Author: Baldy

Welcome to 64-bit hell

I just spent a few hours trying to figure out an issue on a project I started a while back to automate the SQL replication setup for any servers we add to our environment.  I started the project when I had some free time a few months ago, then got going on another project which took preference, and now finally have time to get going again.  First thing I did after loading the solution was hit F5 to run it, making sure that everything is as it should.  Also remembering that I left it in a working state when I put it on the back-burner.

Then I get this beauty

"Could not load file or assembly 'Microsoft.SqlServer.Replication, Version=9.0.242.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=89845dcd8080cc91' or one of its dependencies. An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format."

Now my first reaction was that I reinstalled my machine recently, upgrading from XP SP2 to Windows 2008 64-bit edition, so I double checked my installation of the SQL Server SDK, and the various other things that are referenced in this project, but no luck.  AARRRRGGGHHH!!!

Boot up the XP VM, test the project there and it works like it should.

So, I went back to my dev environment and do what I should have done in the first place, click that friendly "Search for more help online".  And first in the list is the description for the System.BadImageFormatException with a simple solution.

Turns out that the SQL Replication SDK was developed for 32bit platforms only, so go to the Project Properties, select the Build page and set the Target Platform to x86.  Hit F5, and my project is back to a working state.

Solution Provider

 

A farmer stopped by the local mechanic shop to have his truckfixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far andwould just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and boughta bucket and a gallon of paint. He then stopped by the feed store and picked upa couple of chickens and a goose.

However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem -how to carry all his purchases home. While he was scratching his head he was approachedby a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, 'Can you tell me howto get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?'

The farmer said, 'Well, as a matter of fact, my farm is veryclose to that house I would walk you there but I can't carry this lot.'

The old lady suggested, 'Why don't you put the can of paint inthe bucket. Carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm and carrythe goose in your other hand?'

'Why thank you very much,' he said and proceeded to walk theold girl home.

On the way he says 'Let's take my short cut and go down thisalley. We'll be there in no time.'

The little old lady looked him over cautiously then said, 'Iam a lonely widow without a husband to defend me… How do I know that when we getin the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and haveyour way with me?'

The farmer said, 'Holy smokes lady! I'm carrying a bucket, agallon of paint, two chickens, and a goose. How in the world could I possibly holdyou up against the wall and do that?'

The old lady replied, 'Set the goose down, cover him with thebucket, put the paint on top of the bucket, and I'll hold the chickens.'

SSIS – Accessing variables from script components

 In SSIS there are are two different types of script components.  The Control Flow script, and the Data Flow script.  These 2 use different ways of accessing package variables, which was a bit confusing the first time I used teh Data Flow script component.

In the Control Flow script component you access package variables in a similar way to how DTS used to do it.

Dts.Variables("User::FromDate").Value.ToString

 However, trying this in the DataFlow script component only cause some compilation errors and nothing more.

After doing some searching, I eventually found the simple solution that was staring me in the face all along, I just never tried it.

Me.ReadOnlyVariables("User::FileName").Value.ToString()

In both cases you still have to tell the component which variables you're passing in on the property page.
 

Job description of a parent

 

PARENT

 

 Job Description

This is hysterical. If it had been presented this way,
I don't believe any of us would have done it!!!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging
permanent work in an
often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekend s
and frequen t 24 hour shifts on call.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and

endless sports tournaments in far away cities!
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life.
Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily,
until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Also, must possess the physical stamina of a
pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat
in case, this time, the screams from
the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges,
such as small gadget repair, mysteriou sly sluggish toilets
and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute,
an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a
half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for
the quality of the end product.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining,constantly retraining and updating your skills,
so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately.
On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this!   You pay them!
Offering frequent raises and bonuses.
A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because
of the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent.
When you die, you give them whatever is left.
The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that
you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered;
this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditionallove,
and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


Forward this on to all the PARENTS youknow, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis,
letting them know they are appreciated
for the fabulous job they do…
or f orward with love
to anyone thinking of applying for the job.

 

** AND A FOOTNOTE **

 

THERE IS NO RETIREMENT — EVER!!! **

If you are fortunate enough you willbecome grandparents

AND YOU MAY HAVE TO RAISE THEM TOO!!!