How to create linked server to Oracle

Basically, you have to install the Oracle client software on your SQL server, then using references in the tnsnames.ora file, you create the linked server using the "Oracle Provider for Ole DB" driver.

Reference:
http://gleew.wordpress.com/2008/03/19/sql-server-linked-server-to-oracle/

Migrating SQL Reporting Services

Good article.

Reference:
http://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/2627/migrating-sql-reporting-services-to-a-new-server/
http://www.sqldbatips.com/showarticle.asp?ID=62

Dynamically create redirected folders

This works.

Reference:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=274443

Editting HOSTS file in Win 7

Basically, you "run as Administrator" NOTEPAD, open HOSTS, edit and save.

Reference:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923947

How to offline a volume in Windows Server

I wanted to offline a volume so I could remove HD from virtual servers. Found this command:

mountvol E: /p

Worked well.

Reference:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc772671.aspx

VM will not power on

One of my VMs would not power up. The error it was giving was:

"Cannot open the disk '/vmfs/volumes/......vmdk' or one of the snapshot disks it depends on. Reason: Argument list too long."

I went into "Edit Settings" for the VM and found that hard disk 2 was referencing was not valid, an empty file. I removed the hard disk, and re-added the hard disk, but pointing to the correct VMDK file.

After that the VM started up just fine.

Reference:
http://vkarthickeyan.wordpress.com/2011/12/29/virtual-machine-not-powered-on/

VMware: IP address already assigned to another adapter

To resolve this issue, make the ghosted network adapter visible in the Device Manager and uninstall the ghosted network adapter from the registry:

1. Select Start > Run, type cmd.exe, and press Enter.


2. At the command prompt, run this command: "set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1"


3. Enter Start DEVMGMT.MSC and press Enter to start Device Manager.


4. Select View > Show Hidden Devices.


5. Expand the Network Adapters tree (select the plus sign next to the Network adapters entry).


6. Right-click the dimmed network adapter, and then click Uninstall.


7. Close Device Manager.

Reference:
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1179