Error post installation ArcSDE for SQL server 2008

So, You’re Wrestling with ArcSDE and SQL Server 2008? You’re Not Alone.

ArcSDE. Ah, yes. Esri’s way of wrangling spatial data into enterprise databases. Sounds simple enough, right? But if you’re dealing with older systems like SQL Server 2008, you might be pulling your hair out after installation. Trust me, I’ve been there. This post is all about helping you navigate those tricky post-installation errors. Let’s get started!

First Things First: Are You Even Compatible?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk compatibility. Think of it like this: you can’t put a square peg in a round hole. ArcGIS, ArcSDE, and your database need to play nice together. ArcGIS client and enterprise geodatabase compatibility depends on the ArcGIS and database releases used. When your ArcGIS client and geodatabase versions don’t match, your database release must be supported for both the ArcGIS and geodatabase versions.

Generally, Esri supports only three generations of a database product with each ArcGIS release. But here’s the kicker: this depends heavily on the database vendor’s support.

Big Red Flag: Heads up! As of ArcGIS 10.4 and ArcGIS Pro 1.2, connections to geodatabases on Microsoft SQL Server 2008 or 2008 R2? Officially not supported. I know, bummer. While ArcGIS won’t block you from trying, there’s no guarantee things will work as they should. Esri strongly suggests upgrading SQL Server to a supported version. Seriously, save yourself the headache.

Decoding Those Dreaded Error Messages

Alright, let’s get to the fun part: deciphering those cryptic error messages. Here are some common ones and how to tackle them:

1. “Error: The version of your database server is not supported ERROR installing/upgrading ArcSDE, Error = -494”

In plain English? Your ArcSDE and SQL Server aren’t getting along. It’s a compatibility clash.

• The Fix:
  • First, make sure SQL Server is 64-bit. Esri’s been 64-bit-only on databases for a while now.
  • Next, check those Service Packs (SPs). SP1 is often the bare minimum for SQL Server 2008 R2.
  • Finally, hit up the Esri system requirements page and double-check that your setup is actually supported. Don’t skip this step!

2. “Failed to connect to database. This release of the GeoDatabase is either invalid or out of date. DBMS table not found arcgis.sde.GDB_release”

This one often pops up after you’ve updated the SQL Server client to ODBC Driver 13.

• The Culprit: ArcGIS 10.4.1 and ArcGIS Pro 1.3 brought support for the Microsoft ODBC Driver 13 for SQL Server (needed for SQL Server 2016). But, surprise! This driver has a bug and isn’t fully compatible with SQL Server 2008. Go figure.
• The Escape Route:
  • The best solution? Upgrade SQL Server. Seriously.
  • If you’re stuck in a mixed environment, try uninstalling the ODBC Driver 13 and going back to ODBC Driver 11. But keep in mind, Microsoft doesn’t officially support SQL Server 2016 with older clients. It’s a bit of a gamble.

3. “Connection was attempted with an older version of SQL Server client communications software that is not compatible with the SQL Server database server”

Sounds like a mouthful, right? Basically, the SQL Server client on your machine is outdated.

• The Cure: Download and install the SQL Server 2008 Native Client (or whatever version matches your SQL Server). Easy peasy.

4. ArcSDE Post-installation authorization fails: “Unspecified error no valid feature found in the received authorization data”

This gem happens during the ArcSDE Post-Installation Wizard. Fun times.

• The Solution:
  • Run the ArcSDE 10 Post-Installation Wizard as Administrator. This is key.
  • Make sure you’re using a valid keycode file (ECP file) for your specific ArcSDE release. Each new release needs a fresh keycode. If you’re scratching your head, contact Esri Customer Service.

5. “The ArcSDE Repository was unsuccessfully completed. Connection to sde failed(0).”

Uh oh. This means something went wrong connecting to the ‘sde’ user during post-installation.

• The Fix: This is often down to a bad password for the ‘sde’ user. Double-check it and make sure it meets any complexity rules.

6. Cannot Find ArcSDE Post Installation

Looking for the post-installation wizard? You might be searching for something that doesn’t exist!

• The Explanation: In ArcSDE 10.1 and later, Esri ditched the post-installation wizard.
• The Alternative: Use the ArcGIS Desktop geoprocessing tools to create and manage ArcSDE enterprise geodatabases. It’s the new way to do things.

Pro Tips for a Smoother Ride

• Read the Manual (Seriously): Always check Esri’s documentation for the system requirements. It’s boring, but it’ll save you headaches.
• SQL Server Needs to Be Open: Make sure SQL Server is configured to accept remote connections.
• Permissions Matter: The user account you’re using needs the right permissions (like the sysadmin role).
• Save That Password: If you’re using database authentication, save the user’s password in the Database Connection dialog box.
• Firewall Frenemies: Windows Firewall can be a pain. Make sure it’s not blocking communication.
• Kill Those Zombie Processes: Getting “Operation Failed, Unable to start iomgr” errors? There might be orphaned processes lurking on your server. Hunt them down and terminate them.
• Compress, Compress, Compress: Adding points to a feature class and the table’s empty? Compress the database. Changes in versioned feature classes live in separate tables until you compress.
• Client-Server Harmony: Make sure the database client you install on the ArcGIS client machine is supported for your ArcGIS and SQL Server versions.

The Takeaway

Look, dealing with older software can be a real pain. But with a bit of patience and these tips, you can usually get ArcSDE and SQL Server 2008 to play nice. And remember, upgrading to supported versions is always the best long-term solution. Good luck, and may your spatial data be ever accessible!