A few weeks ago I bought a copy of Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Step by Step by Patrick LeBlanc. Published by Microsoft

I configured my Machine with Windows 7 and Office 2007 and installed SQL Server 2012 Developer Edition exactly as instructed by the book. (I have since fully rebuilt the machine and done clean installs of windows 7, office and SQL Server.

At page 28 of the book (consists of over 400 pages) I came across a show stopper which prevents me from moving on.

ie Using SQL Server Data tools

1.Click Start | Microsoft SQL Server 2012 | SQL Server Data Tools

2 If this is your first time opening SSDT, you will be prompted with the following screen. The options available will vary depending on the software installed on your machine.

The screen which the book says should display is entitled SQL Server Data Tools

the screen which actually displays on my machine is entitled Visual Studio 2010 Shell

that is no problem to me as long as the functionality is the same

However the functionality and choice is NOT the same

at step 3 I am instructed to 'Select SQL Server Development Settings from the choose your default environment settings list box'

This selection is not available

I am stopped from  progressing any further

I contacted Microsoft Books helpdesk who have taken over 4 weeks and refused to supply a solution. It appears that the author Patrick LeBlanc refuses to give a solution to allow me to progress. I am told repeatedly to stop bothering them because they have 12 issues being addressed and this MAY be one of them. It seems as though Microsoft is publishing books which have not been tested properly and the reader is expected to act as the beta tester and pay for the privilege (without knowing). The Book has been in print for 2 years.

I want to learn SQL Server, I am short on funding can anyone help me. I intend to take Microsoft to court for selling items not fit for purpose.

Hello Rob,

Sure you have selected "SQL Server Data Tools" during Installation? If so, you should fine at least one of this Start menu entries;

May be Visual Studio was already installed on your machine and you have startet it before, then VS don't ask for setting. But you can change it on any time. Start VS, go to menu "Tools" => "Import/Export Setting", select "Import", you get this dialog where you can choose your preferred setting Options:

Thanks for your response Olaf

I have no other programs other than Windows 7 and all updates

Office 2007 and all updates

I initially followed the instructions in the book and only installed SQL Server 2012 elements he stated

I rebuilt the computer with a full clean install of windows 7, Office 2007 Enterprise and SQL Server Developer Edition (selected EVERY Option to Install) which is effectively the enterprise edition for one user.

All the instance of Visual Studio (2005 and 2010)and SQL Server (2008 and 2012) are installed by the setup Process clicking SQL Server data tools produces an environment  list without the option SQL Server Development Settings

I therefore selected Business Intelligence Settings and then did as you suggested starting SQL Server 2010 and selected Import Settings.

SQL Server development settings is not on the list

help.

Then go on using "Business Intelligence"; it's just some predefined key shortcuts, nothing important.

OK I'll continue with those settings

Thanks Olaf