Thoughts of a Flying Sheep

Database_Access

Ok, goal for today is to get complete access to my local database. I think I really have two options: (a) debug the current installation, or (b) uninstall and re-install SQL Server Express (paying more attention to the Authentication Details.

debug

Let's try searching on Google. Ah, yes, great (: Searching for the error message lead me to this Microsoft forum conversation on server-level rights vs. database-level rights. Creating a database is a server-level right (which makes sense, but wasn't how I was thinking about it), and that's not based on the connection properties, but on the account used to start the services.

I'll admit that I'm still not sure about the details here, but (as a shot in the dark) I tried running the SQL Server Management Studio as Administrator, and then was able to create a database.

DBSandbox

Ok, now to populate the database with a test table, some test data, and start playing.

I'm creating a table called GAME with a game_id and game_name. Two entries ("Race to the Galaxy", "San Juan"). My friend is getting RttG for Christmas (: Now, to switch to Visual Studio Express.

Registration

Ahck! I've only got 3 days left to register. Better do it now.

Creating a Windows Live account. It's pretty amazing how dumb all users are (including myself). I somehow managed to mis-type my password in the confirmation area, and also failed the CAPTCHA.

Do you read the agreements that you have agree to when you're registering somewhere? I didn't.

Personal information (I see it allows for an "Additional Last Name" - it's more culturally aware then I am). I suppose some people go out of their way to check the "please have your partners send me spam" box, but not me. It seems a bit optimistic, really.

Somehow, I am convinced that I do need to check the other box - inform me of important security, product, and event information. I'm tempted to list my primary role in my company as "Mayor".

Ok, time to check email, click on the supplied link, and finish the registration. Ah ha! There was a moment of confusion, as I actually had two emails with links - one to confirm my new Windows Live account, and another register the product. Now I've got my registration key. Entered, and done.

Where was I?

Ah yes, adding a database connection, linking it up to a data table, and seeing the results. Hurrah!

That's it for today.

posted by FlyingSheep @ 9:01 AM