Let me start by saying I know this install works. I am using my development PC (XP Pro - Visual Studio 2005 - SQL Express). No problem starting a Dotnetnuke site locally using Cassini in VS 2005. When I Copy or Build or publish the local site that works flawlessly to our production server I can not get it to run. This is one of those areas that I have become so overwhelmed that I have to be missing the most obvious mistake somewhere.

The production server is a Win 2000 server PC running sql express. What are the changes needed from the local on cassini to the production machine with IIS 5?

I understand the virtual directory need. I suppose my area of ignorance lies in my lack of knowledge with sql express. The problems run the gamut from SQL login problems to not finding the Dotnetnuke template.

Can either of you please share what the issues for DNN 4 would be on an SQL 2000, Win 2k OS, running IIS 5 be for installation. 

From the bits and pieces I am picking up there are issues with virtual directory, connection strings, and folder structure for DNN 4 .  For instance, DNN 4 when you unxip it has two folders.  If you are running this on your own server for the internet, not an internal Intranet, are you required to dump the folders in the inetpub/wwwroot/ or can you create a virtual directory, or what?

I would love to help create a nice easy to understand manual that would include the diverse environments possible for DNN 4 (WinNT, Win 2000 Server or Win 2003 Running IIS 4, IIS5, IIS6, Running SQL 2000, 2005, etc...).

Lets start with DNN 4 on Win2k running IIS 5, SQL 2000 with ASP 2

Questions: 

Is this platform possible in running DNN 4?  If not, what must change?

What are the permissions on the OS and the configuration for IIS that must be followed?

We should include a web.config file specifically for this configuration (remove the uncessary stuff if we can), etc...

Anyone with me on this.  I commit.  I am just a beginner though and would need some mentors that could help keep me on the right path.

If more people join I will create a Wiki and we can begin creating a DNN 4 Wiki for installation related challenges.

Hi Folks,

I suppose I need to be more clear on my needs. Creating the site on the development machine goes flawlessly. It's the translation to the production machine that is the issue for me.

In a nutshell I am missing what I need to do to convert the site from sql express to MS SQL 2005.

I attach the database in SQL Manager. Create the owner,security and login in MS SQL. I then go to the web config and put in the database name, user name and password for the sql string.

No joy. I get a number of errors from not finding the database (and it is in the App_Data folder) to incorrect permissions.

I've gone stupid

Thanks for any guidance