Hello,
After a long wait after June for the next CTP of SQL Server 2008 (code name Katmai), Microsoft has finally released for public download and trial of the SQL Server 2008 November CTP.
Actually, we know the November CTP as CTP5. Katmai CTP5 is frequently displayed and take place in the sessions and presentations during the TechEd Developers 2007, Barcelona.
Now with its Community Technology Preview (CTP) release, you can download the CTP November at
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 CTP, November 2007 download site.
CTP5 or November CTP has a few differences at a first glance from its prior samples.
First of all, SQL Server installation wizard has changed alot and it's much better now in functionality. But still it has bugs I guess. For example, my computer's regional settings are arranged for Turkey and Turkish language. Of course, Turkish regional settings caused problems. There is a feedback about this topic in Microsoft Connect site for SQL Server 2008 CTP5. I suggested a work-around by changing the regional setting for US and/or English for instance, a settings more standart than any other :)
If you get an error similar to one below :
'LandingPage' is not a valid value for setting 'ACTION'
or get en error message with an error code 0x84B40000 ,
Then, you may like to read the thread
'LandingPage' is not a valid value for setting 'ACTION' for more information.
One change I had caught at a first glance in SQL Server 2008 CTP 5 is, Surface Area Configuration Tool is removed from the package.
One big feature that I am waiting for in CTP5, is new FileStream data type in SQL Server 2008. I had little time to play with FileStream data type. I'll try to get it summarized within the following days.
It is now possible to install more than one instance of November CTP edition when compared with the earlier CTP versions of Katmai or SQL2008.
You can find installation screenshots in the
SQL Server 2008 CTP November photo gallery.