SQL 2008 Slipstream Assist

What is 'SQL 2008 Slipstream Assist'?

The 'SQL 2008 Slipstream Assist' is one single script file which automates the creation (and validation\correction of existing) of a merged slipstream media for SQL 2008. The final media could be used for installations on all the different achitectures (x86, x64 and ia64).

Tell me something more about slipstreaming in SQL:

Slipstreaming is a term used to describe the merging of original source media (aka RTM) with updates (service packs and/or cumulative updates) to create a updated media. Slipstream also allows you to get to the latest and greatest builds in SQL 2008 with just one single install.

Prior to service pack, SQL only supported the updation of the setup file which was also referred to as “Patchable Setup”. Since the release of SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 1, it is recommended to use the slipstream procedures instead as patchable setup since the entire product can be updated and you will be using the latest and greatest build.
Any install scenario (install, upgrade, addnode) that is supported by the original media is supported with slipstream media.

Is Slipstreaming Mandatory?

• There are few scenarios where Slipstreaming IS mandatory. One such scenario is clustered installations on Windows 2008 R2.

Check this KB for more - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955725

Slipstreaming FAQ:

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/petersad/archive/2009/04/24/sql-server-2008-slipstream-frequently-asked-questions.aspx

Pre-Req for the SQL 2008 Slipstream Assist:

• The RTM and 'Service pack' folders are mandatory. The 'cumulative pack' folder is optional.

• The tool checks for all the three architectures (x86, x64, ia64) for RTM, Service Pack (and Cumulative Update if applicable) be extracted (using /X) and made available under the respective folders. Here is an example showing extraction of SP1 x64.

C:\> SQLServer2008SP1-KB968369-x64-ENU.exe /x:c:\SP1\x64

How to use SQL 2008 Slipstream Assist:

• The script file should be saved as "slipstream.hta".

• Log in as a local administrator and invoke the tool by double clicking the "slipstream.hta". The UI prompts you to specify the path of setup.exe under RTM/SP/CU folders.

• Its mandatory to specify the paths for RTM and Service pack. Cumulative packs are optional.

• Once the paths have been specified - Click "Create Media". Once the files are merged - YOu should have a slipstream.log opened. Check the log file for any failures by searching for keyword FAILED. A non zero value under the header FAILED suggests a failure.

• To be sure that the Setup is aware of the location of the PCUSOURCE and CUSOURCE folder, these need to be specified at command prompt. Alternatively one could also specify these parameters in the 'DefaultSetup.ini' files.

• 'SQL 2008 Slipsteam Assist' appends these parameters to the 'DefaultSetup.ini' file so there is no action needed for that. However just in case you move the install files to a different location, remember to correct the path speciified in 'DefaultSetup.ini'.

• At this point run the SETUP.EXE under the RTM folder as you would for any other install and follow the UI.

• Note that you do not need this tool for SQL 2008 R2.

Think you want to try creating the merged drop manually?

1. For simple RTM + SP. Follow http://blogs.msdn.com/b/petersad/archive/2009/02/25/sql-server-2008-creating-a-merged-slisptream-drop.aspx

2. For RTM + SP + CU. You need to follow two stage process. Start with Step 1 and then the follow the steps from blog below
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/petersad/archive/2009/04/16/create-a-merged-slipstream-drop-containing-sql-server-2008-server-pack-1-and-a-cumulative-update-cu-based-on-server-pack-1.aspx

Feedback:

CTS-Vijaysir@live.com
CTS-Jaynar@live.com