Installing SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services 32-bit on a Windows Server 2003 64-bit
Installing a 32-bit version of SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services on a Windows Server 2003 64-bit could be a bit of a challenge, as it requires IIS. I have seen several customers who purchased servers with Windows Server 2003 64-bit pre-loaded while they only have a license for a 32-bit SQL Server 2005.
It is always recommended to have a 64-bit application running on a 64-bit OS to take full advantage of the 64-bit platform. IIS, by default, runs 64-bit on a 64-bit Windows Server system. SQL Server Reporting Services requires ASP.NET which can be manually installed on top of IIS.
When you install the .NET Framework on a 64-bit machine, you have both the 32- and 64-bit versions. Nonetheless, you will not be able to install ASP.NET 32-bit version on a 64-bit IIS, which will be needed by SQL Server Reporting Services.
To be able to install ASP.NET 32-bit on a 64-bit IIS, Read the rest of this entry . . .
