I've tried installing DotNetNuke for a week or so.  I chased message threads for answers, et all.  I always end up with a problem that has previously been posted with "I've got that problem, too".

Why is it so difficult (or impossible) for there to be a standard install sequence for XP, 2000 or 2003, with a choice of SLQ Server 2000 or 2005?   All I want to do is bring DotNetNuke up on an XP SP2 system with SQLServer 2005

It seems like this is just a game of "I know more than YOU".

Unfortunately, it appears that the source DNN download has neither "doc" or a "readme".  If everything is so clear, why are the majority of the posts about the sme 3-4 issues.  And , as best I can tell many of the posts are from experienced IT professionals.

BTW, I've installed several SQL Server systems and more than a few IIS websites.  My major complaint is that there is no visible doc about the 3-5 changes that must be made to install, much less the "Oh by the way"  "rename this", "download that", and "copy this".  Specific examples:  web.config, SiteUrls.config, template..., etc. 

And I find it incredulous that one has to devine which standard logon accounts have to have their permissions altered.  The end result of that, is that users end up giving full authority to any number of accounts and directories just to get things to work.

I also suggest that any system/application which when a problem is posed  gets the answer "just wipe and re-install" is inherently poorly packaged/supported.

And getting back to my problem, I'm currently stuck on the standard "could not connect to database" problem.  4th iteration, third wipe/install.

Before trying to load the application to figure out if you have database connectivity... try opening a connection using Query Analyzer using the servername, dbname & credentials that you are using in web.config.  This will save you a lot of effort... if you can't make that conmnection, you won't from the IIS application either.

I'm not defending our documentation, because it could be better... and better placed where folks can see it ( different formats would help as well ).  But by this logic, why do we answer the same posts over and over again?  Same reason... folks don't always look for, find or read what's available.  Why hasn't one of the 00,000's of DNN installations stepped up and written better install instructions to contribute?  It's a volunteer project afterall... and I only have so much time to give to you.

We believe in rolling up our sleeves and helping out around here... but most of our hands already have two buckets in the brigade.  What are you doing this weekend? *grin*

Scott Willhite, Co-Founder DNN