I tried a SQL Server 2012 virtual lab this week to test out SSIS in 2012. It turns out the lab "features" expired MS software! So I tried another one of the 2012 labs ... same problem = fantastic!
So I emailed their support (which seems like it is an external company), via the support link on the site:
------------------- Original Message -------------------From: ________
Received: 7/4/2012 5:11 AM
To: CMG VLab Support; CMG VLab Support
Subject: Support Request from Micrsoft Virtual Labs Hyper-V Edition Site
<style><!-- .ExternalClass .ecxEmailQuote {margin-padding-border-} --></style>
Microsoft Virtual Labs Hyper-V Edition - Support Request from the website: cmg.vlabcenter.com
Name: ___
Email: ______@hotmail.com
Date Sent (GMT): 7/4/2012 5:11:36 AM
Date Sent (Pacific): 7/3/2012 10:11:36 PM
Lab Title: TechNet Virtual Lab Express: SQL Server 2012: Exploring SQL Server 2012 Integration Services
Module Id: e266f927-92c5-4249-b78a-6d67d8ca8013
Person Id: _________________________________
ActiveX Id: 00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000
User agent: Mozilla/5.0 (compatible; MSIE 9.0; Windows NT 6.0; Trident/5.0)
Opening Page: Troubleshooting/FAQ
Problem Description: In the lab "Exploring SQL Server 2012 Integration Services", the instructions say "To open SQL Server Management Studio, click the Start button, and then select All Programs | Microsoft SQL Server 2012 RC0| SQL Server Management
Studio". I did this and all I get is a dialog box saying the following:
---------------------------
Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio
---------------------------
Evaluation period has expired. For information on how to upgrade your evaluation software please go tohttp://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------
It looks like I can't do the rest of the course without this?
What is worse is the response I eventually received back:
From: SeanStastny@exsilioinc.com
To: _______@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Support Request from Micrsoft Virtual Labs Hyper-V Edition Site CRM:0014733
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:57:55 +0000
Hello,
Unfortunately this lab is scheduled to be taken down; we currently have no time line for bringing it back up or replacing it. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks,
Sean
Wow! Can you just feel the love in this response! "Scheduled"?? When? The labs are still there today - why keep these up there if they are not working?
"No time line for replacing it"?? This is the 2012 version not 2005 or 2000. Seriously?