Register for Dynamics AX 2012 Free WebCasts

A series of webcasts are coming next month. Please go to the link below to register for free.

http://community.dynamics.com/product/ax/axnontechnical/b/axnews/archive/2011/09/29/microsoft-dynamics-ax-october-webcasts.aspx


Webcast Titles

Transitioning from Module Based Licensing to Business Ready Licensing


The Microsoft Dynamics Marketplace


 Productivity, Process, and Time Management with Microsoft Dynamics ERP, Outlook and CRM


Intercompany Planning and Planning Setup in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012


 Announcing the Business Ready Advantage Plus

SQL Tip - List all databases file path

Today, @ work, I needed to find out the physical file location for .mdf and .ldf files of all our databases on SQL

Just fire this query in SSMS Query Editor

SELECT name, physical_name FROM sys.master_files

Output:

It will return you the database names alongwith physical paths

To read more about sys.master_files and the additional columns, read here http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186782.aspx

Video# 9 Inside Dynamics AX 2012 (Security)

Appended Video# 9 which talks about Security in Dynamics AX 2012.

http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/08/inside-microsoft-dynamics-ax-2012.html

Enjoy :)

Update - Dynamics AX 2012 RTM Demo data available now

Dynamics AX 2012 RTM Demo Data (6.0.947.0), which I mentioned previously in my post here,  is available now for download from either PartnerSource or CustomerSource

Below is the customersource Link - https://mbs.microsoft.com/customersource/downloads/servicepacks/microsoftdynamicsax2012.htm?printpage=false#hotfix

Download Free E-Books from Microsoft Press - Programming Windows Phone 7, Visual Studio, SQL Server 2008..

Here's a great link from where you can download (pdf) versions of free E-Books from Microsoft Press

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoft_press/archive/2011/03/03/ebooks-list-of-our-free-books.aspx

• Visual Studio 2010
• Windows Phone 7
• SQL Server 2008
• ......

Tip - Dynamics AX 2012 AOS Service Name

Tip

Since I work on different assignments, which involves Dynamics AX 4.0, 2009 and 2012, after I install Dynamics AX 2012 AOS, many a times, I get lost searching the service name in Services Window (in Control Panel) :), as the brain's tendency is to think that service name starts with "Dynamics...." as that used to be the case with previous versions.

With Dynamics AX 2012, it has been changed and now the service name starts with "Microsoft Dynamics...." as shown below.

Tracing Dynamics AX 2012 Events with Windows Event Tracing

Introduction

A whitepaper has been released which walks us through the new Windows Event Tracing in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012

In Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, functionality to support tracing throughout the product has been added.

It's good to know how standard windows tools are available to accomplish tracing of some of the following feature areas in Dynamics AX 2012:

• Data Access
• Security
• EP
• MRP
• ...

The steps (along with screenshots) mentioned in the whitepaper below helps one to easily setup Windows Event Tracing for Dynamics AX 2012. I did setup the Tracing on my Win 7 laptop which has AX 2012 running on it.

Some of the key points in setting up tracing are:

  Using Performance Monitor to record traces by setting up Data Collector (Read Pg 3 to Pg 10
   in the whitepaper which takes you through the steps of setting up data collector for tracing)

    We all know about Perfmon since Windows XP days to monitor and troubleshoot performance   
     issues. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa645516(v=vs.71).aspx

•     Start New Data Collector Wizard
•     Setup Event trace data
•     Select Event Trace Provider (In this case, we will select Microsoft-DynamicsAX-Tracing)
•     Setup the properties
•     Start Data Collector

Using LogMan to record traces

Now, Logman is another out of the box windows utility to manage event trace sessions. Read more about it here http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753820(WS.10).aspx

Using XPerf tool to record traces

XPerf.exe is a command-line tool that is distributed as part of the Windows Performance Analysis toolkit in the Windows SDK. It can be used to control and process trace data. This tool is especially useful for recording information about Windows kernel activity along with Microsoft Dynamic AX events.

Now, unlike perfmon and logman, XPerf doesn't come out of the box with Windows and nothing has been mentioned in the whitepaper regarding how and where to download it.


I did some googling to find a very useful blog which took me through a shortcut so I just installed the required SDK tools for XPerf and not the entire toolkit which saved me from downloading gigabytes of data.

•  First, navigate to this website - http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3138
•  Download the SDK which is less than 500k.
•  Once downloaded, install the SDK by selecting only Win 32 Development tools (as shown in  this blog) 
• Go to default path, i.e. C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.0\Bin (or the corresponding path where you installed the SDK in your machine) and install wpt_x64.msi (64-bit) if you are running on 64-bit machine.

Now, you should be able to start using XPerf.

Use Event Viewer to view Traces (Pg 14)

Any tool that can process events created by using the Windows Events framework can be used to view Microsoft Dynamics AX event traces e.g. Event Viewer


Triggering Tasks on Events (Pg 15)

Events that are generated by Microsoft Dynamics AX can be used to trigger tasks in Windows Task Scheduler. For example, this functionality can be used to inform the administrator when a certain event happens, to start detailed diagnostic tracing, or to restart failing services

Instrument Custom Application Code (Pg 19)

In addition to built-in instrumentation, Microsoft Dynamics AX exposes several methods that allow solutions to be built on top of it to create basic events. The methods can be found in the xClassTrace class exposed to X++.

To instrument custom application code, you only need to add method calls that log messages you are interested in. After that, tracing can be configured by using standard tools as described earlier with no additional coding. 

Download Dynamics AX 2012 Windows Event Tracing Whitepaper
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=27549

Dynamics AX 2012 Presentations by Murray Fife

Murray Fife has some great topics/presentations on Dynamics AX 2012:

Custom Dynamics AX 2012 Reports
Create BOM from Scratch
Create HTML5 Apps
Tweaking Cube Structure
Services
and more ...

Don't forget to visit the below link..

http://www.slideshare.net/murrayfife/tag/dynamicsax+dynamics-ax-2012

Installing Dynamics AX Client on Windows 8

Previously, I blogged on Installing Windows 8 on Virtual Machine over here http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/09/installing-windows-8-developer-preview.html and as promised in my last post, I have come up with this post on installing Dynamics AX on Windows 8.

I was able to install successfully Dynamics AX 4.0 and 2009 Client (The installation experience is the same as before).

Note, I have both the AOS's running on my local host.

Below are couple of screenshots of Dynamics AX Client on Windows 8:

a. Shortcut of Dynamics AX on Metro Style Desktop

b. Dynamics AX Client on Win 8

Installation of Dynamics AX 2012 on Windows 8

You might be wondering, why did I install pervious versions of AX and why not AX 2012? :-), Well, I tried but the Pre-Requisite Validation software fails on Windows 8 :-(

By seeing the log below, it looks like there's a compatibility issue either with Windows Installer or the .Net framework on which the Validation software was built. Will dig in later when I get some time.

Message: Version string portion was too short or too long.


FullText: System.ArgumentException: Version string portion was too short or too long.
  at System.Version..ctor(String version)
  at Microsoft.Dynamics.Setup.PrereqAssembly.Utilities.ParseVersionString(String vstring)
  at Microsoft.Dynamics.Setup.PrereqAssembly.PreReqCheckItemVersion.ValidateVersion(String versionString)
  at Microsoft.Dynamics.Setup.PrereqAssembly.WindowsInstallerVersionCheck.Execute()
  at Microsoft.Dynamics.Setup.PrereqAssembly.Prerequisite.Execute()
  at Microsoft.Dynamics.Setup.PrereqAssembly.PreReqCollection.PerformAsyncPrereqChecks(Object sender, DoWorkEventArgs e)
  at System.ComponentModel.BackgroundWorker.WorkerThreadStart(Object argument)


 ==== Setup encountered an unhandled exception and could not be completed. For details see the previous messages in the log. ===

Productivity Tip - Open Dynamics AX 2012 Development Mode

Thought to share a quick tip here - if you happened to more often use development workspace, then I recommend creating a shortcut with -development switch on.

a. Right Click the shortcut shown below and Go to Properties

b. Go to Shortcut tab, and at the end in the target box, append -development switch.

Now, whenever you open AX, it will open up in development workspace (Showing AOT)

Installing Windows 8 Developer Preview on VirtualBox

Installation of Windows 8

I tried installing Windows 8 on my Virtual Machine last night. I didn't want to install it directly on my laptop.

Initially tried VMPlayer and Microsoft Virtual PC, but for some reason both gave me some errors, so after reading some forums on world wide web, tried virtualbox.

A. In my previous post, I posted the link for Downloading Windows 8 bits  - http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/09/download-windows-8-bits.html

B. Next step was to download VirtualBox 4.1.2 fom this link http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

C. As Virtualbox was something new to me, I found this blog link quite helpful as it shows step by step instructions to setup Windows 8 - http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/how-to-install-windows-8-on-virtualbox/

It took me like 20 mins to setup Windows 8. And, I'm quite impressed by the boot time, It boots up within 80 seconds. Way to Go!

And, here are some screenshots from my new Win 8 VM.. Rest later...Watch out this space as I will try installing Dynamics on Win 8 and post my experiences here..Till then Njoi :-)

Download Windows 8 Bits

Below is the link to download Developer bits for Windows 8 (both 32 and 64 bit)

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516


Njoi :)

Everything You Need to Know about Windows 8 in 8 minutes

This is a cool youtube video about the new features in Windows 8. Note that the audio is not so great.

Some of the features shown in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9AdL1aBp8w


1. Metro Style UI
2. Application Settings Shared with System Settings
3. Application Charms
4. Search (bing)
5. Windows Store
6. New Task Manager (Graphical Progress of Copy)
7. Control Panel

Webinar on ‘What’s New in AX 2012 for the Process Industry?’

INDUSA is organizing a webinar on Dynamics AX 2012 Process Industry. If interested, you can register for the webinar below.

Event Date: Sept 28, 2011

News & Event Section: http://www.indusa.com/PRAX2012ProcessIndustry.php

Webinar Registration: http://www.indusa.com/registerforwebcastAX2.php

Resources -> Webinar & Webcast section: http://www.indusa.com/educational_webcast.php

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Technical Conference 2011 Event

Dynamics AX Technical Conference Fall Edition (November 14 - November 16, 2011 - France)

http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/DynamicsAXtechnicalconference2011/Default.aspx

Extract from the above link:

This is a unique chance to learn, get inspired, and see how Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 can help you provide innovative solutions for your business.

Whether you’re a customer or a partner, you will find content and benefit from learning’s to help you develop for and implement Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012.

Who should attend this Conference?

• Developers building and implementing solutions on Microsoft Dynamics AX. 
• Technical Implementation Consultants can learn about the simplification of the deployment architecture, and integration with the Microsoft platform components like Microsoft SharePoint 2010, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2, Microsoft Visual Studio 2010, and Microsoft Office 2010.
• Functional Implementation Consultants can get a jumpstart on the innovation and expansion of the functional footprint of the solution, across core ERP as well as industry functionality.
• Customers can benefit by understanding the evolution of the technology and functionality and can plan their upgrade.  

[Update] Inside Dynamics AX 2012 Book?

Wondering if anyone knows when will Microsoft release "Inside Dynamics AX 2012" Book/Ebook? If so, please post a comment here.

We had versions for AX 2009 and 4.0
AX 2009 http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Microsoft-Dynamics%C2%AE-AX-2009/dp/0735626456
AX 4.0 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735622574?ie=UTF8&tag=micstosit-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0735622574

If I come across any news, I will post an update here.

Update #1


Thanks to Harish who sent me a tweet reg this. I can understand becoz of the vast number of new features, it would take some time for the book to hit the market.

My Blog Translator powered by Google Translator

Dear Blog Readers,

I have enabled Google translation service onto my blog so that it enables you to read my blog in your native language.


Update - I have changed the translator theme from the flag to the default Google Translator widget which gives me more language option and doesn't occupy more space. It's located on the right hand side corner of the web page.

Reminder - Dynamics AX 2012 Global Virtual Launch

It's just few hours away.

You can still register http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/07/dynamics-ax-2012-global-virtual-launch.html

Event Information

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO
Driving innovation and business solutions for customers with Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and the broader Microsoft portfolio.


Kirill Tatarinov, President, Microsoft Business Solutions Division
Introducing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 and Microsoft’s vision for the dynamic business.


Nigel Montgomery, Research Director, Gartner
Understanding trends impacting ERP solutions and how they should shape your purchasing decisions.
At the virtual launch event, you’ll also have the opportunity to:

• See product demos
• Hear directly from customers and partners
• Watch product tours specific to your business, industry, or role
• Collaborate with your peers through feeds and community forums
• Chat with product experts

Why should you attend?

• You've struggled with ERP adoption and need an easier more flexible solution
• Changes in your business environment require you to anticipate, plan for, and embrace those fluctuations in your business
• Complex operations calls for ERP software that provides integration across disparate systems and gain operational insights through a single solution
• Your workforce already uses Microsoft Office, so choose an ERP solution that works like Office

Step by Step Guide How to Install Dynamics AX 2012 SSRS and Analysis Extensions

This is the 3rd part in the series - Step by Step Installation of Dynamics AX 2012 Components:

Part 1 - Basic Dynamics AX 2012 Installation http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/08/step-by-step-guide-how-to-install.html

Part 2 - Dynamics AX 2012 Enterprise Portal Installation http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-install-dynamics-ax2012.html


INSTALL REPORTING EXTENSIONS
Run Pre-Requisite Validation

Go to the Link below and Download Cumulative Update 3 for SQL Server 2008 R2
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=2261464










Troubleshooting Tip (SSRS Errors)

Error during Install of AX 2012 SSRS Extensions

Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.WMIProviderException: The profile for the user is a temporary profile. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80090024)   at Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.RSWmiAdmin.ThrowOnError(ManagementBaseObject mo)

   at Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.RSWmiAdmin.ReencryptSecureInformation()

   at ReportServicesConfigUI.WMIProvider.RSReportServerAdmin.ReencryptSecureInformation()

An error occurred during setup of Reporting Services extensions.

Reason: Unable to restore the SQL Server Reporting Services encryption key. The operation failed with error code 2148073508

Solution

a. Restart the box

b. In SQL Server 2008, SSRS Reporting Configuration Manager, Under Encryption Keys, Restore the key

c. Generate Backup encryption key for the service account

d. Check you are able to browse Report Server and Report Manager URL

e. Now, Install SSRS Extensions again, it should work

Deploy Reports (Powershell)



Wait for a few mins to populate the variable, it will return back to the PS Prompt
TIP - You can also output to a file by appending out-file as shown


803 SSRS reports out of the box
Publishing reports
Note – takes around 45 mins to deploy (with some warnings which can be ignored I guess)

INSTALL/CONFIGURE ANALYSIS SERVICES

1. Install SQL Server Analysis
2. Restart Server

Update - Troubleshooting Dynamics AX 2012 Demo Data

Update -

Did a native import/export of demo data from beta to RTM and it works. Please navigate to the entire post below

http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/08/troubleshooting-dynamics-ax2012-rtm.html

Troubleshooting Dynamics AX 2012 SSRS Extensions Install - An Error occured during Reporting Service Extensions

Error during Install of AX 2012 SSRS Extensions

Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.WMIProviderException: The profile for the user is a temporary profile. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80090024)   at Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.RSWmiAdmin.ThrowOnError(ManagementBaseObject mo)

   at Microsoft.ReportingServices.WmiProvider.RSWmiAdmin.ReencryptSecureInformation()

   at ReportServicesConfigUI.WMIProvider.RSReportServerAdmin.ReencryptSecureInformation()

An error occurred during setup of Reporting Services extensions.

Reason: Unable to restore the SQL Server Reporting Services encryption key. The operation failed with error code 2148073508

Solution

a. Restart the box

b. In SQL Server 2008, SSRS Reporting Configuration Manager, Under Encryption Keys, Restore the key

c. Generate Backup encryption key for the service account

d. Check you are able to browse Report Server and Report Manager URL

e. Now, Install SSRS Extensions again, it should work

Inside Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Video 8 Programmability

Video 8 - Watch Peter Villadsen, X++veteran and guru talking about Programmabilityand language improvements in AX 2012

http://daxdilip.blogspot.com/2011/08/inside-microsoft-dynamics-ax-2012.html