STS: Error Message: Unable to Prepare Tables in Database...

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This article was previously published under Q306492

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SYMPTOMS

When you try to extend a virtual server with Sharepoint Team Services from Microsoft and you use a separate server running Microsoft SQL Server 2000 for the database, the following error message appears:

Unable to prepare tables in database "xxxx". The database may be corrupt.

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CAUSE

This problem can occur if the SQL Server is using case sensitive collation.

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RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use case-insensitive collation on the Web site based on SharePoint Team Services. To change the standard collation setting for your SQL Server, install a new named SQL Server instance so that you can specify a correct, case-insensitive collation during the installation. When you install the new instance, make sure that you specify the correct TCP port for communication with Sharepoint Team Services.

To transfer your databases to the new named instance, follow the guidelines in the SQL Server 2000 documentation.

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MORE INFORMATION

Sharepoint Team Services assumes a case insensitive collation because URLs and so on, are case insensitive on Windows platforms. A SQL Server with case sensitive collation is not supported.

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