Installing Configuration Manager 2012 (SCCM) into a SQL instance you receive a cannot connect to SQL Server Error Message

Got this little beast on error yesterday. Was rather annoyed that the error message gives you so many possibilities as to what the error is. 

Error = Setup is unable to connect to SQL Server with the connection information Provided. Verify the following
The SQL Server and instance names are entered correctly
The Specified SQL Service Instance is not configured to use dynamic pots
If a firewall is enabled on the SQL Server, inbound rules exist to allow connections to the correct ports
The account used to run Setup has permissions to connect to the specified SQL Server instance.


How to fix this error: The reason for this error is because Configuration Manager 2012, does not support dynamic ports, so you need to go to SQL Server Configuration Manager and set that named instance to use the static Port and restart the SQL Server Service

For more detail on whats going on click below.


http://blogs.msdn.com/b/scom_2012_upgrade_process__lessons_learned_during_my_upgrade_process/archive/2012/07/04/configuration-manager-2012-setup-error-_3a00_-setup-is-unable-to-connect-to-sql-server-with-the-connection-information-provided.aspx

DPM 2012 SharePoint 2007 Protection Group Creation Fails.

I've been working on what seems a very common issue with backing SharePoint 2007. I think we may have cracked it. I'll get confirmation from Microsoft in the morning and post my findings. 

SCCM 2012 Server Sizing Guide

Please see below the latest server sizing guides for SCCM 2012 as provided by RFLSYSTEMS

Link Below

http://www.rflsystems.co.uk/resources/

SCCM 2012 Design Questions \ Design Guide

Hi

I wanted to share a very good document for all of those who share the pains of SCCM 2012 projects. My friend Raph Perez MVP (RFLSYSTEMS) has put together a brilliant guide on what to ask and look for during those vital planning questions.

Download it via the link below.

http://www.rflsystems.co.uk/resources/

DPM 2012 IPD Guide

Hello All,

I wanted to share the DPM 2012 IPD, its in beta format, we are still working on it, buts its very comprehensive.

Download Link Below

https://sites.google.com/site/sccmbloggerfiles/sccmfile/IPD%20-%20System%20Center%202012%20-%20Data%20Protection%20Manager%20BETA.docx?attredirects=0&d=1

System Center Operations Manager 2012 SP1 Installation Fails.

Morning.

When you upgrade operations manager, be aware that you need to upgrade your management servers one at a time. And its also important to start with the initial upgrade on the primary (the server you used to install opsmgr for the first time) management server. Its all to do with updating the database, but the database needs to written to in a specific order.

So heads up.

For more details follow the link below.

http://blogs.technet.com/b/momteam/archive/2013/01/16/patience-is-a-virtue-with-the-system-center-2012-operations-manager-sp1-installation.aspx

2013 and so on.

Had a wonderful Christmas and new year, but I'm itching to get back to work. I'll be making every effort to massively expand the blog and posting regularly.

I would like to thank my employer for paying me money to enjoy my self 12 hours a day. And to wish everyone a happy new year.

Here's to 2013. Oh and let's hope private cloud booms.