerpoints
    • Demo and Sample Scripts
    • VPCs
    • SQL Server 2008 funny video's

    http://sqlserver2008jumpstart.microsofttraining.com/content/DownloadMaterial.asp?CcpSubsiteID=69&section=Overview



    A must have if you wanna get a jumpstart with SQL Server 2008!

    SQL Server 2008 Top 10 Features

    Last week I presented my personal top 10 of new Features in SQL Server 2008 on the Community Day.

    Here's the list
    1. Backup Compression
    2. PowerShell
    3. Policy Based Mgmt
    4. Multi Server Mgmt
    5. Resource Governor
    6. Change Data Capture
    7. Data Profiling
    8. AS DMVs
    9. Report Builder 2.0
    10. New stuff in SQL Server Management Studio (RC0)
    The session was recorded and is now available on Chopsticks.




    Werner Geuens gave an excellent presentation on the new datatypes in SQL Server 2008. This is also available on Chopsticks.



    The Community Day was again a big success. Looking forward to next year!!!

    SQL Server 2008 MCTS beta exams open for public

    Microsoft extended the beta period for the first set of SQL Server 2008 exams. The beta exams are now open to the public. Passing the beta exams will make you a MCTS on SQL Server 2008.

    These exams will be available until July 31, 2008.

    71-432 - Promo code 943F6

    You are invited to take beta exam 71-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance. You were specifically chosen to participate in this beta because of your current Microsoft Certification status or previous participation with Microsoft Learning. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.
    By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to development of exams in their released version. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.

    71-432: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

    · Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance


    Availability

    Registration begins: June 5, 2008

    Beta exam period runs: June 9, 2008– July 31, 2008

    Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

    Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions). All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

    Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


    71-448 - Promo code B6543

    You are invited to take beta exam 71-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance. You were specifically chosen to participate in this beta because of your current Microsoft Certification status or previous participation with Microsoft Learning. If you pass the beta exam, the exam credit will be added to your transcript and you will not need to take the exam in its released form. The 71-xxx identifier is used for registering for beta versions of MCP exams, when the exam is released in its final form the 70-xxx identifier is used for registration.
    By participating in beta exams, you have the opportunity to provide the Microsoft Certification program with feedback about exam content, which is integral to development of exams in their released version. We depend on the contributions of experienced IT professionals and developers as we continually improve exam content and maintain the value of Microsoft certifications.

    71-448: TS: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance counts as credit towards the following certification(s).

    · Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance


    Availability

    Registration begins: June 15, 2008

    Beta exam period runs: June 16, 2008– July 31, 2008

    Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately. Beta exams have limited availability and are operated under a first-come-first-served basis. Once all beta slots are filled, no additional seats will be offered.

    Testing is held at Prometric testing centers worldwide, although this exam may not be available in all countries (see Regional Restrictions). All testing centers will have the capability to offer this exam in its live version.

    Regional Restrictions: India, Pakistan, China


    Registration Information

    You must register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam.
    Please use the following promotional code when registering for the exam: 943F6
    Receiving this invitation does not guarantee you a seat in the beta; we recommend that you register immediately.

    To register in North America, please call:

    •Prometric: (800) 755-EXAM (800-755-3926)

    Outside the U.S./Canada, please contact:

    •Prometric: http://www.register.prometric.com/ClientInformation.asp


    Test Information and Support

    You are invited to take this beta exam at no charge.
    You will be given four hours to complete the beta exam. Please plan accordingly.
    Find exam preparation information: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/exams/70-432.mspx


    Frequently Asked Questions

    For Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) help and information, you may log in to the MCP Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/or contact your Regional Service Center: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/support/worldsites.asp.

    What is a beta exam?

    Where can I learn more about the registration process?

    Where can I learn more about the beta exam invitation process?

    Where can I learn more about the new structure of Microsoft Certification?

    Who do I contact for help with this beta exam or other MCP questions?