Problems with new Windows VPS

[BigPete]

I'm hoping someone else who is running a Windows VPS can chime in here and help me out...

I was under the impression that my new VPS server would function like an actual server. Unfortunately that is not the case. So far, all I've got to show for my new VPS is frustration and a lack of sleep.

For starters Windows Update doesn't work (and now, 6 hours after I submit a ticket, it seems like this is some twisted parallels 'feature'). Ok, whatever. So the date on my VPS is one day ahead. Is that a some kind of feature too? More importantly why can't I change it? This VPS is looking more and more restrictive...

The "final straw" that prompted my venting here is the numerous errors and basic inability to install anything useful. While I have MySQL and PHP up and running that's not the primary reason I decided to spring for a WINDOWS VPS. I need some version of SQL Server (2005 or 2008) and the ASP.NET MVC3 framework. Sounds simple right? Microsoft even released this GREAT tool aptly named "Web Platform Installer". Real great, except that it fails to install just about anything with cryptic errors that are almost 'ungoogleable'.

Thinking the web platform installer was to blame I attempted to install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express. These attempts where met with the same fate and error upon error after numerous reboots and installation attempts. Always wanting to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, I chalked up the SQL installation errors to my not meeting the requirements even though I do(SQL Server 2008 Express requires 512mb I believe). I decided to downgrade to SQL Server 2005 Express (only requires 192MB RAM, 512 recommended) to ensure I was well within the system requirements and guess what? No joy!

Now, being the nice guy that I am and STILL wanting to give someone the benefit of the doubt for this abomination, I HAVE to believe that everyone does not go through the same experience otherwise VPS servers would not exist.

So what gives? At this point, if the VPS was sitting right next to me I would throw it out the window.

[JPC-Greg]

Is the actual VPS working, running, environment all as it should be? To me it sounds like your having a lot of windows problems with deploying your app, but the VPS itself doesn't seem to be down or defunct. Parallels has aweful support which is why we are shying away from it. Unfortunately windows vps software options are extremely limited. It's become an area of frustration and we have considered removing windows vps products like a lot of other hosts have decided to do. Windows hosting on the other hand is quite capable on other platforms we can run, just not so much in virtuozzo vps.

And only microsoft is to blame for their "web platform installer" failures, everything they touch seems to be plauged with something. We are not windows fans if you can't tell. What started out as helping clients fill a small demand is reflecting negatively on us all the time. Windows servers require so much more work for us than linux, despite separate dedicated staffing for it.

But I digress. I'm sorry your about to heave that thing out. You won't have to pay for it if its not working for you. And let Masood and Henry check this out for you.

[BigPete]

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the reply.

I managed to get the server up and running with PHP and MySQL with some fuss but that was mostly on my end. So all is good there. Unfortunately, I also need to some form of MS SQL Server. I did't pick up this VPS for performance reasons (my reseller account uses a paltry ~8GB a month across all hosted domains). Instead, I need the ability to host PHP/MySQL apps and as well as apps developed on the Microsoft stack and MS SQL.

One of your sales people told me about a "sister" company of yours that offers Windows reseller hosting. Instead I opted to sign up for the VPS here(at a slightly higher cost) since I would rather stay within the "circle of Jag". If what I want is not possible or is too much trouble I can reluctantly go somewhere else I guess. =(

Also, dont hate on the Web Platform Installer. I've also tried to install stand alone versions of both SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2005 Express without any success. Everytime the installation stops with crazy errors. I'm inclined to think that it's not me and that it has something to do with the way Virtuozzo works.

[JPC-Zishan]

SQL Server Express Edition is supported on Windows VPSs. Hundreds of clients at Jag are running SQL Server Express 2005 and 2008. The installation is failing due to lack of resources. I remember for installing SQL Express 2008, I always have to set unlimited memory for VPS, complete the installation and then reset the memory as per plan.

As its a Virtual Server so windows updates should not be applied on it. Windows updates are applied on Node and then updates are available to all VPSs. Unfortunately we cannot install every windows update as we only install Virtuozzo supported updates otherwise VPSs fail to start up.

You can submit a support ticket and refer this thread. I will install SQL Server Express 2008 for you.

[BigPete]

I'm beginning to feel like this is largely my fault. At home I run a virtual instance of a similar setup inside of VMWare. I was under the assumption that I was getting something similar and, the more I read, I see its not. And it's fine, I understand the technical reasons why some things like updates and paging files might now work in an environment like this.

At this point, I would just like someone to get me up and running with IIS, PHP, MySQL, MS SQL Server (with SQL Server Management Studio), Url Rewrite for IIS, Latest .NET framework. I'm OK with having to submit a ticket to get major packages installed but you guys could be a little more explicit about that.

I already have an outstanding ticket (13282223).

[JPC-Larry]

I already have an outstanding ticket (13282223).

We're working on your ticket right now and will be following up with you in it as soon as possible. Thanks.

[BigPete]

I just got your update to the ticket. I wanted to post a public thanks so this thread isn't all one-sided about my bad experience this once. You guys have always been solid when it comes to support and I'm confident this will get resolved satisfactorily.

[JPC-Greg]

Keep us updated, like Jim said we have lots of clients already doing just what you need without problems. Doesn't sound like anything extraordinary, it should be working for you. Perhaps if you let them know more specifics about what you want done and don't get in there, just let our admins fix it up and get it working for you.