DNN.... more like second attempt

Well, dnn have once again entered my brain via another project's side swing. Just the installation is already baffling enough. The number of components involved. Throwing in the rare dev environment (dnn 4.3.1 on vista/ii7) that nobody have, so good luck finding help. Although there are steps on how to get it working on iis7, rarely would step #7 on my machine be the same as the one they mentioned on the web even if you followed step #1-6 by each letter.

Anyway, a few pointers so i won't forget next time:
1. iis7 installation requires iis6 compatibility.
2. include asp.net (duh)
3. configure iis so it allows window authentication
4. create new website with classic .net pool. Point the source to the extracted dir

set up db:
- install sql express
- get the login created (dnnuser/dnnuser)
- create db called dnn
- add login to that db, make sure permission is set (everything)
- install sql management console.
- test the login before going to dnn.
Common problem:
a) can't log in (a trusted authentication): db is not set up to be mixed mode(both windows AND sql)

next is on dnn
4. extract, and rename release.config to web.config
5. edit two places in web.config to match the db credential used in the sql express.

6. Run the install by going to localhost:8080
Common problem here:
a) db connection doesn't work - check the username, password AND db name match.

7. Portal is up.
CP:
a) none of the local links works (404): friendly url is used. Location in db to set to "N" is HostSetting/UseFriendlyUrls.
b) admin/host login doesn't work: create a log in. Go to db, set it to superuser. Log in that. Go to users - select admin, reset password. Then set the password to whatever.

Visual Studio 2005 (in this order):
1. install.. duh
2. install sp1.
3. install vista beta.
4. open solution.
5. should compile.
CP:
if debug still doesn't work, windows authentication is not set. Set it in iis.