Let me count the ways Project Server 2003 sucks.

1. The installation is crazy convoluted
2. When using the ad sync, first or last name cannot contain a “-”, “[”, “]”, or an extra space at the end
3. When using the ad sync, display name cannot contain an extra space at the end
4. There is absolutely no online documentation for problem solving

For those that may be having similar problems that I am, and can’t find a solution to save themselves, I was getting multiple errors while using the AD Sync tool in Project Server 2003.  Additionally, apparantely, you can’t just have it sync with Domain Users for some unknown reason, it just plain doesn’t work.  However, there are other undocumented “features” like the above. 

For example, you may get the error:

Component: AD Connector
File: AutoADProcess
Line: -1
Description: CDATA[AD Res Pool Sync – PDS ADD Res failed : USERNAME]

Followed by:

Component: AD Connector
File: AutoADProcess
Line: -1
Description: CDATA[AD Res Pool Sync – failed to issue the PDS Resource Add request]

This error is because of either problems number two or three listed above.  Be sure to run through all usernames that are giving errors and correct them, because it appears as if one error causes the whole AD Sync script to fail.  That’s some quality coding right there.  Good error catching there MS.  Talk about crazy fun to troubleshoot.

Update 2/21/2006—This post has been updated to NOT break the RSS feed.

Today marks the 4 completed test since starting in December. My re-evaluation of the situation has given me a goal of being done by the end of March. The way that I’ve been rolling through these last 2 weeks, I’m not really that worried either.

Unfortunately, because of ordering a book, this fourth test doesn’t mark me getting my MCSA. Instead, I’m not going to get my MCSA until I receive my MCSE. This doesn’t really matter, since my company only cares that I get my MCSE within a year of hire anyways. And since I’m not going to have a problem doing that, I figure that I’ll make my studying easier on me.

Basically, I’m going for my MCSE:Security, and from what I’ve heard, if you study and pass the 70-299 (elective), you shouldn’t have too much more studying for the 70-298 (required). So far I’ve completed the 70-270, 70-290, 70-291, and 70-293. I’ll study for the two security exams by reading a MS Press Book on the flight to and from Puerto Vallarta (not while I’m there though), which will give me a good running start.

I figure I can get the last test before the two security exams done before I even leave on the 24th, which would get me sitting pretty to have my goal of being done before the end of March.

Update 2/22/06—Only two left now!  :cheese:

Update 3/6/06—Only 1 left for MCSE, and 2 left for MCSE: Security!