TIP: Debugging a MS Dynamics CRM Callout from Visual Studio

If you are getting System.Data.SqlClient.SqlException: Could not find stored procedure 'sp_sdidebug' error (as logged by CRM Trace), make the following settings in your project and Attach to Process.

1. In project properties: Debug tab – Uncheck 'Enable SQL Server debugging'. Compile the project in debug mode, and copy the dll and pdb files to \Program Files\Microsoft CRM\server\bin\assembly
   
2. Run the page that calls the callout so that the assembly is loaded into memory
   
3. At VS command prompt enter tasklist /m assemblyname* to get the process id
   
4. Open the project in visual studio, add break points
   
5. In the Debug menu in visual studio, select Attach to process, select w3wp.exe with ID obtained in step 3. Make the following settings.
   

1. Click Attach
   
2. Run the page that calls the callout and the process will step into the code.
   

Remote debugging steps are the same, but you need to create a local admin account on the server with same credentials as yours, start the remote debugger with that user id (By right clicking remote debugger tool & clicking 'Run As')

Planning for Visual Studio 2008 MCPD certification

I would like to get MCPD certification. Looked at the site http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/mcpd/vstudio/2008/default.mspx
I can either go for 1) MCPD: Windows Developer 3.5 or 2) MCPD: ASP.NET Developer 3.5 or 3) MCPD: Enterprise Application Developer 3.5

One noteworthy resource is the msdn blog of developer certification planner. http://blogs.msdn.com/gerryo/

Now, suppose, I want to go for 2) MCPD: ASP.NET Developer 3.5, I first need to complete MCTS: .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Applications (two exams), which are:
1) Exam 70-536: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework, Application Development Foundation http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-536.mspx

2) Exam 70-562: TS: Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5, ASP.NET Application Development http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/exams/70-562.mspx (This exam is in development. It is expected to be released in August 2008)

Please Wish me luck! (to stay motivated to prepare & to actually go for the exam!)

Here goes the study resources...

Exam 70-536 Study Guide http://en.csharp-online.net/Category:Exam_70-536_Study_Guide