I'm trying to setup a SQL 2008 Cluster on a Windows 2008 Failover
Cluster. I'm going through the SQL Server Failover Cluster instance
setup wizard. I make it to the Instance Configuration screen. I've
entered SQL2K8_Cluster into the SQL Server Network Name field. I've
created an A record in DNS that matches the name specified. I have
also given an instance name of Primary and an instance ID of Primary.
I haven't changed the Instance root directory specification at all.
Name resolution appears to be working properly as I can do an nslookup
on the name and I get an IP address returned. Further if I do a ping
it comes back with the right IP address. I don't get any responses but
DNS is definitely doing it's job.
The specific error that I receive when I try to progress past this
screen is:

The SQL SErver failover cluster network name 'SQL2K8_Cluster is not
valid. The name must be a valid DNS and WinS name.

Please tell me that I don't have to setup WINS on my network to get
this to work properly. I just spent 2 months getting rid of it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Drew Flint
Plex Systems

On Jul 20, 9:44*am, "drew.fl... (AT) gmail (DOT) com" <drew.fl... (AT) gmail (DOT) com>
wrote:
I think I might have figured this out. Evidently, the SQL Server
Network Name doesn't like to have _s in the name. Although the
instance name and instance id both support these.

That error typically occurs if you are not using a valid DNS or WINS server
name. No, WINS is not required and can be retired.
--
Ross Mistry - Author Windows Server 2008 Unleashed, SQL Server 2008
Management & Administration


"drew.flint (AT) gmail (DOT) com" wrote:

On Jul 20, 2:46*pm, Ross Mistry <RossMis... (AT) discussions (DOT) microsoft.com>
wrote:
Thanks, Ross, I appreciate the advice.

Drew