SQL Server Reporting Services Installation

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Installing SQL Server Reporting Services

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). Reporting Services is a server-based report generation software component of SQL Server. It provides a set of tools and services that enable you to create, deploy, and manage reports for your organization.

Prerequisites

Installation Methods

There are two primary methods for installing Reporting Services:

1. Installation as a Feature of SQL Server

When you install SQL Server, you can choose to include Reporting Services as one of the installed components. This is the most common method for integrated deployments.

  1. Run the SQL Server Installation Center.
  2. Select the "Installation" option.
  3. Choose "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation."
  4. Proceed through the setup wizard. On the "Feature Selection" page, ensure "Reporting Services - Native" or "Reporting Services - SharePoint" is selected, depending on your environment.
  5. Complete the remaining steps of the wizard.

2. Stand-alone Installation (Web-Mode)

For newer versions of SQL Server (SQL Server 2017 and later), Reporting Services can be installed separately as a web-scale application. This involves downloading and installing the Reporting Services binary separately.

  1. Download the latest SQL Server Reporting Services installer from the Microsoft Download Center.
  2. Run the downloaded installer (e.g., SQLServerReportingServices.exe).
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to specify an installation directory.
  4. After installation, you will need to configure the report server, which typically involves using the Reporting Services Configuration Manager.
Important: For SQL Server 2016 and earlier, Reporting Services was typically installed as an integral part of the SQL Server setup. Starting with SQL Server 2017, it can be installed as a separate application for web-mode deployments.

Post-Installation Configuration

Once Reporting Services is installed, you need to configure it. The configuration process varies slightly depending on the installation method and your environment.

For Integrated Installations:

For Stand-alone Installations (Web-Mode):

Access the web portal by navigating to the URL you configured (e.g., http://yourserver/reports).

Key Configuration Steps (Web-Mode)

Here are some critical steps you'll perform in the Reporting Services Configuration Manager:

1. Service Account Configuration

This account is used by the Reporting Services service. It needs appropriate permissions to access the report server database and other resources.

SELECT * FROM sys.dm_server_audit_status;

2. Report Server Database

Reporting Services requires a dedicated SQL Server database to store its metadata, reports, and security information. You can create a new database or use an existing one.

3. Report Server URL

This defines the URL that users will use to access the report server's web service.

http:///ReportServer_

4. Web Portal URL

This defines the URL for the web portal, where users can view, manage, and interact with reports.

http:///reports
Tip: For optimal security, use a dedicated, least-privilege service account for Reporting Services.

Troubleshooting Common Issues