Deploying CRM 2011 on Windows Azure - Part I

To start with I've subscribed for FREE Trial account on Windows Azure and thanks to my friend Arshad Hussain for doing that.

Following tasks I planned to accomplish:

• Creating a Disk Storage
• Creating a Cloud Service
• Create Virtual Network
• Creating 3 Virtual Machines:
1. Domain Controller - Windows Server 2012 Data Center
2. SQL Server 2012 with Windows Server 2012 Data Center
3. CRM 2011 with Windows Server 2012 Data Center

With the release of CRM 2011 Update Rollup 13 it's now possible to install CRM 2011 on Windows Server 2012 - so I decided to take it as a challenge.

Don't know whether I shall call it an extensive exercise on going through all the installations, deployment issues but it was worthwhile lesson.

Keep reading.... coming up next....

Windows Azure is a 5 star cloud infrastructure (IaaS)

I better right a book on my experience with Windows Azure FREE trial and the results are unbelievable.

My next couple of posts will cover experience of this 5 star cloud infrastructure which allowed me testing the capabilities of Windows Server 2012, SQL Server 2012 and CRM 2011 without hassles.

Stay tuned...on my way.

Yet the most simple way of differentiating between types of licenses available.

While browsing through CRM 2011 Licensing related blogs, I came through this simple to understand post explaining the difference between types of licenses available.

Here is the real post and hopefull author won't mind promoting his blog here :)
https://community.dynamics.com/crm/f/117/t/125000.aspx

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part VII

After successfully importing the organization, installing and configuring the Email Router - it's time to let the user enjoy the glory but wait! i was unaware of the incoming issue :(

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM for Outlook cannot be configured while Microsoft Outlook is running.  Close Outlook and try again."

The above message appeared when I try to use "Manage Organization" from with in Outlook so it should connect to the existing organization on the newly created CRM instance with a new name.

How did I solved this - I was actually trying to remove the organization from a different location instead I've to use All Programs -> Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 -> Configuration Wizard. Once opened I removed the existing CRM server link and added the new one.

-Best.

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part VI

Once again I'm at the mercy of CRM 2011 but this time it related to user account who was not able to use CRM after organization import happened.

CRM 2011:Business Management error the user id associated with the current record is not valid!

This is the exact error message I received on the web browser whenever the existing user tries to login - upon later investigation it turned out that for some reason (God know what) this happened and the resolution would be:

1. Create a dummy/test account
2. Replace (map) the existing account with the new test account
3. Once login with the new test account
4. Revert the changes by replacing test account with the existing 
5. Try to log in  and it will definitely work 

Best of luck!

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part V

Microsoft Dynamics CRM E-mail Router: "The Microsoft Exchange MAPI subsystem is not installed on this system".

So this error hitted you on your head when you try installing CRM Email Router - what to do?

Missing:

• The Messaging API (MAPI) client libraries
• Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) 1.2.1

Once you install you are on your way.

CRM 2011 - Redeploying an existing organization - Part IV

Error 1642 reported by MsiInstallProduct - Setup cannot proceed because an error occured while copying installer files to the local system: The upgrade cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade.   (setup.cpp:CCrmSetup::CopyInstallerFiles:488). Setup cannot proceed because an error occured while copying installer files to the local system: The upgrade cannot be installed by the Windows Installer service because the program to be upgraded may be missing, or the upgrade may update a different version of the program. Verify that the program to be upgraded exists on your computer and that you have the correct upgrade.

So you run over by this problem while installing CRM 2011 Email Router.

I know it's a long and confusing message but don't worry - the only resolution for this problem is skip the "Update... (Recommended) on the first page of installer.

You bet!