DNN local install with SQL Server

The post summarises the steps required to set up DotNetNuke 5 (DNN5) locally on Windows using the full Microsoft SQL Server using SQL Server authentication, ie not the Express version. Getting the Logins and Users right is the crucial trick that I want to remember.

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1. In Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, connect to your local server. Right-click on Databases on the left. Select "New database". In the following screen, enter a database name, eg "DNN522pen" and click OK without changing anything else.
   
   


2. Now, find the server Security and right-click on Logins and select "New Login...":
   
   


3. Enter a login name such as "dnn522pen", select "SQL Server Authentication" and enter the password. Untick "Enforce password policy" if you wish. Do not set the Default database. Click OK.
   
   


4. Open up your database tree on the left: open "dnn522pen" then Security then Users. Right-click and select "New user...":
   
   


5. In the new user dialog, enter a User name such as "dnn522pen" and the Login name you used before eg "dnn522pen". Tick "db_owner" twice below and click OK:
   
   


6. Next, create a new folder on disk somewhere, eg in directory "D:\dnn522pen\". Unzip the DotNetNuke community installation file in there DotNetNuke_Community_05.02.02_Install.zip.
   


7. Open up Internet Information Services (IIS 7) Manager. Expand the menu on the left to open Sites and Default Web Site. Click on "Add Application..." on the right.
   
   


8. Enter a suitable alias and physical path, eg "dnn522pen" and "D:\dnn522pen\":
   
   


9. In IIS Manager, select the new alias on the left, select Content View and click "Browse" to start the DNN installation:
   
   


10. After a delay you should see the first DNN install screen. Choose custom:
    
    


11. Test file permissions.
    


12. Now, set up your database connection:
    
    
    
    • First, click on "SQL Server 2005/2008 Database" and wait for the screen to refresh
    
    
    • Enter "(local)" for the Server
    
    
    • Enter the database name, eg "dnn522pen"
    
    
    • Uncheck "Integrated Security" and wait for the screen to refresh
    
    
    • Enter the User ID and password
    
    
    • Keep "Run as db Owner" checked
    
    
    • If desired, enter a database table name qualifier, eg "DNN_"
    
    
    • Click on "Test Database Connection"
    
    
    • If OK, click on Next
    
    
    
    
    


13. Proceed with the rest of the DNN installation as normal.