How to test a new SQL Server installation

Question

Hi,
We are in the process of consolidating several database on a single SQL Server instance.
We first installed a test server and we want to use this installation as the base for our production server.
I checked:
- the server collation is the one required SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AI
- services are running: SQL Server Database engine, Analysis services, Report Services, Integration Services  are running
I identified the following problems:
- SQL Server Agent is not running and I can not start it from the services panes of the computer management
- When I want to connect to SQL Server Integeration Services from SQL Server Management Studio I get a pop up error message:
failed to retrieve data for this request (Microsoft.SqlServer.Management.Sdk.Sfc)
acces is denied
What else should I check?
We are a small team and I am new to database administration, every advice is appreciated.

Answer 1

And make sure to configure all the basic configuration as per the requirment... few of them is below... there might be many but its all upto you and your business requirments...
Memory
Backup compression
Error Log
Securit, logins, aduiting ( Minimum failed and successful logins )
Ports ( Static or dynamic -- Named Instance )
Default location of the data,log(ldf),backup -- If you have missed this at the time of installation.
authentication mode
disable or change the SA password ( Enforce password policy )
Service packs and hot fixes, CU's
Configure all the required basic maintenance jobs
SQL Service accounts or MSA in case of standalone hosts Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 or later ..
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd560633%28v=ws.10%29.aspx
Monitoring if required
Move all the required configuration details from your existing servers using --- sp_configure
Move all the logins and jobs..
https://support.microsoft.com/kb/918992?wa=wsignin1.0
Change the databases compatibility level after restoring in new server
rebuild the index and update the stats once after restoring it in new server.
Most importantaly review the setup log once after the complete installation.. and sql error log, eventlog..
DAC --- http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms178068%28v=sql.105%29.aspx
In case if you use policy based management please check that as well..
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb510667.aspx
Raju Rasagounder Sr MSSQL DBA