SSAS 2000 : Cannot connect to the repository

When you try to connect to your instance SSAS 2000, you get the following error messages:
- Cannot connect to the repository
- Data source name not found and no default driver specified

In addition connection strings of the repository are empty : open Analysis Manager >> Edit Conection String >> click right on instance name of Analysis Server. Then clic on "Edit Repository Connection String"…


 
Cause
Analysis Services 2000 uses CryptAcquireContext to encrypt / decrypt two registers keys : RemoteRepositoryConnectionString and RepositoryConnectionString.

These keys contain the connection information for access to the database repository used by Analysis Services. This call fails.

The connection with a UDL file works as it does not need to contact the repository.

Resolution
Show hidden files. Then go to C:\Documents and Settings\<userAccount>\Application Data\Microsoft\Crypto\RSA. And rename the directories that conteint. Upon restart of the service you could edit the connection string.

If the problem persists, create a new domain account and change the service account of SSAS 2000.

Related Links
- Default permissions for the MachineKeys folders
- Specifying Service Accounts
- Peer-to-Peer Framework APIs return a "PEER_E_NO_KEY_ACCESS" error message

Michel Degremont| Microsoft EMEA
Product Support Services Developer -SQL Server Core Engineer |