Visual Studio 2008 Install Order

Well, after many problems, I reinstalled Windows 7 from scratch and got everything working.

(My problems mainly are because of a bug with x64 Windows + x64 SQL with x86 Visual Studio)

It is really hard to find a good guide so if anyone is interested the following is what I did and got it all working without any problems.

1. Install Windows 7 RTM
2. Perform all Windows 7 updates.
3. Install Visual Studio 2008 (Team Suite)
4. Install Visual Studio 2008 SP1 Update
5. Install SQL Server Express Edition 2008 SP1*
6. Install SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express
7. Install SQL Server 2008 SP1 Update**
8. Install Visual Studio Hotfix 957944

And all done! Everything working without any problems!

* As much as I wanted to use the Advanced edition with Text Search, BI tools and reporting services, I just need to use SQL, I don't need anything advanced. I always seem to mess around with things I do not need! This time I just wanted to keep it simply and this works.

** Management Studio Express 2008 is not available to download with SP1 already applied, I tried running it and it seems to be fine - I cannot see anything that running the SP1 update actually improves, however when looking at the version numbers, it does get upgraded whilst the SQL 2008 instance previously installed remains untouched.

I was searching for ages for a guide like this but could not find anything up to date. I have done a lot of testing inside VMs, but this is what I came up with. I hope it helps someone out there!

Jury Service day 10

Well, I arrived at court in the morning and we listened for a few hours to more evidence and were told that we have to reach a decision.

Anyway, it was complicated and not everyone agreed but in the end we did.

Don't know what I am allowed and what I am not allowed to say, so I won't put it here!

I have to say, if I am called for Jury service again, I will defiantly do it. It is a very good experience and if you are called, it is hard but very good work.

Just a little tip - Bring a laptop or something interesting to do... It is so boring if you don't!

Jury Service day 9

Another half day! The case is going on for quite a while and is very complicated and interesting.

Anyway, we have been told that it will end tomorrow and to bring lunch as we will not be allowed out until we reach a decision.

Jury Service day 8

WOOT!

I have finally been picked! I have been so bored that I decided to bring my laptop in and of course, it has to be no more than 5 minutes after I set it up, I am called!

I went in to the waiting area then in to the court room and out of the 15, I was called!

Not allowed to discuss the case, but we had about a hour in court then were told to go home as the Judge had other things booked for the court room that afternoon.

Jury Service day 6

Jury service is so boring!

I am not going to write about every day because quite frankly - NOTHING HAPPENED!

I can not explain how boring it all is. I brought a few books and my Nintendo to play, however it was so boring there, I just could not concentrate! I kept looking at my watch every few mins and just wished it could end.

I am starting to talk to a few people and make friends... Feels sort of like you are being thrown in to Big Brother! All people who you barely have anything in common with.

Anyway... I hope I get selected for something soon, some people have been called for 3 or 4 trials whilst I haven't been on one!

Jury Service day 3

The snow is still everywhere but as the trains are running (just about) I made my way in for Jury Service.

and... It's my birthday! I must be getting older now as I just feel like I couldn't care less!

Anyway, it was so boring, words really can not describe it. I was not picked at all!

Jury Service day 2

Well, I got out of bed and the snow was still very bad.

I heard that there were no trains again so I rang the telephone number and was told again that they are not expecting anyone to come in.